I don’t know why meatloaf gets such a bad name. It’s economical, fast and easy, and can be super delicious. It needs a lot of flavor though, maybe that’s where the dislike comes from. But as a palette on which to paint flavor it’s pretty great.
Recently I made a meatloaf that definitely counts among the best I’ve done. I thought I’d share with anyone that was feeling especially meat-hungry.
The beauty of meatloaf is how it’s a one bowl meal. So into a mixing bowl I put beef mince, finely cut onion, mushroom, and celery, small-cubed cheddar cheese, one egg, a tiny bit of milk, lots of pepper and some ground cloves, a bit of polenta to bind it together. Normally I would use bread crumbs, but I was out and used polenta in a pinch and really liked it.
To mix it together you have to get in there with your hands and really smoosh it together. Which I really enjoy! Then just form it into a loaf shape and put it in a pan. I put chunks of potato coated with olive oil around the loaf to roast.
A really important part of the meatloaf is the sauce. I made a tomato based sauce with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper. I make enough to coat the meatloaf twice, once before it goes into the oven, and once about ten minutes before it comes out.
So in it goes! Pretty easy, and about an hour in a 190C oven and it’s done! And so delicious, yum!
One great thing about meatloaf is that you can play with the flavors and ingredients to change the style. For instance, an asian inspired meatloaf with chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots mixed in, with a dark soy sauce based glaze. Or a mexican inspired meatloaf, with peppers and corn in the meat, and a tomato sauce with lots of cumin and cayenne and chili powder. Or a mole sauce! Mmmmm…
Or how about making a meatloaf with a tunnel of cheese in the middle? Or stuffed with herbed rice, or maybe glazed with a pumpkiny glaze? Oh man, I’m definitely going to try that one!
Go crazy with the meatloaf! And let me know if you come up with something especially magnificent!
12 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 16, 2009 at 10:15 am
Rachel
I am especially intrigued by the sauce ideas. I have a pretty tasty meatless loaf recipe, but I have been struggling with sauce for a while. I haven’t tried since I have gotten super experimental. You have filled me with ideas!
November 16, 2009 at 10:17 am
bastardang
after i wrote this i was also thinking of a honey chili glaze. or a mustard sauce. or a honey mustard sauce!
November 16, 2009 at 11:04 am
Rachel
I’m thinking of a curried sauce! My meatloaf universe just became infinite! Awesome.
November 16, 2009 at 11:14 am
bastardang
could you share your meatless loaf recipe? i think my mom is eager!
November 16, 2009 at 10:27 am
Roxanne Berg
To Rachel: I’d like your meatless loaf recipe!
November 16, 2009 at 10:52 am
El Cucurucho Grande
Sounds delicious! I think I shall have to attempt some sort of meatloafy dish very soon.
November 16, 2009 at 11:20 am
bastardang
dooo eeet.
November 16, 2009 at 10:54 am
Cathy
I love meatloaf but I’ve never tried cooking it. Of course, I’d have to do one without beef and tomatoes – honey mustard sauce is a great idea for a tomato substitution and add some pork and apples and I think I have my next Sunday dinner planned!
November 16, 2009 at 11:15 am
bastardang
i’d like to hear how this turns out with pork. you could also use minced lamb or kangaroo!
November 16, 2009 at 12:11 pm
dan ox
I reckon a lamb-roo combination would give just the right amount of juiciness.
November 17, 2009 at 5:35 pm
suneeti
mmm never really tried making a meatloaf but after reading your recipe i’m thinking of an indian spice inspired one! with chicken/lamb mince and a paneer like cheese in the middle. you is an inspiration x
November 17, 2009 at 7:23 pm
bastardang
that would be so delicious! you are a genius!