Don’t overmix. Combine your ingredients (meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, aromatics) just until they’re together. Overworking makes it dense, like a brick of regret.
Use a pan with sides. A loaf pan is classic, but a rimmed baking sheet gives you more crust. If you want the best of both worlds, shape the loaf free-form on a sheet and call it “rustic.”
Glaze like you mean it. The classic ketchup-brown sugar combo is a low-key miracle. Brush it on halfway through baking for a lacquered finish that burns just a little—that’s where the flavor lives.
Fun fact: a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in the mix adds umami depth without raising any flags. It’s your move.