Hey there, kitchen maestros! Today, we're about to embark on a culinary journey that combines comfort and convenience. We're diving into the world of meatloaf, and we're taking our trusty food processor along for the ride. Buckle up for an easy, hassle-free adventure in meatloaf making.
I stumbled upon this ingenious recipe on Cotta, and I couldn't believe how effortless and delicious meatloaf could be. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary quest, grab your food processor, and let's get started.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (you can use a mix of beef and pork if you prefer)
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (you can pulse stale bread in your food processor for this)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
- 1 carrot, roughly chopped
- 1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup ketchup
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it's ready to work its magic on your meatloaf.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
- If you don't have breadcrumbs on hand, fret not. Toss a couple of slices of stale bread into your food processor and pulse until you have fine breadcrumbs. It's resourceful and helps reduce food waste.
3. Food Processor Magic:
- Place the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and parsley into your trusty food processor. Pulse until they're finely chopped. Your food processor does this job in seconds, saving you time and tears.
4. Mix and Mold:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, fresh breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and the finely processed veggie mixture. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix everything until well combined.
5. Shape the Loaf:
- Now, it's time to mold your meat mixture into a loaf shape. Place it in a baking dish and gently pat it into the perfect meatloaf form.
6. Create the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. This glaze will add a sweet and tangy finish to your meatloaf.
7. Glaze and Bake:
- Brush the glaze generously over the top of your meatloaf, ensuring every inch is covered. This will add a beautiful caramelized finish. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Let It Rest:
- Once the meatloaf is out of the oven, give it a few minutes to rest. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring every slice is tender and flavorful.
9. Slice and Serve:
- Finally, slice your meatloaf into generous portions and serve it up with your favorite sides. Whether it's creamy mashed potatoes or steamed veggies, this meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser.
Pro Tips:
- Leftover meatloaf makes fantastic sandwiches for tomorrow's lunch. Just add some mayo and crisp lettuce between two slices of bread.
- Customize your meatloaf by adding grated cheese or sautéed mushrooms to the mixture.
And there you have it, a hearty and hassle-free meatloaf made effortlessly with the help of your trusty food processor. This recipe proves that a delicious dinner doesn't have to be complicated. Enjoy, and happy slicing! 🍽️