Meatloaf & Smashed Potatoes
Have you ever had meatloaf before? It may sound strange to ask. But when I had meatloaf for the first time, I knew I was missing a great deal! I saw the recipe on Everyday Food and decided to give it a go. Of course, I made changes to their recipe. I generally do. Ha! I enjoyed preparing it but found that it’s really a lot of meat! I may have to find a way to prepare it differently or make mini meatloaves or something. All in all, it tasted great and the family enjoyed it. I chose to mix the meats to get the most flavour. Originally I was going to use the usual ground turkey but felt the flavour would not be rich enough. I’m sure there are many variations of meatloaf so if you’re a food blogger, and you happen to come across my version, please leave a comment and a link to your recipe. I’d love to see.
Oh, and as for the smashed mini potatoes – I saw Laura Calder do it and I thought it was hilarious! But after the first few times I did it, I found them to be cute little things. And I LOVE the taste of baked mini red potatoes. LOVE.
I have to tell you guys that my son ate his dinner with no fuss. Knowing that he would not eat meat for so long, and finally he’s eating like a “big boy” really makes me happy. My daughter is now going through this meatless phase, so I’m being patient with her but I look forward to when she can eat just like her brother. She might even start asking for broccoli or string beans with her dinner, just like her big brother! It’s a daily task, offering her different veggies, and foods, but she’s just 2 and still trying to figure it all out. I’m here to help and show her by example. A mother’s work is truly never done.
I’m proud of my first attempt at meatloaf. Here’s the recipe and photographs.
Meatloaf, Smashed Mini Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli
- 12 Baby Red Potatoes, washed and dried
- ¼ Cup Milk
- 3 Slices Whole Wheat Bread
- 1 Small Onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped
- ½ Cup chopped spinach
- 1 Egg lightly whisked
- 1 Tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt & Pepper
- ½ Cup Tomato Sauce + ¼ Cup for garnish
- 1 lbs Ground Veal
- 1 lbs Ground Beef
- Preheat oven to 375F
- Boil the potatoes until it can be easily pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes
- Tear bread and place in a small bowl
- Pour ¼ cup milk over the bread and allow to absorb
- In a large bowl, combine bread, beef, veal, onion, garlic, spinach egg, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, ½ cup tomato sauce
- Combine to make a loaf (I used my hands) and place into a 9" X 5" bread pan
- Bake for 30 minutes
- Take the mini potatoes and toss in olive oil and season with salt and pepper
- place them onto a rimmed baking tray
- using the bottom of a saucepan, smash the potatoes in order to flatten them a little bit, not completely
- After 30 minutes, remove the meat loaf and spread remaining tomato sauce on top
- Continue baking for another 30 minutes
- At this time, add the tray of smashed mini potatoes and bake alongside the meatloaf for about 30-40 minutes
- Test meat loaf for an internal temperature of 180F
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for about 10 minutes
- Removed from pan, and serve in slices
- Remove the potatoes when the skin is crispy
While taking into consideration the fact that some ovens are hotter than others, I wanted to ensure that the loaf was cooked through. You can never be too sure.
Internal temperature
It looked great, and smelled wonderful. I couldn’t wait to cut it into slices.
Meatloaf
The tomato sauce was so sweet… a perfect combination.
Meatloaf slices
When will you be making meatloaf for your family?
Meatloaf, Smashed Mini Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli
Take care folks! See you again soon 🙂
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First of all, I’ve NEVER had meatloaf 🙁 … closest I’ve come is meatballs. As you said, it’s a lot of meat to see in a dish! I should really give this one a shot though as I love ground beef in any dish!
CD, there’s always a first time for everything. Thats how I felt when I decided to make it. I mean, its not a traditional Jamaican fare but its worth exploring. It was really nice.
I usually use mustard for the crust, also delicious!
Thanks, Claudia! *Adding Mustard to notes* 🙂
Gorgeous photos as always! Your meatloaf looks perfect and I can’t believe it’s your first time!
Of course I had meatloaf, and I love it…but I have never tried making one, except for the Filipino meatloaf which is kinda different.
Thanks, Tina *blushing*. Meatloaf seems to be a regular meal for so many. I wouldn’t say its common in many traditional caribbean households. I’d like to know how the Filipino recipe is different from regular meatloaf.
That meatloaf just looks incredible juicy and wonderful. I love meatloaf but haven’t eaten it in such a long time. I really love this recipe
Thank you so much, Kay. Glad you like it I’m glad you stopped by!
Your meatloaf looks perfect Lyn!
Thank you so much!
I’ve never had meatloaf – here in the UK it’s not a common dish, but it looks absolutely delicious! Love the tomato sauce too. I’ll have to try this out soon!
Hi Sarah! I lived in London for almost 10 years as a child, and I remember having lots of shepherds pie and fish & chips. Goodness, I miss that place. I hope you do get to try this meatloaf and let me know how you like it. I appreciate your visit! Thanks much!
This look so good Lyn! I love full plate of goodness and yours is just that!
Wonderful job as always!
(by the way do you have the post with asparagus wrapped in prosciutto? I would love to link some of your ideas too!)
Thanks Sandra! I actually don’t have a post yet, but I’m sure I will soon. I’ll be sure to let you know!!! 🙂 Have an awesome weekend!