This classic Man-Made Meat Loaf recipe is a vintage gem featuring a flavorful combination of ground beef, veal, and pork blended with soaked breadcrumbs, minced onions, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and savory spices. Topped with tart jelly for a sweet and tangy glaze, this old-fashioned meatloaf delivers hearty comfort and timeless flavor. Perfect for family dinners or nostalgic gatherings, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground veal
- ½ lb ground fresh pork
- ½ lb streaked meat (minced)
- ¾ cup bread crumbs (soaked in water and squeezed)
- 2 tbsp green olives (minced )
- 2 onions (medium, cut fine)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs (slightly beaten)
- 2 tbsp prepared mustard
- 2 tbsp tart jelly (currant, plum, or cranberry recommended)
- olive oil (for coating loaf)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Bread Crumbs
- Soak bread crumbs in water.
- Squeeze out excess moisture and set aside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, veal, pork, steak meat, soaked breadcrumbs, minced onions, olives, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until evenly blended.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Jelly
- Beat eggs lightly and add to mixture.
- Stir in tart jelly for a tangy-sweet kick.
Step 4: Shape & Bake
- Form mixture into a loaf shape.
- Place into a lightly oiled loaf pan or baking dish.
- Brush top with olive oil.
- Bake in a moderate oven (350°F / 175°C) for 1 hour or until fully cooked.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
- Allow loaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with mashed potatoes or seasonal vegetables.
Tips
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork or veal for the most tender texture, as suggested by the handwritten card.
- A “moderate oven” typically means about 350°F (175°C); bake until the center reaches 160°F.
- Lining the pan with parchment or lightly oiling it will help with easy removal.
- For extra moisture, avoid overmixing the meat, combine ingredients just until blended.
- Add more tart jelly (currant, plum, or cranberry) on top as a glaze during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Substitute plain breadcrumbs with fresh crumbs soaked in milk or water for a softer loaf.
- Let the loaf rest 5–10 minutes before slicing to hold its shape.
- Finely minced onions will help avoid large chunks and ensure even cooking.
- If desired, bake free-form on a sheet pan to allow more browned edges.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day.
Nutrition
Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 29gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 430mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 140IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3.4mg
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