Meat Loaf with Creamy Onion Gravy
This is a culmination of all the meat loaves Ive ever eaten, says Andrew Curren, chef-partner of 24 Diner in Austin. My mom always made a good meat loafit never had the tomato goo on top of it. Then I tasted a meat loaf that had cheese in it; that was a good idea. In Italy, I was introduced to soffritto and realized the importance of cooking with carrots, onion, celery. Curren serves the meat loaf with creamy gravy, which is also excellent on lunchtime meat loaf sandwiches. More All-American Recipes
This is a culmination of all the meat loaves Ive ever eaten, says Andrew Curren, chef-partner of 24 Diner in Austin. My mom always made a good meat loafit never had the tomato goo on top of it. Then I tasted a meat loaf that had cheese in it; that was a good idea. In Italy, I was introduced to soffritto and realized the importance of cooking with carrots, onion, celery. Curren serves the meat loaf with creamy gravy, which is also excellent on lunchtime meat loaf sandwiches. More All-American Recipes
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 4 large eggs
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 rib celery finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 large carrots finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon tabasco
- 3 pounds ground beef chuck
- 1/2 pound monterey jack cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- creamy onion gravy
- Carbohydrate 14.0003782199979 g
- Cholesterol 312.042122854167 mg
- Fat 45.0981947408858 g
- Fiber 1.31218325827155 g
- Protein 53.2453383641432 g
- Saturated Fat 18.2078327540398 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (255g)
- Sodium 688.266749737072 mg
- Sugar 12.6881949617264 g
- Trans Fat 5.89274876291395 g
- Calories 687 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a medium skillet, heat the oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes.
- Scrape the mixture into a very large bowl and let cool.
- Add the panko, eggs, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper and stir to form a paste.
- Using your hands, work in the ground meats and cheese until combined.
- Line a large roasting pan with parchment paper.
- Firmly pat the meat mixture into 2 loaves, about 10 inches long.
- Arrange the loaves 3 inches apart on the parchment and roast in the lower third of the oven for about 1 hour, until lightly browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the loaves registers 150 degrees.
- Let the meat loaves rest for 15 minutes, then cut into thick slices and serve with the Creamy Onion Gravy.
My Perfect Meatloaf: A Culinary Journey
As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I need recipes that are both delicious and efficient, and this meatloaf recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's a culmination of years of experimenting, inspired by family recipes and culinary adventures. My mom’s simple, no-frills meatloaf was my benchmark – hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. But over time, I've incorporated elements from various cuisines, enhancing its complexity without sacrificing its comforting essence. The addition of cheese, for instance, was a game-changer – a touch of unexpected richness that elevates the whole dish. My Italian travels introduced me to the magic of soffritto, that beautiful blend of carrots, celery, and onion, which adds depth and sweetness to the meatloaf's base. This isn't your grandma's meatloaf, though it honors the spirit of that classic comfort food. It's a refined version, a testament to the evolution of a simple recipe.
The beauty of this meatloaf lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility. It's a fantastic centerpiece for a family dinner, easily adaptable to different preferences. Leftovers make incredibly satisfying sandwiches, perfect for a quick and easy lunch. The creamy onion gravy is a must; its richness complements the meatloaf beautifully, adding a layer of luxurious flavor. But don't feel restricted by the recipe; feel free to experiment! Add your own favorite herbs and spices; try substituting different cheeses; let your creativity flow. The true magic of cooking is in the personalized touch, the opportunity to create something unique and meaningful from simple ingredients. It's more than just a meal; it's a story told through flavor and texture, a reflection of your culinary journey. For me, this meatloaf isn’t just a dish; it’s a warm hug in edible form, a reminder of simpler times and cherished memories, refined and elevated for modern life. It’s a testament to the joy of cooking and the satisfaction of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.
Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Reflection
This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it represents a journey of culinary discovery, a testament to the adaptability and evolution of classic dishes. It’s a recipe that reflects my own life—a blend of tradition and innovation, simplicity and sophistication. The meatloaf itself, with its comforting simplicity, mirrors the foundational aspects of my life: family, tradition, and comfort. Yet, the additions – the subtle influences from Italian soffritto, the richness of cheese – mirror my experiences outside that core, the growth, exploration, and refinement that have shaped my culinary style and my life. It's a reflection of how experiences enrich and enhance, adding unexpected layers of flavor to the basic elements of life. This meatloaf, in its perfected form, embodies my life’s journey – a blend of tradition and adventure, comfort and excitement, all brought together into one delightful, satisfying dish.
This meatloaf is a testament to the power of adaptation and refinement. It began as a simple family recipe, a comfort food rooted in tradition. But, over time, influences from other cultures and culinary experiences have transformed it into something more complex and nuanced. The use of soffritto, a technique I learned during my travels, adds depth and richness. The addition of cheese, a stroke of culinary inspiration, adds unexpected levels of flavor. These additions are not merely embellishments; they are integral parts of the dish's identity, reflecting my personal journey and culinary growth. Each bite is a reminder of the constant evolution of our tastes and the ongoing exploration of culinary possibilities. Cooking, like life, is a process of continuous learning and adaptation. The perfect meatloaf isn't a destination but a journey, a reflection of our own evolving palettes and experiences.
