Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly and all those flavors meld beautifully together.

While the oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will make for easier cleanup after you devour the meal.

In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent. This step releases the essential oils and flavors from the veggies.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Then, add the sautéed vegetables, beaten eggs, shredded carrots, parsley, sugar, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, sage, black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a wooden spoon. Make sure not to over-mix; a gentle approach keeps the meatloaf tender.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Form it into a loaf shape, about 8 to 10 inches long. Creating a uniform shape helps ensure even cooking.

If you like your meatloaf with a glaze, mix up some ketchup or a barbecue sauce, and spread it over the top of your loaf. Don’t skip this if you want to replicate that Cheesecake Factory experience!

Pop the meatloaf into your preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. To check for doneness, the internal temperature should hit 160°F (70°C). This ensures it's safely cooked through.

Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time solidifies the flavors and makes slicing easier. Serve it up warm alongside your selected sides.