Chunky Meatloaf
This is the best meatloaf I have ever made. It has all the elements that people like, crunchy bits, chewy bits and all the meat they can ever hope for.
This is the best meatloaf I have ever made. It has all the elements that people like, crunchy bits, chewy bits and all the meat they can ever hope for.
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 dash hot pepper sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- for the glaze:
- 1/4 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 cup catsup
- 1/2 large onion roughly chopped
- 1 large carrot peeled and broken
- 3 whole cloves garlic
- 1/2 ea red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup quick oats
- 2 slices white bread torn up
- 18 ounces ground chuck
- 1 lb eye of the round cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 6 dashes worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Carbohydrate 33.8439426097607 g
- Cholesterol 234.028452609 mg
- Fat 54.3482638196432 g
- Fiber 3.54526765574238 g
- Protein 50.3785777341997 g
- Saturated Fat 20.3366509588406 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (432g)
- Sodium 1131.69428707166 mg
- Sugar 30.2986749540183 g
- Trans Fat 8.43367997117641 g
- Calories 831 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
- In a large frying pan cook off the beef cubes with a little olive oil and salt. Remove the meat to a dish and deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup dark red wine like Merlot. Let reduce to about 1 tablespoon. Remove from heat.
- In a food processor bowl, combine bread, bread crumbs, oats, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and thyme. Pulse until the mixture is of a fine texture. Add the onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper in the food processor bowl. Pulse until the mixture is chopped, but not pureed.
- In a large bowl combine the vegetable and bread mixture, ground sausage, cubed meat and ground chuck. Season the meat mixture with the kosher salt. Add the egg and drippings from the beef pan and combine thoroughly, but avoid squeezing the meat too much.
- Pack this mixture into a 10-inch loaf pan to mold the shape of the meatloaf. Press it down hard to mold it firmly. Turn it out onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Insert a temperature probe at a 45 degree angle into the top of the meatloaf. Avoid touching the bottom of the tray with the probe. Set the probe for 155 degrees and bake.
- Combine the catsup, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce and cayenne pepper. Brush the glaze onto the meatloaf after it has been cooking for about 10 minutes and every 10 minutes after that till done.
My Chunky Meatloaf Masterpiece
As a busy homemaker, finding time to cook delicious, satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the never-ending laundry pile. But even amidst the chaos, I find immense satisfaction in creating a comforting meal that brings my family together. This chunky meatloaf recipe is my go-to – a testament to how a simple dish, made with love and a few key ingredients, can elevate a weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. The secret? It's all about the textures. The recipe combines the juicy richness of ground beef and pork with the satisfying crunch of bread crumbs and oats. Those little bits of carrot and onion add a delightful sweetness that balances the savory flavors perfectly. And the glaze? Oh, the glaze! It's tangy, slightly spicy, and perfectly complements the meaty heart of the loaf.
This meatloaf isn't just about taste; it’s a celebration of efficiency in the kitchen. The prep work is relatively quick, and while it bakes, I can focus on other tasks – maybe tackling that mountain of laundry or helping with homework. The aroma alone is enough to entice the entire family into the kitchen, making mealtime a more enjoyable experience. The best part? Leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for a quick lunch the next day or a satisfying addition to sandwiches. I often freeze portions for those even busier weeks. Truly, this meatloaf transcends a simple meal; it's a testament to the power of homemade comfort food that seamlessly fits into the rhythm of a busy life. It's a meal that nourishes not just the body but also the soul, reminding me that even amidst the daily grind, there's always time for a little culinary love.
Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Journey
Cooking, for me, is more than just preparing food; it's a journey of discovery. Each recipe I attempt is a chance to learn something new, to experiment with flavors and textures, and to ultimately create something that reflects my personality and passion. This meatloaf, though a classic comfort food, has become my own personal interpretation, a testament to my culinary evolution. Over time, I've tweaked the recipe, adding my own subtle touches – a dash of this, a sprinkle of that – to make it truly my own. It’s a living recipe, one that constantly evolves as I discover new ingredients and refine my techniques. It’s a reflection of how my taste buds and my cooking skills have matured and the personal touch I add to each dish I prepare. The journey of cooking for me is truly about the joy of creation, the satisfaction of making something delicious, and the warmth of sharing it with loved ones. The meatloaf is more than just food; it’s a story, a memory in the making.
More Than Just a Meal: A Family Tradition
Beyond the deliciousness and the practicality of this recipe, there’s a sentimental value that has woven its way into our family dynamic. The aroma of this meatloaf baking in the oven has become synonymous with home, with warmth, and with the simple joy of family meals. It’s a dish that has been enjoyed by generations, passed down through family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. It’s a reminder of the importance of slowing down, of taking the time to create and share a meal together, free from the distractions of technology and the pressures of modern life. This meatloaf, therefore, is more than just a recipe; it's a tradition, a bonding experience, and a cherished memory in the making.
A Culinary Legacy
As I reflect on the many years I've spent in the kitchen, creating countless meals for my family, I realize the profound impact that food has on our lives. It’s a way to connect with loved ones, to share cultural heritage, and to express our creativity. My hope is that this recipe, this humble meatloaf, will become a part of my family’s culinary legacy, passed down from generation to generation, each iteration carrying the love and memories that have been baked into it.
