Baked Meatloaf Recipe
Roast Meatloaf: A Fusion of Traditional Flavors and Modern Presentation
Roast meatloaf is both a nostalgic delight and an elegant dish that perfectly suits modern dining tables. The combination of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and sauce creates a hearty meal that is also a visual feast. Achieving the perfect flavor, however, lies in paying close attention to details at every stage. Let’s explore the key tips for making a flawless roast meatloaf.
The Secret of the Meatloaf: Proper Kneading Technique
The texture and flavor of the meatloaf depend on everything from the type of ground meat used to how it is kneaded:
- Choice of Meat: Medium-fat ground beef ensures that your meatloaf will be both juicy and flavorful. Low-fat ground beef can result in a dry loaf, while excessively fatty beef may cause the loaf to lose its shape as the fat melts in the oven.
- Balance of Spices: Add spices like cumin and black pepper in moderation. Too many spices can overpower the natural flavor of the meat.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the mixture longer than you would for regular meatballs but not as much as for İnegöl köfte. The right kneading time ensures the mixture binds well without becoming rubbery.
Baking for the Perfect Crust
When baking your meatloaf, a few details make all the difference:
- Oven Temperature: 200°C (392°F) is ideal for creating a golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist. Always preheat the oven thoroughly.
- Monitoring: Check the crust during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Overcooking can lead to dryness.
Enhancing the Sauce
The tomato sauce is the key component that elevates the flavor of roast meatloaf. Follow these tips for a rich sauce:
- Sautéing the Tomato Paste: Sauté the tomato paste on low heat until it fully blends with the oil and releases its aroma. This step adds depth to the sauce.
- Spicing: Oregano adds a wonderful aroma to the sauce, but be cautious not to overuse it. A subtle hint is sufficient.
- Consistency: Gradually add water to the sauce to achieve the desired consistency, ensuring it’s not too thick.
Creating Smooth Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish for roast meatloaf. Here’s how to make them perfectly:
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes yield a creamier mash.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of grated nutmeg adds incredible aroma to the mash. However, use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Presenting with Style
When serving roast meatloaf, you can create a visually stunning yet practical presentation:
- Spread the mashed potatoes in a circular shape on the plate using a spoon.
- Arrange slices of the meatloaf carefully on top of the mash.
- Generously drizzle the sauce over the meatloaf and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Pair with a light green salad for added color and freshness.
Roast meatloaf is a fantastic recipe that allows you to enhance both your culinary skills and your palate. By paying attention to these details, you can offer an unforgettable dining experience to your guests or loved ones.
Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 800 g medium-fat ground beef,
- 1 large onion,
- 4 tbsp breadcrumbs,
- 1 egg,
- Cumin,
- Black pepper,
- Salt,
For the Sauce:
- 5 tbsp olive oil,
- 1 heaping tbsp tomato paste,
- 2 cups grated tomatoes,
- 1 ½ cups water,
- Salt,
- 1 tsp oregano.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 750 g potatoes,
- 1 tsp butter,
- 1 cup milk,
- Salt,
- Black pepper,
- Grated nutmeg.
Preparation
- For the mashed potatoes peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them until soft,
- For the meatloaf combine ground beef, egg, grated onion, breadcrumbs, cumin, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl, knead well,
- Shape the meat mixture into a thick log and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper,
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake until golden brown,
- For the sauce heat olive oil in a pan, add tomato paste, and sauté until fragrant. Add grated tomatoes and mix well, Gradually add water, salt, and oregano, then bring to a boil before removing from heat,
- Slice the baked meatloaf and arrange it in an oven-safe dish. Pour the sauce over the slices,
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes,
- For serving divide the mashed potatoes among plates. Place meatloaf slices on top and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 800 g medium-fat ground beef,
- 1 large onion,
- 4 tbsp breadcrumbs,
- 1 egg,
- Cumin,
- Black pepper,
- Salt,
For the Sauce:
- 5 tbsp olive oil,
- 1 heaping tbsp tomato paste,
- 2 cups grated tomatoes,
- 1 ½ cups water,
- Salt,
- 1 tsp oregano.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 750 g potatoes,
- 1 tsp butter,
- 1 cup milk,
- Salt,
- Black pepper,
- Grated nutmeg.
Preparation
- For the mashed potatoes peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them until soft,
- For the meatloaf combine ground beef, egg, grated onion, breadcrumbs, cumin, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl, knead well,
- Shape the meat mixture into a thick log and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper,
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake until golden brown,
- For the sauce heat olive oil in a pan, add tomato paste, and sauté until fragrant. Add grated tomatoes and mix well, Gradually add water, salt, and oregano, then bring to a boil before removing from heat,
- Slice the baked meatloaf and arrange it in an oven-safe dish. Pour the sauce over the slices,
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes,
- For serving divide the mashed potatoes among plates. Place meatloaf slices on top and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Preparation
- For the mashed potatoes peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them until soft,
- For the meatloaf combine ground beef, egg, grated onion, breadcrumbs, cumin, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl, knead well,
- Shape the meat mixture into a thick log and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper,
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake until golden brown,
- For the sauce heat olive oil in a pan, add tomato paste, and sauté until fragrant. Add grated tomatoes and mix well, Gradually add water, salt, and oregano, then bring to a boil before removing from heat,
- Slice the baked meatloaf and arrange it in an oven-safe dish. Pour the sauce over the slices,
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes,
- For serving divide the mashed potatoes among plates. Place meatloaf slices on top and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Bon appétit!