Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has been a staple of home-cooked meals for generations. It’s simple to make, filling, and can be customized with a variety of ingredients. This recipe, however, takes meatloaf to a whole new level with the addition of gourmet ingredients such as mortadella, pistachios, and Emmental cheese. This version of meatloaf is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking to impress your guests, this meatloaf will not disappoint.
The unique combination of ingredients, like the creamy cheese, savory mortadella, and crunchy pistachios, brings a balance of flavors and textures that make each bite memorable. Plus, the easy-to-follow instructions ensure that even novice home cooks can recreate this dish with confidence. If you’re tired of the same old meatloaf recipes and want something that stands out, this is the one for you. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for making this incredible meatloaf.
Ingredients
For this meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Meatloaf Mixture:
- 450 g minced meat (beef or a blend of both)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 6 slices of bread (preferably day-old bread)
- Milk to taste (for soaking the bread)
- 50 g grated cheese (Parmesan or a hard cheese of your choice)
- Oil to taste (for greasing the pan)
For the Filling and Topping:
- 150 g Emmental cheese, diced (or any mild cheese of your choice)
- 150 g mortadella, diced (a flavorful Italian deli meat)
- 100 g pistachios, coarsely chopped (unsalted is best)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon milk
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
1.1 Soak the Bread
Start by soaking the bread in milk. The bread will absorb the milk and become soft, which will help create a moist and tender meatloaf. Simply tear the bread into pieces and place it in a bowl. Pour enough milk over the bread to soak it completely, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The bread should become soft and mushy, and you can use a fork to break it down further if necessary.
1.2 Mix the Meat and Other Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onions, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. The cheese will add a nice flavor and some moisture to the meatloaf. Add the soaked bread, which will act as a binder, helping to hold everything together. Finally, crack in the egg and mix everything thoroughly. You should have a homogenous mixture that is slightly sticky but easy to handle.
1.3 Incorporate the Pistachios
Next, fold in the coarsely chopped pistachios. These nuts will add a delightful crunch and a subtle, slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory meat. Be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the meat mixture so that each bite contains a bit of the pistachio goodness. Depending on the consistency of the dough, you may need to add some breadcrumbs to thicken it up a bit.
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf
2.1 Prepare the Pan
Line a baking sheet or a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the surface with oil to make cleanup easier. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), so it’s ready when your meatloaf is formed.
2.2 Form the Meatloaf
Now it’s time to shape the meat mixture into a loaf. Start by turning the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and gently pressing it into a rectangular shape. The size of the loaf is up to you, but a medium-sized loaf works best for even cooking. The goal is to form a uniform, compact loaf that will cook evenly in the oven.
Step 3: Add the Filling
3.1 Layer the Filling
Now for the fun part—filling the meatloaf with mortadella and cheese! Lay out the diced mortadella and Emmental cheese in the center of the meat mixture. Be generous with the filling, as it will add great flavor and richness to the meatloaf. The cheese will melt as the meatloaf cooks, creating gooey pockets of melted goodness, while the mortadella will infuse the meat with its savory, aromatic flavor.
3.2 Roll the Meatloaf
Carefully roll the meatloaf, folding the sides of the mixture over the filling, ensuring that the cheese and mortadella are fully enclosed. Pinch the ends together to seal the loaf, making sure that there are no gaps where the filling could escape during cooking. This step is crucial for ensuring that the filling stays inside the meatloaf and doesn’t leak out.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash
4.1 Make the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. This will give your meatloaf a beautiful golden brown finish and a glossy sheen. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top of the meatloaf with the egg wash. This step not only adds to the appearance of the meatloaf but also helps it to hold together during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
5.1 Bake at 180°C (350°F)
Once the meatloaf is shaped and brushed with the egg wash, place it in the preheated oven. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F). If you’re unsure about the doneness, use a meat thermometer to check.
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your meatloaf, so it’s always a good idea to check it at the 40-minute mark.
Step 6: Serve the Meatloaf
6.1 Let it Rest
Once your meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring that it stays juicy and doesn’t fall apart when you slice it. Resting also makes the meatloaf easier to cut.
6.2 Slice and Serve
After resting, slice the meatloaf into thick pieces. The center should be soft and juicy, with the cheese and mortadella clearly visible. Serve the meatloaf while it’s still warm, and pair it with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad make excellent accompaniments.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Here are the approximate nutritional values for each serving of meatloaf (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 32 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Sugar: 5 grams
These values may vary based on the exact ingredients you use, so be sure to adjust them as needed based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Cooking Tips
For a Crispy Crust
If you like your meatloaf to have a crispy, golden crust, brush the top of the meatloaf with a little olive oil or butter before baking. This will give the exterior a rich flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Make Ahead
One of the great things about meatloaf is that it can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the meatloaf the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is an ideal option if you want to save time on the day you plan to serve it.
Customizing the Filling
Feel free to customize the filling of this meatloaf. If you prefer a stronger cheese, swap out Emmental for cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella. You can also experiment with different meats—try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Variations
Vegetarian Meatloaf
For a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can swap out the minced meat with a plant-based alternative, like lentils or tofu. The bread, egg, pistachios, and cheese filling can stay the same, providing a hearty and flavorful meatless option.
Spicy Meatloaf
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the meat mixture. This will give the meatloaf a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the mortadella and cheese.
FAQs
Can I Make This Meatloaf in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf in advance. Simply assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and saves you time on the day of serving.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, leftover meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pistachios?
Absolutely! If pistachios aren’t your favorite, you can swap them out with other nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each will provide a different flavor and texture but still complement the rich filling and meat.
Conclusion
This Meatloaf with Mortadella and Pistachios recipe is a fantastic twist on a classic comfort food. The savory, aromatic mortadella, combined with the melty Emmental cheese and crunchy pistachios, makes for a truly delicious meal. Whether served for a family dinner or at a special gathering, this meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, yet packed with flavor, and it offers endless possibilities for customization. Try this recipe today and elevate your meatloaf game to a whole new level.