Prepare the Aromatics
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Add the apple and minced garlic, stirring frequently, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the sautéed onion, apple, and garlic with the ground meats, minced smoked ham, rye bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of horseradish, mustard, thyme, caraway seeds, black pepper, and eggs. Form the mixture into a 9-by-5-inch loaf or press it into a loaf pan of the same size, ensuring the top is smooth.
Add the Glaze and Bake
In a small bowl, blend the applesauce with the remaining 2 tablespoons of horseradish. Spread this mixture evenly over the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven until the loaf is firm and evenly browned, approximately 1 hour.
This rendition retains the integrity of the original recipe while introducing a refined, professional tone.