Description
German Meatloaf (Hackbraten) is a flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, made with a savory mix of beef and pork, aromatic spices like nutmeg, and enriched with mustard and tomato paste. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish with oil or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Mix the ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared baking dish or loaf pan.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is golden brown.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Optional: Serve with brown gravy or pan juices for added flavor.
Notes
- Use a mix of pork and beef for a traditional German flavor.
- Add boiled eggs, cheese, or sautéed veggies in the center for a stuffed version.
- Top with shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free oats instead of breadcrumbs.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
