Amazing Beef & Pork Meatloaf Recipe: Classic Comfort Food

This article details a classic beef and pork meatloaf recipe, providing a comprehensive guide to its preparation, nutritional information, and helpful tips for achieving optimal results. The recipe balances the richness of beef with the subtle sweetness of pork, creating a flavorful and satisfying main course. Understanding the preparation steps is key to creating a tender and moist meatloaf, and this guide offers clear instructions to ensure success. The nutritional profile is also examined, highlighting the benefits and potential drawbacks of this popular dish. Finally, troubleshooting common issues and answering frequently asked questions are addressed to enhance the overall cooking experience.

A successful beef and pork meatloaf relies on a careful balance of ingredients and a precise cooking method. The blend of ground beef and pork creates a tender texture, while the addition of binding agents ensures the loaf holds its shape during baking. Proper seasoning is crucial to achieving a delicious flavor profile. The addition of vegetables, such as onions and carrots, contributes to moisture and adds nutritional value. This versatile recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences, allowing for creative variations with added herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Mastering this recipe unlocks a world of culinary possibilities, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant special occasions.

The preparation involves combining the ground meats with various ingredients, shaping the mixture into a loaf, and baking it until cooked through. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

Ingredients for this Meatloaf Recipe

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Ketchup for topping (optional)

Instructions for Making this Meatloaf Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking pan.
4. Optional: Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Meatloaf Cooking Time and Servings

Understanding the cooking time and yield is essential for planning your meal. The provided recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, with the cooking time depending on oven temperature and loaf size. The baking process for this meatloaf recipe generally takes between 60 and 75 minutes. Accurate timing ensures a perfectly cooked meatloaf, preventing dryness or undercooking. The table below summarizes this crucial information for this meatloaf recipe.

Nutritional Information for this Meatloaf Recipe

This meatloaf recipe provides a good source of protein from both beef and pork. The added vegetables contribute dietary fiber and essential vitamins. However, it’s important to be mindful of the fat content, which can be relatively high depending on the leanness of the ground meats used. Consider reducing the fat content by using leaner ground meats or incorporating more vegetables. Accurate nutritional information can be calculated based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Note: The following nutritional information is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used. For precise calculations, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and quantities of your ingredients.

Tips for Cooking this Meatloaf Recipe

Achieving a perfectly cooked meatloaf involves careful attention to detail. These tips address common challenges and offer strategies for optimal results, ensuring a moist and flavorful outcome. From selecting the right ingredients to monitoring the baking process, each step contributes to the overall success of the dish.

1. Use a Meat Thermometer:

   Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160F (71C) for food safety. A meat thermometer provides accurate readings, preventing undercooking or overcooking.

2. Don’t Overmix the Meat:

   Overmixing the meat mixture can result in a tough meatloaf. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.

3. Add Moisture:

   Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots or celery to add moisture and enhance flavor.

4. Use a Baking Pan with Sides:

   A loaf pan with sides helps maintain the shape of the meatloaf during baking.

5. Let it Rest:
   Read moreAmazing Venison Meatloaf Recipes: Try These!

   Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

6. Experiment with Seasonings:

   Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

This meatloaf recipe is surprisingly adaptable. By substituting different vegetables, experimenting with sauces, or incorporating various spices, a wide variety of unique flavor combinations can be achieved. Each variation can create a new and exciting culinary experience, enhancing the versatility of this classic dish. The basic recipe forms a strong foundation upon which many creative adaptations can be built.

Proper handling of the ingredients and adherence to the cooking instructions are vital to achieving the desired taste and texture. The combination of ground beef and pork contributes significantly to the overall flavor profile, and attention to detail in the cooking process can significantly impact the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Meatloaf Recipe

Understanding common concerns and questions can prevent errors and improve the overall cooking experience. Addressing these frequently asked questions ensures success and increases confidence in preparing this delicious dish. The following section provides answers to some common queries related to this recipe.

1. Can I use only ground beef or ground pork?

   While the recipe calls for a combination, you can use only one type of ground meat. However, the texture and flavor might differ slightly. A blend of both provides a balance of richness and tenderness.

2. What if my meatloaf is dry?

   This usually happens due to overbaking or insufficient moisture in the mixture. Next time, try adding more vegetables or using slightly fattier ground meats. Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the right temperature.

3. Can I freeze this meatloaf?

   Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

The appeal of this meatloaf recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a satisfying dish that can be adapted to meet a variety of dietary needs and preferences. From basic adjustments in seasoning to more involved alterations of ingredients, the recipe offers great potential for creative exploration in the kitchen.

Mastering this recipe allows for the creation of a consistently delicious and comforting meal. The preparation is relatively straightforward, making it an accessible choice for home cooks of all skill levels. The resulting meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or served with a variety of side dishes.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information to prepare a delicious and satisfying beef and pork meatloaf. By following these instructions and tips, you can consistently create a flavorful and tender main course that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Youtube Video: