Parmesan meatloaf, a savory and comforting dish, marries the rustic charm of classic meatloaf with the irresistible allure of Parmesan cheese. It’s a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with its hearty flavors and indulgent cheesiness.
At its core, Parmesan meatloaf starts with a blend of ground meats, often a combination of beef and pork, although variations abound. This medley of meats imparts a depth of flavor and succulence to the dish, ensuring each bite is moist and tender.
To elevate the meatloaf’s flavor profile, generous portions of grated Parmesan cheese are folded into the meat mixture. Parmesan, with its nutty and salty nuances, infuses the loaf with richness and complexity, melting into the meat as it bakes to create pockets of cheesy goodness throughout.
Complementing the Parmesan are a symphony of seasonings and aromatics. Finely diced onions and garlic add layers of savory depth, while aromatic herbs such as parsley and thyme infuse the loaf with fragrant notes. A dash of Worcestershire sauce lends a hint of umami, enhancing the meatloaf’s savory character.
Binding everything together is a mixture of breadcrumbs and eggs, which not only provide structure but also contribute to the loaf’s moist and tender texture. The breadcrumbs absorb excess moisture, ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape while remaining juicy and succulent.
Once assembled, the meatloaf is formed into a loaf shape and baked to golden perfection. As it cooks, the tantalizing aroma of savory meats and melted Parmesan fills the kitchen, beckoning eager diners to the table.
Served hot from the oven, Parmesan meatloaf is a hearty and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with a medley of side dishes. Whether accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, or roasted vegetables, each slice of meatloaf offers a symphony of flavors and textures that delight the palate and warm the soul.
With its comforting embrace and irresistible cheesiness, Parmesan meatloaf is sure to become a beloved favorite for family dinners and gatherings alike.
Parmesan meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, adding the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese to the savory meat mixture. Here’s a recipe to create this flavorful dish:
Ingredients:
- For the meatloaf:
– 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (you can also use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the glaze:
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it down evenly into the pan.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze.
5. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is caramelized.
7. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8. Serve slices of the Parmesan meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a green salad.
9. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Parmesan meatloaf!
This Parmesan meatloaf is tender, moist, and bursting with savory flavor from the Parmesan cheese and seasonings. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep or leftovers.