Sweet and Tangy Meatloaf with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce
Try this Sweet and Tangy Meatloaf with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Try this Sweet and Tangy Meatloaf with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce recipe.
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 upbalsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1/3 upwater
- 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1/3 upseasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated or finely diced onion
- 2 tsp dried herbs - i used herbs de provence
- ---- balsamic cranberry sauce----
- 1.5 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 tbsp + 2 tsp brown sugar
- optional: 2 tsp adobe sauce for a little heat - hi
- Carbohydrate 6.63555891396841 g
- Cholesterol 93.46945388 mg
- Fat 5.48778484735151 g
- Fiber 1.58517978851979 g
- Protein 20.8658975729544 g
- Saturated Fat 2.32518403919706 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (143g)
- Sodium 171.716791243592 mg
- Sugar 5.05037912544863 g
- Trans Fat 0.481630258020627 g
- Calories 163 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients and mix with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
- Place the meatloaf mixture into a greased loaf pan (either 4x8 or 5x9) and press to make compact in the pan. Or you can form a free-standing loaf onto a lined baking sheet.
- Place in the oven and bake for ~50 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes of bake time, start making the cranberry sauce by combining all ingredients in a medium-sized sauce pan.
- Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for ~15 minutes until the most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove meatloaf from the oven and coat with balsamic cranberry sauce.
- Slice and serve!
Sweet and Tangy Meatloaf with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This sweet and tangy meatloaf with balsamic cranberry sauce fits the bill perfectly. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a hectic weeknight. Forget ordering takeout – this recipe is your new go-to for a satisfying and flavorful meal the whole family will love.
The secret to this meatloaf's success lies in the delightful balance of flavors. The savory ground beef is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and the tangy kick of balsamic vinegar. The herbs add a touch of sophistication, while the breadcrumbs help bind everything together beautifully. I usually use herbs de Provence, but feel free to experiment with your favorites – Italian seasoning or even a simple blend of thyme and rosemary would work wonderfully.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. For instance, if you're looking for a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cranberry sauce. Or, if you prefer a leaner meatloaf, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. The possibilities are endless!
The balsamic cranberry sauce is the star of the show, transforming this humble meatloaf into something truly special. The tartness of the cranberries beautifully contrasts the richness of the meat, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. I like to simmer the sauce until it reaches a nice, thick consistency, ensuring every bite is coated in this flavorful delight. A simple brown sugar adds depth of flavor. And a touch of adobe sauce adds a nice kick.
Making this meatloaf is a breeze. It involves simply combining all the ingredients in a bowl, shaping it into a loaf, and baking it until it's cooked through. The cranberry sauce is equally effortless to prepare – just combine the ingredients, simmer until thickened, and you're done! The entire process takes less than an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
This recipe is not just a weeknight staple; it's also perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and impressive meal. The meatloaf can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it incredibly convenient for entertaining.
I often serve this meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete and well-rounded meal. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the meatloaf's rich flavors beautifully, while the roasted vegetables add a fresh and vibrant touch. But it’s wonderful on its own.
So, if you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make, and crowd-pleasing recipe, look no further than this Sweet and Tangy Meatloaf with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce. It's a guaranteed winner that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Give it a try, and I promise you won't be disappointed!
