Not all docker-compose files are development, although it is in this case. The documentation, if available, will tell you what each env var does.
You know the docker-compose.yml will have everything you need though, you just need to tweak it. Absolutely nothing wrong with seeking out the docker-compose as most env variables are self explanatory.
Did you set the environment variables for the database and what not?
When you get stuck like this, always look at the docker-compose.yml file if provided. You can find this one here: https://github.com/mealie-recipes/mealie/blob/mealie-next/docker/docker-compose.yml
It lists all the environment variables that need to be set.
Alternatively you should be able to use docker compose in WSL, it’ll still show up in Docker Desktop.
ThePirateBay, the most notorious site in the world, uses Cloudflare. This isn’t China. Wiretapping is illegal in most circumstances, and that’s essentially what it would be doing.