American Meatloaf

8 servings

110 minutes

American meatloaf is a cozy dish from the USA that embodies home comfort and family dinner traditions. Its history dates back to the early 20th century when housewives sought ways to feed their families heartily and economically. A mix of juicy ground meat, aromatic spices, bread crumbs, and tangy sauce makes this loaf incredibly tender with a deep meaty flavor complemented by a sweet-and-sour ketchup topping. Baked to a perfect golden crust, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and vegetables. After baking, the meatloaf is allowed to 'rest' for flavors to harmoniously develop. Ideal as a main dish for family lunches and holidays, it also stores well for enjoyment even the next day.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 452.6
• Proteins: 24.8g
• Fats: 28.2g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
• Onion: 1 head
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Dried thyme: 0.5 tsp
• Ketchup: 0.5 glass
• Light brown sugar: 0.3 glass
• Apple cider vinegar: 4 tsp
• Chicken egg: 2 pc
• Milk: 0.5 glass
• Dijon mustard: 2 tsp
• Worcestershire sauce: 2 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Ground black pepper: 0.5 tsp
• TABASCO®: 0.3 tsp
• Mixed mince: 900 g
• Breadcrumbs: 120 g
• Parsley: 10 g

Cooking steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. In a 20 cm diameter pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and sauté finely chopped onion for 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and thyme, fry for another 15 seconds, and set aside to cool.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Garlic: 2 cloves
   • Dried thyme: 0.5 teaspoon

2. Meanwhile, mix ketchup, sugar, and vinegar. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Tabasco.

   Required ingredients:

   • Ketchup: 0.5 glass
   • Light brown sugar: 0.3 glass
   • Apple cider vinegar: 4 teaspoons
   • Chicken egg: 2 pieces
   • Milk: 0.5 glass
   • Dijon mustard: 2 teaspoons
   • Worcestershire sauce: 2 teaspoons
   • Salt: 1 teaspoon
   • Ground black pepper: 0.5 teaspoon
   • TABASCO®: 0.3 teaspoon

3. Mix the minced meat well with breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, onion-garlic mixture, and egg mixture to achieve a homogeneous mass.

   Required ingredients:

   • Mixed mince: 900 g
   • Breadcrumbs: 120 g
   • Parsley: 10 g

4. Line a baking tray with foil and place the minced meat on it, forming a rectangle about 12 by 20 cm. Brush it with half of the ketchup, sugar, and vinegar mixture. Bake for 45 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Ketchup: 0.5 glass
   • Light brown sugar: 0.3 glass
   • Apple cider vinegar: 4 teaspoons

5. Then coat it with the remaining mixture and continue baking until the center temperature reaches 160 degrees (this can be checked with a meat thermometer), which will take about another 15 minutes. Let it cool for 20 minutes before serving.

   Required ingredients:

   • Ketchup: 0.5 glass
   • Light brown sugar: 0.3 glass
   • Apple cider vinegar: 4 teaspoons