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.

  • 14 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 65 min
  • Prep time 20 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 12 Ingredients

Crunchy-topped meat loaves

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.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
27g
1 onion
160g
1 stalk celery
130g
1 red pepper
80g
2 lb ground beef (80/20%)
910g
1 lb tomatoes
450g
2 cups bread crumbs
180g
2 tbsp mustard
30g
2 eggs
100g
1/2 bunch fresh parsley
27g
2 tbsp butter
30g
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
60g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- 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.
3. Prepare the Meat Loaf Mixture:
- 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.
4. Form the Meat Loaves:
- 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.
5. Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the grated parmesan cheese.
6. Top the Meat Loaves:
- Place the mini loaves on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon the buttery parmesan mixture evenly over the tops of each loaf.
7. Bake the Meat Loaves:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the meat loaves are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
8. Serve:
- 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 Facts
Serving Size360 grams
Energy
Calories 640kcal32%
Protein
Protein 36g24%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 30g9%
Fiber 3.75g10%
Sugar 6g6%
Fat
Fat 45g53%
Saturated 16g56%
Cholesterol 200mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 170ug19%
Choline 160mg29%
Vitamin B1 0.44mg36%
Vitamin B2 0.51mg39%
Vitamin B3 9mg57%
Vitamin B6 0.70mg41%
Vitamin B9 90ug23%
Vitamin B12 3.64ug152%
Vitamin C 36mg40%
Vitamin E 1.24mg8%
Vitamin K 90ug78%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 210mg16%
Copper, Cu 0.25mg27%
Iron, Fe 5mg50%
Magnesium, Mg 66mg15%
Phosphorus, P 430mg34%
Potassium, K 850mg25%
Selenium, Se 40ug74%
Sodium, Na 600mg40%
Zinc, Zn 8mg70%
Water
Water 250g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Creamy chicken and sweet potato soup

Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

27 Feb 2025

Thai-style pork with eggplant

Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

12 Mar 2025

Pumpkin pie

Perfect for autumn gatherings.

19 Mar 2025

Shepherd's pie

This vegan take on a classic comfort dish is ideal for a healthy family dinner that's bursting with garden-fresh flavors.

30 Jan 2025

Chocolate cream cheese brownies

Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

06 Mar 2025

Cheesy cookies

Enjoy the perfect combination of flavors in every bite.

21 Jan 2025

Chickpea and lentil patties

Ready in no time and sure to become a family favorite.

19 Mar 2025

Posts