Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a recipe that combines the savory taste of meat with a fluffy texture and a surprise filling of hard-boiled eggs, making it an ideal dish for both family dinners and festive meals. This recipe is perfect when you want to prepare something good, quick, and at the same time, affordable. I will guide you step by step in making this delicious meatloaf, also providing you with some useful tips and variations you can try.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients
- 700 g ground meat (a mix of beef and pork for a richer taste)
- 5 cloves of garlic, crushed (for added flavor)
- 2 raw eggs (to bind the mixture)
- 2 slices of bread, soaked in water and squeezed (for a fluffy texture)
- Meatball spices (to taste, I recommend salt, pepper, sweet paprika, or herbs)
- 1 bunch of greens (parsley or dill, I used both for a fresher taste)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs (for the surprise filling)
- 100 g grated cheese (optional, for a creamy taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to grease the pan)
- 1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (to prevent sticking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the ground meat is at room temperature for better mixing. The crushed garlic will add an intense flavor, so don’t hesitate to use it.

2. Boiling the eggs:
Place the 3 eggs in a pot with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and let them boil. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and let them simmer for 8 minutes. After the time is up, remove the eggs from the water and place them in a bowl with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Preparing the meat mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the garlic, the 2 raw eggs, the well-squeezed bread slices, finely chopped greens, and spices. Mix well with your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are homogeneous. This mixture will be the base of your meatloaf.

4. Preparing the pan:
Grease a loaf pan with butter, then sprinkle breadcrumbs on the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking. This step is essential for easily removing the loaf after baking.

5. Assembling the loaf:
Divide the meat mixture into two equal parts. Place the first part in the pan, leveling it with a spoon for an even base. Then, peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Place the 6 egg halves yolk side down on the meat layer. This detail will add a special touch to the loaf. Add the remaining meat mixture on top of the eggs and level it well.

6. Adding the cheese:
If you choose to use cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the last layer of meat. It will become delicious and melted during baking.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the loaf pan in the oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes, or until it becomes golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving:
After removing it from the oven, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a platter. You can slice it and serve it warm, alongside a side of grilled vegetables or pickles. It is also delicious cold, making it a perfect appetizer accompanied by a glass of beer.

Tips and Variations
- Meat: You can experiment with various types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter version.
- Spices: Add spices like cumin or oregano for a unique flavor.
- Greens: Instead of parsley and dill, you can use basil or thyme, depending on your preferences.
- Filling: Instead of hard-boiled eggs, you can add olives, peppers, or mushrooms for a richer filling.

Nutritional Benefits
Meatloaf is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and eggs. Additionally, the greens add essential vitamins and minerals. It is a balanced meal that can be enjoyed both for lunch and dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen meat?
Yes, it is possible, but make sure to completely thaw it before using.

2. How can I store the meatloaf?
You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.

3. What side dishes go best?
A fresh vegetable salad or mashed potatoes are excellent choices.

Meatloaf is a versatile recipe that is easy to customize, bringing you much joy at the table. I hope this recipe quickly becomes a favorite and that you experiment with different variations to find the perfect combination. Enjoy your meal!