6.08.2011

not your mama's meatloaf

In an effort to use up the goodies tucked away in my freezer, I had a pound of beef to incorporate into the menu this week. Tired of tacos (a sin, I know) and sloppy joes (made those last week), I decided it was time to go retro - updated retro - in the form of meatloaf.

Now, as a kid I hated meatloaf. I even still hate the name. A loaf ... of meat. Gross. But what if it was a cheeseburger meatloaf, filled with toasted breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, lean beef, cheesey pillows and other aromatics? That I might like. Bring it on, loaf. And sorry, mom - I'm throwing away the "family" recipe.

Not Your Mama's Meatloaf (aka: Cheeseburger Meatloaf)
Adapted from Cooking Light
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2/3 cup chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup ketchup, divided
  • 4 ounces white cheddar or swiss cheese, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or rosemary (or whatever you have on hand that pairs well with beef)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound ground sirloin
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  1. Preheat oven to 425°.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs; cook three minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently.
  3. While breadcrumbs cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl with olive oil. Add onion and garlic; sauté three minutes. Gently combine the onion mixture, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup ketchup, and remaining ingredients, being careful not to over mix (which can make it tough). Pour mixture into a prepared loaf pan (I prefer a pretty one since it is still a loaf of meat); spread a thin layer of ketchup evenly across the top and sprinkle with parsley to pretty up your loaf as much as possible. 
  4. Bake at 425° for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads that the meat is just done. 
Tip: Allow the loaf to set for 10 or so minutes before slicing into it.

This meal was made healthier with two veggie side dishes - ginger-glazed carrots and roasted broccoli and cauliflower - and because it took about a half hour to cook, we were able to squeeze in a quick post-gym dog walk while it baked. Our dog was happy, too. :)

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