Tastier than Boring Meatballs! Dutch Meatloaf for a Hearty Family Dinner 🍽️🍖
When it comes to hearty family meals, few dishes can rival the comforting
allure of a perfectly baked meatloaf. While traditional meatballs are beloved
in many kitchens, they can sometimes feel a bit uninspired. Enter Dutch
Meatloaf—a flavorful, tender, and satisfying dish that elevates the humble
ground beef to a centerpiece worthy of any dinner table. Paired with stewed
cabbage and a tangy glaze, this recipe transforms a classic concept into a
culinary masterpiece.
Why Dutch Meatloaf?
Dutch Meatloaf combines the robust flavors of spiced beef, creamy cheese,
and aromatic herbs with a rich, caramelized glaze. Its appeal lies not only in
its taste but also in its versatility. This dish is perfect for family dinners,
potlucks, or meal prep, as it can be made ahead and reheated without losing its
flavor or texture.
Ingredients for
Success
To craft this exceptional meatloaf, you’ll need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 6 slices of
bread (150 g): Acts as a binder, keeping the meatloaf
moist.
- 250 ml milk:
Softens the bread for easy mixing.
- 3 sprigs of
green onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- 150 g edamer
cheese: Provides a creamy, nutty undertone.
- 1 kg ground beef:
The star of the dish, offering rich, savory flavor.
- Seasonings:
Salt, black pepper, coriander, dried garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg for
depth and warmth.
- 3 eggs & 2
tbsp breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture together.
For Baking:
- Olive oil:
For greasing the tray.
- 1 onion
(chopped): Adds sweetness and moisture during baking.
- 2 bay leaves
& peppercorns: Infuse subtle aromatics into the dish.
For the Glaze:
- 1 tsp wine
vinegar: Brings acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp olive
oil: Adds richness.
- 1 tbsp ketchup
& 1 tsp brown sugar: Create a tangy-sweet glaze.
For the Stewed Cabbage:
- 1 carrot
(grated): Adds natural sweetness.
- 1/2 medium
cabbage (700 g): The perfect side dish, hearty and
nutritious.
- 200 ml passata:
Enhances the flavor with a rich tomato base.
- Salt, black
pepper, and olive oil: For seasoning and sautéing.
Step-by-Step
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread Mixture
Tear the bread into small pieces and soak it in milk. This creates a soft
base that ensures the meatloaf stays moist and tender.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the soaked bread, ground beef, grated edamer
cheese, green onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, and all the seasonings. Mix thoroughly
but gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the loaf dense.
3. Shape the Loaves
Grease a baking tray with olive oil and scatter chopped onions on the
bottom. With wet hands, shape the meat mixture into two evenly sized loaves and
place them on the tray. Add a bit of water, bay leaves, and peppercorns around
the loaves to enhance the aroma during baking.
4. Bake the Meatloaf
Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F) and bake the meatloaves for 40 minutes.
5. Prepare the Glaze
While the meatloaves bake, mix wine vinegar, olive oil, ketchup, and brown
sugar in a small bowl. This glaze will add a glossy, tangy-sweet finish to the
dish.
6. Add the Glaze
After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaves from the oven and spread the glaze
generously over the top. Return them to the oven for an additional 20 minutes
to allow the glaze to caramelize.
7. Make the Stewed Cabbage
Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Add grated carrot and chopped cabbage, stirring to combine. Season with salt
and pepper, then pour in the passata and add bay leaves. Cover and simmer for
15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavorful.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them cool slightly before
slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm alongside
the stewed cabbage for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Flavors That
Make It Special
1. Cheese in the Meatloaf
The addition of grated edamer cheese sets this recipe apart. As the meatloaf
bakes, the cheese melts, creating pockets of creamy, savory goodness.
2. Aromatic Spices
The combination of coriander, nutmeg, and dried garlic adds complexity to
the dish, making each bite more intriguing than the last.
3. Tangy-Sweet Glaze
The glaze provides a delightful contrast to the rich, savory meatloaf. Its
tangy-sweet flavor profile balances the dish perfectly.
4. Stewed Cabbage Side
The stewed cabbage is more than just a side dish—it’s a flavor-packed
accompaniment that complements the meatloaf with its tangy tomato base and
tender texture.
Why Your Family
Will Love It
1. Comforting and Hearty
This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The meatloaf is tender, juicy, and
packed with flavor, while the stewed cabbage adds a warm, homey touch.
2. Perfect for Sharing
The recipe yields two meatloaves, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or saving
leftovers for later.
3. Nutrient-Packed Meal
With protein from the beef and eggs, fiber from the cabbage, and vitamins from
the carrots and onions, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh
Ingredients: Fresh green onions, quality cheese, and lean
ground beef make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Overmix:
Mix the meatloaf ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender
texture.
- Rest Before
Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after
baking to retain its juices.
- Customize the
Cabbage: Add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of chili
flakes for extra zing.
A Dish for All
Occasions
Dutch Meatloaf isn’t just for family dinners—it’s versatile enough for any
occasion. Serve it at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers,
and watch it become the star of the meal.
Final Thoughts
With its rich flavors, comforting textures, and hearty appeal, Dutch
Meatloaf proves that dinner can be both simple and spectacular. It’s a dish
that brings people together, turning an ordinary evening into a memorable
dining experience.
So why settle for boring meatballs when you can enjoy the flavorful delight
of Dutch Meatloaf? Try it tonight and see how it transforms your family dinner
into something truly special.
Would you like to explore more hearty dinner recipes?