Meat Loaf Cordon Blue
A hearty meat loaf layered with Swiss cheese and ham, seasoned with herbs and garlic, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon tarragon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 ounces smoked ham, chopped ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground beef or turkey ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat eggs in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of minced parsley, bread crumbs, chicken broth, pressed garlic, salt, tarragon, dry mustard, and black pepper. Beat well.
- Mix in ground beef or turkey until combined.
- Saute chopped green onions in butter until soft.
- In a medium bowl, blend shredded Swiss cheese, chopped smoked ham, remaining parsley, and sautéed onions.
- Divide the meat mixture into 2 equal parts.
- Pat one part into a loaf shape in a loaf pan.
- Top with the cheese and ham mixture.
- Pat the remaining meat mixture on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then drain off excess fat.
- Bake an additional 30 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones. If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella can be good substitutes. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter option. Make sure to drain the excess fat after the first bake to keep the meat loaf from being greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed green beans for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken In A Pot-Deli Style for a comforting dinner spread. For a fresh touch, consider a simple salad or roasted vegetables on the side to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf Cordon Blue contains roughly 412 calories, with 16g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1547mg per serving (67% 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 meat loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat loaf mixture and assemble it a day in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and add about 10 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold temperature.
What can I do if my meat loaf is too dry?
If your meat loaf turns out dry, it may be due to overcooking. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 160°F (71°C). Adding moist ingredients like grated zucchini or using ground turkey can also help retain moisture in the meat loaf.
Can I freeze meat loaf?
Yes, you can freeze meat loaf after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
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).