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Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Stovetop Braised Meatloaf, not your average meatloaf.

If you are looking for a smaller meatloaf, you are in luck! This Stovetop Braised Meatloaf only calls for one pound of ground beef, and because it is braised, you won't even need an oven. And the taste? Delicious!


There are so many ways to cook a meatloaf, including this braised method. 

Here it is, a ground beef meatloaf, braised on top of the stove, and served with a richly flavored pan reduction. Yep, you just entered meatloaf heaven! And it is just the right size for small families or for families that don't like leftovers. I have never met those folks, but I know some folks are not leftover fans! I love leftovers, and this meatloaf, should you have any leftover, is delicious the next day also. 

Leftovers can be a cook's best friend when time is tight. 

Years ago I didn't think I like leftover meatloaf. But then I discovered that I was actually reheating it wrong! My usual method had been to zap it in the microwave or sometimes put it in the oven with a sauce over the top. I would bake it covered until warm and my golly call out to the family that dinner was ready. And often I would then have leftover, leftovers! And then some years later... 

One evening we were having dinner out at a restaurant where meatloaf was on the menu. Personally, I have never ordered meatloaf while dining out, simply because it is something I make at home. But plate after plate of meatloaf was being carried past me to folks waiting to enjoy their dinner. Since we had not ordered yet, I took a look at the menu and took notice of the meatloaf. The secret? 

The secret? A frying pan and a smear of butter!

The menu explained that the cook took thick slices of meatloaf and sautéed them in butter before plating and serving them to the guests. Why I had never thought of that was a mystery to me, because anything sautéed in butter is going to be delicious! As a matter of fact, I can not think of a single thing that is not improved with a quick sauté in butter? 

That evening, I did not order the meatloaf (they might have sold been out, so much had already been carried past me!) but I came home with a great kitchen tip to use and share. And now it is true, left over meatloaf is wonderful this way... 

What should I serve with this recipe?

This Stovetop Braised Meatloaf is so good, it does not need catsup...(but use some if you like!). It requires a little bit of hands-on preparation, but after that, it braises without much attention. It goes great with garlic mashed potatoes or even macaroni and cheese. But I would like to offer this additional suggestion, Rustic 3 Veg Mash with Sauteed Green Onions...add a green vegetable or tossed salad and some fruit and you have a dinner that the whole family will love.


Ingredients needed for this recipe:
  • ground beef
  • bread 
  • milk
  • egg
  • onion
  • catsup, our recipe found here.
  • garlic salt
  • fresh ground pepper
  • dry bread crumbs
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • ham or salami or prosciutto or mortadella
  • olive oil
  • butter
You will also need the following:
  • small skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • chopping board
  • baking pan
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • paring knife
  • liquid measuring cup
Now we are ready to begin!



Stovetop Braised Meatloaf
adapted from:  Olla Podrida
UPDATED: 10.12.2023

1 slice bread
2-4 T milk
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg
1 T finely minced onion
1 T catsup (this touch of sweet will carry the rest of the flavors, you won't taste it separately)
1/2 t garlic salt
fresh pepper to taste ( 4-6 "grinds")
2 T dry bread crumbs
1/3 c Parmesan cheese
2 T finely chopped, ham or salami or  prosciutto or mortadella

1/2 - 3/4 c dry (fine) bread crumbs, plain or Italian flavored

1 T olive oil
1T butter

1/2 c dry white wine
1/2 c beef stock or water
1 small tomato, finely diced
1 small carrot grated ( if desired)
1 T minced onion (if desired)

Place slice of bread and 2 tablespoons of the milk in a skillet, warm gently, stirring until mixture is a creamy mass. You may need up to the full 4 tablespoons of milk, however, do not use more. Let mixture cool.

Combine the cooled bread mixture and the remaining ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix together gently. 

On a large sheet of plastic wrap, turn the meat mixture out and begin forming a log, approximately 2 1/2 inches thick. 

Wrap and chill for an hour or place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

How to assemble Stovetop Braised Meatloaf. 

In a shallow bowl, add dry breadcrumbs. For ease, I cut the log in half to make the process of coating and browning easier. Coat the meat mixture in bread crumbs, taking care to maintain the meatloaf shape.

Heat butter and oil in a large shallow pan, sauté meat loaf piece(s) until golden brown, turning to brown on all sides. Take care to not break the loaf apart.

Add wine, stock, and diced tomato, carrot, and onion if using braise covered on low/simmer for 1 hour. Remove from pan, set aside. 

Sieve pan drippings to remove skin and seeds from tomato and any other solids that you do not want in your reduced pan sauce. Skim fat, return to the pan and boil down to concentrate and thicken. Serve the reduced pan sauce over the meatloaf or over some mashed potatoes.

Storage options for Stovetop Braised Meatloaf. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, slice, and wrap each piece in wax paper, then stack in a plastic freezer bag or storage container. Remove only the number you need. let thaw in the refrigerator. To reheat, sauté in a skillet with a small amount of butter, you will thank me later...

UPDATE:  For your convenience, a "copy and paste" version of Stovetop Braised Meatloaf has been included below. 
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Printable "copy and paste" version:


Stovetop Braised Meatloaf
adapted from:  Olla Podrida
UPDATED: 10.12.2023

1 slice bread
2-4 T milk
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg
1 T finely minced onion
1 T catsup (this touch of sweet will carry the rest of the flavors, you won't taste it separately)
1/2 t garlic salt
fresh pepper to taste ( 4-6 "grinds")
2 T dry bread crumbs
1/3 c Parmesan cheese
2 T finely chopped, ham or salami or  prosciutto or mortadella

1/2 - 3/4 c dry (fine) bread crumbs, plain or Italian flavored

1 T olive oil
1T butter

1/2 c dry white wine
1/2 c beef stock or water
1 small tomato, finely diced
1 small carrot grated ( if desired)
1 T minced onion (if desired)

Place slice of bread and 2 tablespoons of the milk in a skillet, warm gently, stirring until mixture is a creamy mass. You may need up to the full 4 tablespoons of milk, however, do not use more. Let mixture cool.

Combine the cooled bread mixture and the remaining ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix together gently. 

On a large sheet of plastic wrap, turn the meat mixture out and begin forming a log, approximately 2 1/2 inches thick. 

Wrap and chill for an hour or place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

In a shallow bowl, add dry breadcrumbs. For ease, I cut the log in half to make the process of coating and browning easier. Coat the meat mixture in bread crumbs, taking care to maintain the meatloaf shape.

Heat butter and oil in a large shallow pan, sauté meat loaf piece(s) until golden brown, turning to brown on all sides. Take care to not break the loaf apart.

Add wine, stock, and diced tomato, carrot, and onion if using braise covered on low/simmer for 1 hour. Remove from pan, set aside. 

Sieve pan drippings to remove skin and seeds from tomato and any other solids that you do not want in your reduced pan sauce. Skim fat, return to the pan and boil down to concentrate and thicken. Serve the reduced pan sauce over the meatloaf or over some mashed potatoes.

Storage options for Stovetop Braised Meatloaf. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, slice, and wrap each piece in wax paper, then stack in a plastic freezer bag or storage container. Remove only the number you need. let thaw in the refrigerator. To reheat, sauté in a skillet with a small amount of butter, you will thank me later...

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Would you like to comment?

  1. I love meatloaf - especially sandwiches the next day! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party. Hope your weekend is amazing and we see you again this Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen, you are welcome, thank you as always for hosting, I appreciate it.

      Delete

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