Grandma’s Best Meat Loaf is a classic comfort food dish that brings back nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals. This recipe features a flavorful combination of minced lean beef, eggs, a medley of vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. Grandma’s secret touch of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and richness to the meat loaf, making it truly irresistible. With simple instructions and a few key ingredients, you can recreate the taste of Grandma’s kitchen and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 160 g of minced lean beef (cooked weight)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mixture of tomato, onion, mushrooms, capsicum finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Onion salt and cracked pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon mixed herbs
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- Freshly chopped Italian parsley and chives
- Olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, a dash of onion salt, cracked pepper, mixed herbs, and sweet paprika. Mix together well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Mold the mixture into a loaf shape and place it either in a baking tin or wrap it in foil to maintain its shape.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Bake the meat loaf in the preheated oven until it is cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the loaf. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level for consumption.
- While the loaf is baking, sauté the finely chopped onion, mushrooms, tomato, and capsicum in olive oil until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Once the meat loaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and top it with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
- Garnish the meat loaf with freshly chopped Italian parsley and chives for added freshness and visual appeal.
YIELD: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
IMPORTANT POINTS:
- Be sure to use lean minced beef to reduce the fat content in the meat loaf.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more onion salt, cracked pepper, or herbs if desired.
- Mixing the ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the meat loaf.
- Monitor the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meat loaf reaches a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for food safety.
TIPS:
- Serve Grandma’s Best Meat Loaf with your choice of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover meat loaf can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. It can also be sliced and used for sandwiches or as a filling in wraps.
- Customize the vegetable mixture based on your preferences. You can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Grandma’s Best Meat Loaf is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to the dining table. The combination of minced lean beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and a medley of vegetables creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please both young and old alike. This classic recipe is easy to make and allows you to enjoy the taste of home-cooked goodness.
