Pennsylvania Dutch-style Meatloaf

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Czech dish, Sekaná, is transformed into a Pennsylvania Dutch-style meatloaf by incorporating traditional Dutch ingredients and flavors. The addition of mustard and apple cider vinegar gives the meatloaf a tangy and slightly sweet taste, which is characteristic of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. The use of a blend of ground beef and pork, along with diced bacon, adds richness and depth of flavor to the meatloaf. The cooking technique remains similar, with the meatloaf being baked to perfection. We alse have the original recipe for Sekaná, so you can check it out.

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 slices bacon, diced 2 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons mustard 2 tablespoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bacon, mustard, apple cider vinegar, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, black pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan and press it down firmly.
4. 4.
   Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. 5.
   Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Make sure to use lean ground meat for a healthier option. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground turkey and pork for a lighter version.
• Mustard — Choose a good quality mustard, such as Dijon or whole grain, to add a tangy flavor to the meatloaf.
• Apple cider vinegar — Opt for raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar for a more robust flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier meatloaf, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Serve the meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftover meatloaf makes delicious sandwiches the next day. Simply slice the meatloaf and serve it on toasted bread with your favorite condiments.
• To ensure a moist meatloaf, avoid overmixing the ingredients as it can result in a dense texture.

Serving advice

Slice the Pennsylvania Dutch-style Meatloaf into thick slices and serve it warm. Pair it with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the meatloaf with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves before serving to add a pop of color. Serve it on a platter or individual plates for an appealing presentation.