This rosemary meatloaf is a timeless comfort food, offering rich flavors from the fresh rosemary and a tender texture. The juicy beef combined with savory herbs creates a harmonious bite that’s perfect for family meals or a cozy dinner. Its golden-brown crust and savory topping make it an inviting dish that will surely please the palate.
For added versatility, this meatloaf can be served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a simple weeknight meal, this rosemary meatloaf is a delightful choice that everyone will enjoy.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup milk
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1 egg
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup ketchup
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it gently to form an even shape.
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Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
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Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through and browned on top.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Rosemary Meatloaf
Rosemary meatloaf is a timeless dish that combines hearty, flavorful beef with the aromatic touch of fresh rosemary. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed by families or served at a dinner party. The beauty of rosemary meatloaf lies not just in its simplicity but also in the delicious combination of flavors, offering an upgraded twist to the traditional meatloaf. This dish, rich in savory herbs, is a fantastic way to get your protein fix while enjoying a wholesome, satisfying meal.
The History of Meatloaf
Meatloaf, in its various forms, has been a staple of American cuisine for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to early European cooking, where ground meat was used to create a filling, economical dish. Early recipes date back to the 5th century in Rome, where minced meat was combined with breadcrumbs and herbs. Meatloaf became popular in the United States in the 19th century, as it was an affordable meal for many families. It quickly became a symbol of comfort food in American households, thanks to its ability to feed many people at once and its adaptability to various flavorings.
While classic meatloaf is often made with beef, variations with pork, turkey, and even lamb have emerged over the years. The rosemary meatloaf is a modern take on the traditional dish, infusing it with fresh rosemary, a fragrant herb known for its robust flavor and health benefits.
Why Rosemary?
Rosemary is an evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region, and it has been used in cooking for centuries. Its needle-like leaves are often used fresh or dried, and the flavor they impart is distinct and aromatic—earthy, slightly piney, and robust. Rosemary pairs beautifully with meat, especially beef, making it an ideal addition to meatloaf. The herb not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also brings a touch of sophistication to the dish. When baked, rosemary releases its natural oils, creating an aromatic scent that fills the kitchen and invites diners to the table.
In addition to its flavor, rosemary offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and has been linked to improving digestion, boosting memory, and providing anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating this herb into your meals is a great way to add a nutritional boost to your cooking.
Preparing Rosemary Meatloaf
Making rosemary meatloaf is a straightforward process, and it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. The key to a delicious meatloaf lies in balancing the ingredients to create a moist and flavorful loaf. In rosemary meatloaf, the fresh rosemary is mixed with ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and an egg to form a cohesive mixture that binds the meat together. Adding Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion gives the loaf an additional layer of flavor, while the ketchup topping helps create a flavorful glaze during the baking process.
One of the great things about rosemary meatloaf is its versatility. While the traditional recipe includes ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also experiment with different herbs to give the dish a unique flavor. Thyme, oregano, and sage all work wonderfully with rosemary, so feel free to add a pinch of these herbs to personalize the dish to your taste.
Tips for Making the Perfect Rosemary Meatloaf
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Choose the Right Meat: Ground beef with a bit of fat (around 80% lean) will give your meatloaf the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well but might require a bit more seasoning to prevent dryness.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the meat. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough meatloaf. Gently mix until everything is just combined.
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Moisture Matters: To keep your meatloaf moist, use breadcrumbs and milk. The breadcrumbs absorb the milk, which helps keep the meatloaf tender. If you want to avoid using breadcrumbs, try oatmeal or crushed crackers as a substitute.
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Rest Before Slicing: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the meatloaf from falling apart when you cut into it.
Rosemary Meatloaf Variations
Although rosemary meatloaf is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to mix things up to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences.
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Glazed Meatloaf: While the traditional recipe uses ketchup as a topping, you can experiment with different glazes. Barbecue sauce, brown sugar and mustard glaze, or even a balsamic vinegar glaze can add a sweet or tangy twist.
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Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables to your meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can all be mixed into the beef for an extra burst of color and health benefits.
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Cheese Lover’s Meatloaf: Add some shredded cheese to the meat mixture or stuff the center of the meatloaf with cheese for a gooey, cheesy surprise with every bite.
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Spicy Meatloaf: For a little heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. This will give your rosemary meatloaf an exciting kick!
Side Dishes to Pair with Rosemary Meatloaf
Rosemary meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Classic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts complement the savory flavors of the meatloaf. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the meat. For something more decadent, consider pairing your meatloaf with macaroni and cheese or creamy mashed cauliflower.
Storing and Reheating Rosemary Meatloaf
Leftover rosemary meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. You can also freeze leftover meatloaf for up to three months. To reheat, place the meatloaf slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If you’ve frozen the meatloaf, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Why Rosemary Meatloaf is a Great Choice
Rosemary meatloaf is more than just a comfort food – it’s a dish that offers a balanced combination of flavors and textures. The juicy, tender meat, combined with the fragrant rosemary, creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. The simplicity of the recipe makes it an easy dish to prepare for a weeknight meal, yet it’s impressive enough to serve at a special occasion. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and can be paired with a variety of sides, making it the perfect meal for any time of year.
Moreover, this dish can be easily adapted for different dietary preferences, such as using leaner meats, making it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even making it dairy-free. It’s a great way to introduce fresh herbs into your meals, offering not just flavor but also health benefits. Rosemary’s antioxidant properties, combined with the protein-packed beef, make this dish both nourishing and satisfying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rosemary meatloaf is a delicious and versatile dish that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity to any meal. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, this dish will surely become a favorite in your home. Its hearty texture, fragrant rosemary, and savory taste make it a timeless classic that everyone can enjoy. So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, look no further than rosemary meatloaf – it’s a dish that’s sure to please both your taste buds and your guests.