Meatloaf has long been a staple in many households, but introducing a hard-boiled egg center elevates this comfort food to a new level. This culinary technique not only adds visual appeal but also enriches the flavor profile, making it a favorite in various cultures.
Incorporating eggs into meat dishes is a practice seen in numerous cuisines. For instance, the Traditional German Meatloaf Recipe, known as Falscher Hase, features a hard-boiled egg encased within the meat mixture. Similarly, the Filipino Embutido: A Unique Meatloaf showcases a steamed meatloaf roll filled with eggs and other ingredients, highlighting the versatility of this concept.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this delightful dish, gather the following:
- Ground Meat: Opt for beef, pork, or a combination. For a healthier alternative, consider using ground turkey.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: These will be the centerpiece of your meatloaf.
- Breadcrumbs: Act as a binder to maintain the loaf’s structure.
- Onions and Garlic: Provide aromatic depth.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize with your preferred seasonings.
- Egg: Serves as an additional binding agent.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the mixture.
🔪 Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine your ground meat with finely chopped onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, and your chosen herbs and spices.
- Form the Loaf:
- On a piece of parchment paper, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle.
- Place the hard-boiled eggs in a line along the center.
- Carefully roll the meat over the eggs, sealing the edges to encase them fully.
- Bake:
- Transfer the loaf to a baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Pair with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
🌟 Tips and Variations
- Cheese Addition: Incorporate shredded cheese into the meat mixture or sprinkle on top before baking for a creamy touch.
- Glaze: Brush the top with a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar halfway through baking to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to suit your taste preferences.
For more insights into meatloaf variations and techniques, explore the Traditional German Meatloaf Recipe and the Filipino Embutido: A Unique Meatloaf on our website.
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Egg-Stuffed Meatloaf: A Delectable Twist on a Classic Dish
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 2 eggs (for binding)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Filling:
- 4–6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Boil the eggs in advance and peel them. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Meat Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until fully combined.
- Assemble the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a large sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick.
- Place the hard-boiled eggs in a row down the center of the rectangle.
- Carefully roll up the meat mixture around the eggs, using the parchment paper to help shape it into a tight loaf. Seal the edges and ends to ensure the eggs are fully enclosed.
- Bake:
- Transfer the meatloaf to a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, seam side down.
- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze.
- Brush the glaze generously over the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Cut into thick slices to reveal the eggs in the center. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- For added flavor, mix ground pork or turkey with the beef.
- You can customize the filling by adding sautéed spinach, cheese, or herbs around the eggs before rolling.
- If you’d like a crispy exterior, broil the meatloaf for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy this comforting and protein-packed dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious!