Beef Loaf

Beef Loaf is a hearty and flavorful dish made from a mixture of chopped raw beef, seasonings, and other ingredients, all baked to perfection. This dish offers a delicious and comforting meal that has been a staple in many households for generations. Beef Loaf’s history is deeply rooted in the tradition of using ground or chopped meat to create affordable, nourishing, and satisfying meals.

The concept of meatloaf, which includes variations like Beef Loaf, can be traced back to ancient times. Ground or minced meat has been a part of culinary traditions in various cultures, with early versions of meatloaf appearing in Roman, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines.

In the United States, meatloaf became especially popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when meat grinders and food processors made it easier to process meat at home. It was an economical way to utilize leftover or less expensive cuts of meat while creating a filling and flavorful meal. Beef Loaf, in particular, typically features ground or chopped beef as the primary ingredient.

Now, let’s explore how to make a classic Beef Loaf:

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds chopped raw beef
1/4 pound minced salt pork
1 cup cracker dust (cracker crumbs)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
2 beaten eggs
1 teaspoon onion juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons melted Crisco (a vegetable shortening)
Brown sauce (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to a steady temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 pounds of chopped raw beef and 1/4 pound of minced salt pork. The salt pork adds both flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
Add 1 cup of cracker dust (cracker crumbs) to the meat mixture. This helps bind the ingredients together and gives the loaf its texture.
Season the mixture with 2 teaspoons each of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs until well mixed. Add these beaten eggs to the meat mixture.
Add 1 teaspoon of onion juice and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the bowl. These ingredients add depth of flavor to the meatloaf.
Melt 2 tablespoons of Crisco and work it into the meat mixture. This step helps keep the loaf moist and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Once all the ingredients are combined, pack the mixture into a Criscoed mold. This can be a loaf pan or another oven-safe dish with a lid.
Cover the mold with its lid and place it in a roasting pan filled with boiling water. This water bath method helps ensure even cooking and keeps the meatloaf moist.
Carefully transfer the roasting pan with the covered mold to your preheated oven.
Bake the Beef Loaf for approximately 2 hours, or until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden-brown exterior.
Once the Beef Loaf is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Serve slices of the Beef Loaf with brown sauce for added flavor and moisture.