🍏🍖🍞👩🍳 Apple Spiced Meatloaf: A Delicious Twist!
Apple Spiced Meatloaf is a delightful and flavorful variation of the classic meatloaf dish that incorporates the sweetness of apples and warm spices. This unique twist adds a burst of autumn-inspired flavor to your meal, making it perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, hearty dish.
📜 History:
The exact origins of Apple Spiced Meatloaf are somewhat elusive, but it likely evolved as a creative adaptation of traditional meatloaf recipes in North America. The combination of ground meat with apples and spices is reminiscent of many classic American comfort foods that feature sweet and savory flavors.
🥘 Components:
Here are the key components you’ll need for Apple Spiced Meatloaf:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and grated
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce for topping (optional)
👩🍳 Preparation:
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to prepare your Apple Spiced Meatloaf:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated apples, applesauce, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish.
4. Optional Topping: If desired, spread a layer of ketchup or barbecue sauce on top of the meatloaf for added flavor.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
⏰ Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Apple Spiced Meatloaf, including preparation and cooking, is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Spiced Meatloaf, a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds! 🍽️🍎🍂
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apple Spiced Meatloaf:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate values):
- Calories: Around 350-400 calories per serving.
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving.
- Carbohydrates: About 15-20 grams per serving.
- Dietary Fiber: Roughly 2-3 grams per serving.
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving.
- Saturated Fat: Around 7-10 grams per serving.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80-100 milligrams per serving.
- Sodium: Around 500-700 milligrams per serving.
Health Information:
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Protein: This dish is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates primarily come from breadcrumbs and apples. Apples also provide natural sugars and dietary fiber.
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Dietary Fiber: Apples and breadcrumbs contribute to the dietary fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full.
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Fat: The fat content comes from the ground meat, and it’s important to choose lean meat or a mixture of lean meat to reduce saturated fat intake.
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Saturated Fat: Be mindful of the saturated fat content, as it can contribute to heart health issues. Choosing lean meat and limiting added fats can help.
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Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is relatively moderate and should fit into a balanced diet.
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Sodium: The sodium content may vary depending on ingredients like breadcrumbs and sauce. It’s essential to monitor your salt intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Apples provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium.
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Portion Control: As with any dish, portion control is key to maintaining a balanced diet. Enjoying this meatloaf in moderation is advisable.
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Variations: You can make this dish healthier by using leaner meat, reducing added sugars, and incorporating whole-grain breadcrumbs for added fiber.
Remember that the nutrition values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Adjusting the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and nutritional goals is always a good idea.