Make the Marinade In a bowl, mix all tocino marinade ingredients until the sugar and salt dissolve. Set aside.
Marinate the Meat In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, oatmeal, panko, and the tocino marinade. Mix gently—don't overwork the meat. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors soak in.
Prep for Baking After marinating, add the eggs and mix gently until just combined.
Assemble the Meatloaf Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan. Smooth the top and spread a generous layer of ketchup over it.
Bake Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a small oven-safe bowl of water on the bottom rack (this keeps the loaf moist). Bake the meatloaf on the middle rack for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Rest & Serve Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with garlic rice, pickled veggies, or even a fried egg on the side.
