The Ultimate Loaded Meatloaf Bread Recipe
Introduction
Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a mouthwatering Loaded Meatloaf Bread? Perfect for family dinners, game days, or any time you crave hearty comfort food, this dish wraps flavorful meatloaf in a golden, crispy bread shell. In this article, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions, variations, and tips for making this dish a hit at your table.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain)
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
For the Bread
- 1 long loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf for extra flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
- While the meatloaf cools, take your French or Italian bread and slice it not quite all the way through to create a pocket for your meatloaf filling.
- Brush the inside of the bread with melted butter. Sprinkle shredded cheese into the pocket, creating a cheesy base for your meatloaf.
Step 4: Load the Bread
- Carefully place slices of the cooked meatloaf into the pocket of the bread. You can layer more cheese on top of the meatloaf for an extra melty effect.
- Top with additional cheese before closing the bread.
Step 5: Bake the Loaded Bread
- Wrap the loaded bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve with your favorite sides.
Variations
Vegetarian Version
- Replace ground beef with a mixture of lentils, quinoa, and chopped vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option. You can still include the cheese and breadcrumbs for texture.
Spicy Loaded Meatloaf
- Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for some heat. Consider using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
BBQ Loaded Meatloaf
- Substitute the ketchup in the meat mixture with your favorite barbecue sauce and top the finished loaf with more BBQ sauce instead of ketchup.
Mediterranean Twist
- Incorporate feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes into the meat mixture for an exciting Mediterranean flavor profile.
Tips for Success
- Rest Your Meatloaf: Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps it stay moist and makes it easier to handle.
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Mozzarella, gouda, and provolone can all add different flavors.
- Muffin Tin Variation: For individual servings, press the meatloaf mixture into a muffin tin and follow the same loading process with smaller bread rolls.
Conclusion
The Loaded Meatloaf Bread recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that combines the comforting flavors of meatloaf with the satisfying crunch of baked bread. Whether you’re following the classic recipe or trying one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your loved ones with this incredible
Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media!
