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Man-made Meatloaf
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 395 kcal

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
Keyword classic recipe, comfort food, family dinner, ground beef, homemade, meatloaf, oven baked, vintage recipe
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