Meat roll

Meatloaf – A savory delicacy for family meals

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Who doesn’t love a beautifully browned meatloaf, filled with goodies that delight the taste buds? This meatloaf recipe, inspired by rich culinary traditions, is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests on a special occasion. Over time, this dish has been adapted and reinterpreted, and today I will present a version that combines ground meat flavors with various fillings, but in our style, with simple and accessible ingredients.

Necessary ingredients:

For the loaf:
- 400 g ground beef
- 400 g ground pork
- 1 egg
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the filling:
- 8 slices of pressed ham (choose your favorite version)
- 8 slices of cheese (a smoked variant can add a special touch)
- A few slices of homemade smoked sausage (chouri)

For the sauce:
- 1 glass of dry white wine
- 1 Knorr beef flavor cube, dissolved in a glass of warm water
- 1 cube of margarine for greasing the pan

Practical tips about ingredients:
- Choose fresh, quality meat for an exceptional taste.
- You can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as lamb or turkey, to achieve a unique flavor.
- If you prefer a healthier version, replace the ham with slices of roasted vegetables or feta cheese.

Preparation technique:
1. Start by preparing the meat mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add the egg, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, sweet paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It’s important not to overmix, to avoid making it too dense.

2. On a clean surface, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs. Then, spread the meat mixture evenly, forming a rectangle about 1.5 cm thick. Be careful not to make it too thin to avoid tearing when rolling.

3. Start adding the filling. Place the pressed ham slices over the entire surface of the mixture, followed by the sausage slices and finally the cheese slices. These will add a rich flavor and creamy texture to your loaf.

4. Now comes the fun part! Using a spatula or your hands, carefully start rolling, tightening the loaf as much as possible so that the filling doesn’t spill out. Make sure the edges are well sealed.

5. Place the loaf in a greased pan. Pour the white wine and the broth from the Knorr cube over the loaf. This sauce will penetrate the meat during baking, adding extra flavor.

6. Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Bake the loaf for about 45 minutes, or until it is beautifully browned and juicy. If you want to achieve a crispier crust, you can turn the loaf halfway through the baking time.

Serving and suggestions:
The meatloaf is delicious served warm, alongside a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can add a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, this dish can also be enjoyed cold the next day, as a snack or in a sandwich.

Possible variations:
- You can add green or black olives to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
- Replace the cheese with goat cheese for a more intense taste.
- Experiment with various herbs, such as oregano or rosemary, to customize the recipe to your preferences.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork and beef?
Yes, chicken is an excellent alternative, but make sure it is well-seasoned to avoid losing flavor.

2. How can I prevent the loaf from drying out?
Make sure not to overbake it and add enough sauce to the pan. You can cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the first 30 minutes of baking to retain moisture.

3. What drinks pair well with meatloaf?
A dry white wine is an excellent choice, but a lighter red wine can also complement the flavors of the loaf. Additionally, fresh lemonade or iced tea can be refreshing options.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe has approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the meat and egg, and the combination of fresh herbs brings antioxidants and vitamins to your diet.

Conclusion:
Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be customized according to everyone’s preferences. This simple and delicious recipe will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and start your culinary adventure. With every bite, you will discover not only a tasty dish but also a story full of tradition and love for cooking. Enjoy!