Crispy Bacon-Topped German Meatloaf with Savory Gravy 🥓🇩🇪

German Meatloaf Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 1 Meatloaf

Description

This German Meatloaf recipe, passed down from my Polish mother-in-law, brings a delightful blend of flavors to your dinner table. Despite its name, its origins might be a bit ambiguous, but its taste is undeniably delicious. With a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, and topped with crispy bacon, this meatloaf is a savory delight perfect for any weeknight meal. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 slice bacon
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sherry wine
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped scallions, chopped parsley, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, rosemary, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Shape the Loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a roasting pan.

4. Layer with Bacon: Lay half of the bacon strips across the bottom of the loaf. Be sure not to push the bacon into the meatloaf; simply place it on top or bottom.

5. Top with Bacon: Arrange the remaining bacon strips on top of the meatloaf.

6. Bake: Bake the meatloaf, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until cooked through and the bacon is crispy on top.

7. Check Bacon Crispiness: If the bacon on top isn’t crisp enough, you can return the meatloaf to the oven at 450°F (230°C) for another 5-10 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.

8. Drain Juices: Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and carefully drain the juices into a heavy glass bowl. Strain off the grease from the drippings and set aside.

9. Prepare Gravy (Optional): If desired, prepare gravy to accompany the meatloaf. In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir well to create a medium-colored roux.

10. Add Drippings: Quickly add the reserved drippings (juices) to the roux, along with water, a little at a time, to make 3 cups of liquid. Stir in the sherry wine, Bovril (beef cube) flavoring, salt, pepper, and milk.

11. Simmer and Thicken: Simmer the gravy, whisking often, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

12. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it hot with the optional gravy on the side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 2974.2
• Fat: 217.7g
• Saturated Fat: 92g
• Cholesterol: 1041.5mg
• Sodium: 5633.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2.9g
• Protein: 193.4g

Notes

• Feel free to customize this meatloaf recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
• Leftover meatloaf makes delicious sandwiches the next day.
• Don’t forget to save any leftover gravy for mashed potatoes or other dishes.