This quick meatloaf recipe is so simple, so quick, and so delicious! Traditionally, hard boiled eggs are enclosed inside the loaf. As kids, it was a surprise to see eggs suddenly appear when the meatloaf was cut.
Since it is cooked on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan, the fat cooks out of the meat, making this a healthy dinner choice.
In German it is called "Falscher Hase" meaning "false rabbit". The similarity is in shape, not taste! The loaf is formed into a slightly elongated, flattened shape to resemble a hare (rabbit). Just think of it like shaping a loaf of bread.
I usually make several loaves at once - one to eat hot right away (served with red cabbage and mashed potatoes is a treat!) - the rest is reheated for another dinner (slices warmed in the microwave are delicious) or sliced for sandwiches (a real treat!).
German Quick Meatloaf
Ingredients:
2 lbs. lean beef (or mixture beef and pork)
2 eggs
l onion, finely chopped, (browned in oil, if desired)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 hard boiled eggs (if desired - see above)
4 slices bacon
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375° F.
In large bowl, gently mix meat, eggs, onion, bread crumbs, salt and pepper.
Shape into a loaf and place on a rimmed baking sheet - not into a loaf pan!
If inserting hard boiled eggs, enclose in center of meat.
Cover meatloaf with bacon slices.
Bake 50 - 60 minutes or until done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat loaves are at 165° F.
Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Hints:
Shape into 2 smaller loaves, so there's more crust - everyone just loves the ends - they're extra delicious!
To check seasonings before baking, put a small amount (1 tsp.) of raw meat mixture into microwave and cook (about 1 min.). Taste and see if more salt is needed.
Add any or several of the following: 1/4 to 1/2 cup ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, sauteed mushrooms.
Change flavor by 1/2 tsp. thyme.
You can omit the bacon to wrap the loaves. Instead, brush with barbecue sauce or ketchup before baking.
Ingredients:
