Meatloaf

17/11/2023

The meatloaf is a versatile dish and can refer to numerous culinary variations, but here I propose a basic recipe for an Italian-style meatloaf. Additionally, if you have specific preferences or particular dietary needs (such as the need to avoid gluten or to follow a low-carb diet), let me know so I can adapt the recipe for you.

Ingredients

500 g of ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix depending on your preferences)
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 egg
3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (or oat flour for a healthier version)
2 tablespoons of milk (optional, can soften the mixture)
2 tablespoons of grated cheese (parmesan or pecorino)
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Aromatic herbs to taste (parsley, basil, rosemary, etc.), chopped

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the chopped onion and garlic.
Add the egg, breadcrumbs, and milk to the bowl with the meat and mix well until the mixture is homogeneous.
Incorporate the grated cheese, the chopped herbs, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture and mix again.
Divide the meat mixture into portions and shape them into small loaves.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan and sear the loaves for a few minutes per side, until they are well browned on the outside.
Transfer the loaves onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 70°C.
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaves rest for a few minutes before serving.

Curiosity

The meatloaf is a quite flexible dish, so feel free to add ingredients such as olives, capers, or a splash of red wine to the mixture to personalize it according to your tastes. Moreover, it can be served either as a second course or as a burger, placing it in a bun with the addition of lettuce, tomato, and sauces to taste.

If you need suggestions on accompaniments or substitutions for the recipe, do not hesitate to ask me!