California Meat Loaf
A flavorful California meat loaf blending ground beef, pork, veal with aromatic spices and topped with sautéed bell pepper, ideal for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. coriander ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- pinch of cardamom ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground veal ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 large red or green bell pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, salt, oregano, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ground cloves, pepper, and cardamom; sauté until onion is translucent, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Mix in ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, beaten eggs, bread crumbs, garlic, and sautéed bell pepper (reserve some for garnish).
- Spoon mixture into a loaf pan, patting the top to even.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Pour off accumulated juices on top and bake an additional 15 minutes until browned.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a small heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add bell pepper and sauté until tender.
- Unmold meat loaf onto serving platter.
- Sprinkle with sautéed bell pepper.
- Cut into slices and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider mixing in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of barbecue sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, pork, and veal. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a healthier alternative. Remember to sauté the bell pepper until it's tender for the best texture in the meatloaf.
Serving Suggestions
California Meat Loaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw for added crunch. For a fun twist, consider serving slices in a sandwich with your favorite toppings, reminiscent of a Steak And Cheese Sub. A drizzle of barbecue sauce enhances the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice individual portions and place them in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Meat Loaf contains roughly 556 calories, with 17g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (85% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1590mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble it in the loaf pan and bake it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a tastier meatloaf.
What can I use instead of veal?
If you prefer not to use veal, you can substitute it with additional ground pork or beef. Alternatively, ground turkey can also work well in this recipe, offering a lighter option without compromising on flavor.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
To ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, the meatloaf should be browned on the outside and firm to the touch when pressed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).