Tear the bread into 1/2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl, then pour the milk over it and let it soak for 2-3 minutes until the bread absorbs the milk and becomes a paste-like consistency. While the bread soaks, measure out all your dried herbs and spices (parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fennel seed) into a small bowl. This ensures everything is ready to mix without hunting for ingredients during the binding process.

Add the ground beef, ground pork, egg, and the herb-spice mixture from Step 1 to the soaked bread mixture. Using your hands, gently combine everything until just incorporated—avoid overworking the meat, as this can make the loaf dense and tough. Fold in the parmesan cheese last for an even distribution. I find that mixing with my hands gives me the best feel for when the mixture is properly combined without any streaks of unmixed spices.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or lightly oil it for easy cleanup. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared pan and gently shape it into a loaf approximately 8-9 inches long and 4-5 inches wide, leaving some space around the edges for heat circulation. The loaf should be compact but not pressed too firmly.

Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 20 minutes until it begins to brown on the edges and some fat renders out. Remove from the oven and spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the loaf, ensuring good coverage. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf. The sauce will bubble slightly at the edges and help keep the top moist.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest on the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice stays moist and tender rather than dry. I always let it rest even though it's tempting to cut into it right away—those 10 minutes make a noticeable difference in texture.