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Oma's Traditional German Meatloaf Recipe (Falscher Hase)

This German meatloaf (falscher hase) is my easy family favorite ... savory, slightly smoky from bacon, and perfect hot or cold.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (908 grams) lean ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup (75 grams) breadcrumbs or 1 Kaiser roll (see Tips)
• 1½ teaspoons (9 grams) salt
• ½ teaspoon (1 grams) freshly ground black pepper
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled (optional)
• 4 strips bacon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, gently mix the ground meat, eggs, onion, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
3. If you’re hiding hard-boiled eggs inside: On a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper, flatten the meat mixture into the shape of a square, and lay the eggs in a straight line in the middle of the meat. Lift the plastic wrap to help fold the sides over the eggs. Shape the meat into a loaf shape.
4. If you’re not hiding hard-boiled eggs inside: Mold the meat mixture into a loaf shape.
5. Place the meatloaf in a 9×13-inch casserole dish – do not use a loaf pan or else the meat will swim in the fat!
6. Lay the bacon strips on top of the meatloaf.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is at 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the loaf stand 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes/Hints:

• Traditionally, stale buns were used instead of bread crumbs. Easiest is to use a Kaiser roll, and soak it in some warm milk or water for about 10 minutes. Drain it, squeeze out the liquid, and crumble the roll and add to the meat instead of the breadcrumbs.
• Shape into 2 smaller loaves, so there's more crust - everyone just loves the crusty ends - they're extra delicious! 
• Add any or several of the following: ¼ to ½ cup ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, and/or sautéed mushrooms.
• Change flavor by adding 1 teaspoon thyme and/or a teaspoon paprika.
• Other seasonings to try: caraway seeds, fresh parsley, or dried parsley flakes.
• You can omit the bacon strips to wrap the loaves. Instead, brush with barbecue sauce or ketchup before baking.
• This tastes so good when it's served with German potato salad.

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Updated on January 6, 2026