East Croatian Meat Loaf
Delight in the rich, homestyle flavors of East Croatian Meat Loaf, a hearty dish that captures the essence of traditional Eastern European cuisine. Made with a flavorful mix of ground beef and pork, this meat loaf is elevated with smoked paprika, garlic, and dried parsley for a savory, aromatic base. Optional additions like sweet ajvar and shredded cheese infuse it with a delightful tang and creaminess, while a golden layer of crispy bacon ensures every bite is irresistible. Moist and tender, thanks to a blend of breadcrumbs soaked in milk, this meat loaf is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special gathering. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to complete this authentic Croatian feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef
- 500 g Ground pork
- 100 g Breadcrumbs
- 125 ml Milk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Dried parsley
- 100 g Sweet ajvar (pepper spread, optional)
- 1 tbsp Sunflower oil
- 100 g, shredded Cheese (hard cheese like Gouda or Edam, optional)
- 8 slices Bacon strips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease it lightly with sunflower oil.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb and soften.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, softened breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until well combined.
If desired, mix sweet ajvar and shredded cheese into the meat mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Ensure it is evenly incorporated.
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to remove air pockets and create a compact loaf.
Lay the bacon strips over the top of the meat loaf, slightly overlapping them and tucking the ends underneath the loaf for a snug fit.
Cover the meat loaf loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the meat loaf reaches 75°C (165°F).
Remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4268 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 291.5 g | 374% | |
| Saturated Fat | 112.6 g | 563% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1365 mg | 455% | |
| Sodium | 7020 mg | 305% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 119.2 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.8 g | ||
| Protein | 297.7 g | 595% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.0 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 1272 mg | 98% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 2512 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
