Meat Loaf with Variations

Meat Loaf with Variations Recipe - Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that is loved by many for its hearty and satisfying flavors. This recipe is a traditional take on meatloaf, with a few variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

History

Meatloaf has been a staple in American cuisine for decades, with variations of the dish appearing in cookbooks as far back as the late 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the German dish "Faschierter Braten," which is a mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings baked into a loaf shape.

Ingredients

2 cups of freshly made bread crumbs
1 onion, finely chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 lb (907 g) of ground beef
2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
1.5 tsp of dry mustard
1.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of freshly ground pepper
0.5 cup of milk

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter a loaf pan. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, using your freshly washed hands as the best tools for the job. Pat the mixture into the loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes.

Variations

Meat Loaf with Parsley and Tomato

Omit the Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Instead of milk, use 0.5 cup of juice from a can of tomatoes. Add 0.5 cup minced parsley and 0.5 tsp crumbled basil. Pat the mixture into a pan and cover with 0.5 cup of roughly chopped tomatoes from the can or 0.5 cup of tomato sauce.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Top the meatloaf with a glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for a sweet and tangy finish.

Meat Loaf with Cheese

Omit the Worcestershire sauce and add 0.5 cup of grated cheese.

Meat Loaf with Bacon

After patting the loaf into the pan, cover it with 4 strips of uncooked bacon.

Meat Loaf with Three Meats

Instead of 2 lb (907 g) of ground beef, use 1 lb of ground beef mixed with 1 lb of ground veal and 0.33 lb (150 g) of ground pork. Red wine may be used instead of milk if desired. Bake for 1 hour.

Meat Loaf with Lemon and Mushroom Sauce

Omit the Worcestershire sauce and dry mustard. Add 1 tbsp of grated lemon rind, 2 tbsp of minced parsley, and 1 tsp of nutmeg. Serve with 1 recipe of Mushroom Sauce.

Individual Muffin-size Meat Loaves

Instead of using a loaf pan, pack the meat into muffin tins or Pyrex baking cups. Top each with a square of bacon and bake for only 25 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Turn out and serve with tomato sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use freshly made breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor.

- Be sure to finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks evenly in the meatloaf.

- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort food meal.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan to help it retain its shape and cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the dish.

- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk for a lactose-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the meatloaf and arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the meatloaf with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 400 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 20g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 25g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Wheat

Summary

This meatloaf recipe is a good source of protein and iron, but it is high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This meatloaf recipe is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a few variations and serving suggestions, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Meat Loaf with Variations. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a dear friend who had invited me over for lunch. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of savory spices and fresh herbs filled the air, making my stomach rumble with anticipation.

My friend, Mrs. Johnson, was a wonderful cook who had traveled all over the world, collecting recipes and cooking techniques from different cultures. She had a knack for combining flavors and textures in unique ways, creating dishes that were both comforting and adventurous at the same time.

As we sat down to eat, Mrs. Johnson served us each a generous slice of her famous meat loaf. The meat loaf was tender and moist, with a rich tomato glaze on top that glistened in the sunlight. It was bursting with flavor, a perfect blend of herbs, spices, and savory meats.

I took a bite and immediately knew that I had to learn how to make this dish. Mrs. Johnson noticed my enthusiasm and smiled, knowing that she had another culinary convert in the making.

Over the next few weeks, I visited Mrs. Johnson regularly, watching and learning as she prepared the meat loaf with variations. She showed me how to mix ground beef with ground pork for extra flavor, how to season the meat with a blend of spices that included garlic, onion, and paprika, and how to bind everything together with breadcrumbs and eggs.

But the most exciting part of the recipe was the variations. Mrs. Johnson had a whole notebook filled with different ways to customize the meat loaf, from adding chopped vegetables like carrots and bell peppers to mixing in different types of cheeses or even topping it with a tangy barbecue sauce.

I experimented with the recipe at home, trying out different combinations of ingredients and flavors. Sometimes I would make a classic meat loaf with just the basic seasonings, while other times I would get creative and add in all sorts of ingredients, like mushrooms, olives, or even pine nuts.

Each time I made the meat loaf, I would think of Mrs. Johnson and her passion for cooking. She had taught me not just how to follow a recipe, but how to make it my own, how to experiment and play with flavors until I found the perfect combination that suited my tastes.

Years went by, and I continued to make the meat loaf with variations for my family and friends. It became a staple at our dinner table, a dish that everyone looked forward to and savored with delight.

And whenever I made it, I would think of Mrs. Johnson and how her love for cooking had inspired me to create something delicious and memorable. I would remember the warm summer day when I first tasted her meat loaf, and how it had sparked a culinary journey that would last a lifetime.

So here it is, my recipe for Meat Loaf with Variations, a dish that holds a special place in my heart and on my table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I have, and that it brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me. Bon appétit!