Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is a dish typically made by combining ground meat (such as beef, veal, or chicken), breadcrumbs, egg, onion, spices, and sometimes vegetables. This mixture is usually baked in the oven and served sliced. Meatloaf is a popular dish, particularly in American cuisine.

It originated in medieval Europe and gained popularity in the United States, becoming a staple in many households, especially in the mid-20th century. It’s a dish where each family has its own recipe and flavor preferences, so you can encounter different variations in different regions or families.

Meatloaf can be served with various sauces and accompanied by side dishes like mashed potatoes, vegetables, or salad. Different ingredients and spices can be used to achieve different flavors. For example, some recipes may incorporate ketchup, mustard, or spicy sauces.

Meatloaf is a nutritious meal, providing protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, it is a practical option due to its ease of preparation and baking in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of ground beef
• 1 large onion
• 2 slices of stale bread (or 1 cup of breadcrumbs)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of pepper paste
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup of water (for kneading the meat mixture)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of pepper paste
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Soften the stale bread by soaking it in water. Squeeze out excess water and crumble the bread.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, crumbled stale bread, egg, vegetable oil, tomato and pepper pastes, salt, and spices.
3. Knead the mixture well to prepare the meat mixture. If the mixture is too watery, you can adjust the consistency by adding breadcrumbs gradually.
4. Take walnut-sized portions of the prepared meat mixture and shape them into balls.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the meatballs in the pan until they turn golden brown. Then, transfer them to a plate.
6. For the sauce, mix together tomato paste, pepper paste, water, vegetable oil, and salt in a bowl.
7. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it come to a boil.
8. Once the sauce starts boiling, add the meatballs to the pan. Cook for a few more minutes, making sure the meatballs are coated with the sauce on all
9. Serve

Enjoy your meal!