Crunchy-topped meat loaves
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this crunchy-topped meat loaf recipe! Juicy ground beef mixed with fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and savory spices are topped with a crispy parmesan crust. Perfect for family dinners, it's easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Cook time 65 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil1 onion
1 stalk celery
1 red pepper
2 lb ground beef (80/20%)
1 lb tomatoes
2 cups bread crumbs
2 tbsp mustard
2 eggs
1/2 bunch fresh parsley
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Crunchy-topped meat loaves are a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This recipe combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a crispy, cheesy topping to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Follow these steps to make a mouth-watering meat loaf with a crunchy top that everyone will love.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and red pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped tomatoes, bread crumbs, mustard, lightly beaten eggs, and chopped parsley.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into 6 even portions and shape each portion into a mini loaf. Alternatively, you can form one large loaf if you prefer.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the grated parmesan cheese.
- Place the mini loaves on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon the buttery parmesan mixture evenly over the tops of each loaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the meat loaves are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove the meat loaves from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your crunchy-topped meat loaves with your favorite sides!
Tips:
- When chopping the vegetables, aim for small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the meat loaf.
- To prevent the meat loaves from drying out, be careful not to overmix the meat mixture. Mix just until everything is combined.
- You can customize the seasoning to your taste by adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil in addition to the parsley.
- If you prefer, you can use a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal for a more complex flavor.
- For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the meat loaves for the last few minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese.
This recipe for crunchy-topped meat loaves is simple yet delicious. The combination of juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy, crispy topping makes for a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade meat loaves with your favorite side dishes for a complete and hearty meal.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 640kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fiber 3.75g
Sugar 6g
Fat 45g
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