Gourmet Meat Loaf
A hearty gourmet meat loaf combining ground meats, fresh vegetables, and bold spices for a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 lb ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb ground pork ⓘ
- 1 large onion
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 3 large stalks celery ⓘ
- 1 large carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons horseradish ⓘ
- 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Coleman dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the onion, celery, and green pepper into small dice.
- Coarsely grate the carrot.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck, ground pork, diced vegetables, grated carrot, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, eggs, salt, black pepper, chili powder, mustard, paprika, and Tabasco sauce.
- Mix everything well using your hands until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a prepared baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 60 minutes, or until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, consider adding a bit of beef broth or a splash of milk to the mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a nice flavor boost. Ensure the vegetables are finely diced for even cooking and better texture.
Serving Suggestions
This gourmet meatloaf pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with Hungry Man's Baked Beans and Tart Green Beans With Bacon. A simple salad or coleslaw can also complement the dish nicely, adding freshness to the hearty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for quicker results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gourmet Meat Loaf contains roughly 1243 calories, with 28g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% 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 refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to shape it into a loaf before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tastier dish.
What can I use instead of ketchup?
If you're looking for a substitute for ketchup, consider using barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor or even a combination of tomato paste, vinegar, and a bit of sugar. Both options will provide a tangy sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.
How can I tell if the meatloaf is cooked through?
To check if the meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the center; the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.
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).