Before diving into the main course, let’s tantalize our taste buds with side dishes that complement this hearty meal. Think about creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. The starchy goodness of mashed potatoes soaks up the rich gravy perfectly. Roasted veggies add a crunchy, nutritious balance. Alternatively, a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette keeps things light and refreshing. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meatloaf experience.
Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s both nostalgic and scrumptious – the Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf. Imagine moist, hearty meat with a flavorful crust, served hot with a rich gravy. This dish is comfort food at its finest, and I’ve found it to be an absolute crowd-pleaser at family gatherings. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
What is Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf?
The Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf isn’t your standard meatloaf. It’s a glorious amalgamation of ground beef, pork, and premium sausage meat. This trio is enhanced with a rich blend of seasonings and veggies, all bound together by fresh breadcrumbs and a lightly beaten egg. The final touch is a slather of tomato ketchup mixed with dark brown sugar, giving it a sweet and tangy glaze.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
This meatloaf boasts a rich, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the glaze. The Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce add depth, while the smoked paprika and chili powder give it a subtle kick. The diced vegetables and fresh herbs contribute to a complex, fresh taste that balances the meaty heartiness.
You will also like the following Dinner recipes!
- Copycat Texas roadhouse smothered chicken with jack cheese recipe
- How to make Sushi Waffle Recipe
- Copycat Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie
Why You’ll Love This?
You’re going to adore this meatloaf because:
- It’s comforting: Perfect for those cozy evenings.
- It’s versatile: Serve it with a variety of sides.
- It’s make-ahead friendly: Ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- It’s flavorful: The combination of herbs, spices, and meats creates a memorable taste.
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
- 300 g lean ground beef
- 300 g ground pork
- 450 g premium sausage meat
- 7 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 75 g fresh white breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1 pinch freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp sunflower or corn oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and cubed
- 1 celery stalk, trimmed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 tsp spicy chili powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 1 small bunch (about 20g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 400 ml beef or pork stock (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp tomato ketchup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the meatloaf thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Base
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Meat
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and sausage meat. Make sure to break down any large chunks.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the meat. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, breadcrumbs, egg, sea salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined.
Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a lined baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf approximately 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix 7 tablespoons of tomato ketchup and the dark brown sugar. Spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 7: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 8: Make the Gravy
While the meatloaf rests, make the gravy. In the pan where you sautéed the veggies, sprinkle the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the tomato ketchup and let it simmer until thickened.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Over-mixing can make the meatloaf dense.
- Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: They absorb moisture better, keeping the meatloaf juicy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring the meats to room temp for more even cooking.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest to redistribute juices.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 70°C (160°F).
Nutrition Information
How Can You Store This Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf?
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator:
- In the Refrigerator: Place slices in an airtight container. Consume within 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Ingredient Substitutes
If some ingredients are not handy, here are alternatives:
- Ground Beef/Pork: Ground Turkey or Chicken – A leaner option that still offers great flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Rolled Oats or Crushed Crackers – Both absorb moisture well and maintain the meatloaf’s structure.
- Fresh Thyme: Dried Oregano or Basil – These herbs provide a similar depth of flavor.
Equipment
- Pan
- large mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
- 300 g lean ground beef
- 300 g ground pork
- 450 g premium sausage meat
- 7 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 75 g fresh white breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1 pinch freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp sunflower or corn oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 medium carrot peeled and cubed
- 1 celery stalk trimmed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1.5 tsp spicy chili powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
- 1 small bunch about 20g fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 400 ml beef or pork stock homemade or store-bought
- 1 tsp tomato ketchup
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the meatloaf thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Base
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Meat
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and sausage meat. Make sure to break down any large chunks.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the meat. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, breadcrumbs, egg, sea salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined.
Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture to a lined baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf approximately 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix 7 tablespoons of tomato ketchup and the dark brown sugar. Spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 7: Bake the Meatloaf
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 8: Make the Gravy
- While the meatloaf rests, make the gravy. In the pan where you sautéed the veggies, sprinkle the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the tomato ketchup and let it simmer until thickened.
Notes
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Over-mixing can make the meatloaf dense.
- Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: They absorb moisture better, keeping the meatloaf juicy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring the meats to room temp for more even cooking.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest to redistribute juices.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 70°C (160°F).
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meat mixture and shape the loaf. Cover and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What Pan is Best for Baking Meatloaf?
A loaf pan or a baking sheet lined with foil works well. The latter allows for a crisper exterior.
3. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Vegetables?
Yes, you can. Just make sure they’re cooled to avoid clumping when mixing with the meat.
4. Should I Cover the Meatloaf While Baking?
You don’t need to. I’ve found the uncovered method creates a delightful crust. If you prefer softer meatloaf, cover it with foil and remove it for the last 15 minutes.
5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
The oven is best. Cover slices with foil and bake at 175°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes. Microwaving can make the meatloaf dry.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! The Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf is a delightful dish that promises rich flavors and heartwarming goodness. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is bound to impress. Happy cooking!
You’ll also like these latest recipes!
- Best Chinese Beef Noodles Recipe
- How to make Sweet Chunk Pickles
- Copycat Italian pistachio biscotti recipe
Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more