Meatloaf with Fresh Scallions & Herbs

Serves 8

To learn more, read:
Meatloaf Makeovers
by Alexandra Guarnaschelli
from Fine Cooking
Issue 91
Last Edit Date: 3/6/2013 4:44:10 PM

Scallions add a nice bite to this meatloaf without being overbearing or too oniony, and the sour cream makes this loaf super moist. To make sure the seasoning is correct, you sauté and taste a tiny portion of the meat mixture before forming the loaf.

more about:

1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. vegetable oil; more as needed
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
3/4 lb. ground beef (80% lean)
1/2 lb. ground veal
1/2 lb. ground pork
1 tsp. sweet paprika, preferably Hungarian
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 more if needed
1-1/2 cups homemade dry breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs; more if needed
1 cup thinly sliced scallions (both green and white parts)
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup chopped fresh tarragon
1 tsp. lightly chopped fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Put the ground beef, veal, and pork in a large bowl and gently knead them with your hands until just combined. Add the cooled onion, paprika, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper and gently knead to blend. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the remaining vegetable oil) and gently knead with your hands or stir with a large spoon until just incorporated.

Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add a quarter-size piece of the meat and cook, turning halfway through cooking, until the meat is cooked through, about 1 minute on each side. Cool briefly and taste. If it’s too moist to hold together, add up to 1/2 cup more breadcrumbs to the meat mixture; if it’s too dry, add an extra egg. If necessary, add salt and pepper. Repeat cooking quarter-size pieces of the meat until you’re satisfied with the flavor and consistency.

On a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, mold the meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf. Bake until the meat is firm to the touch and has an internal temperature of 160°F, about 1 hour. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead Tips

You can shape the raw meatloaf up to 1 day ahead. Refrigerate it overnight to meld the flavors for a tastier meatloaf the next day.

Leftovers

Fried meatloaf—crisp and golden-brown on the outside and steaming-hot on the inside—is a delicious albeit dinner-esque way to serve leftover meatloaf.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 390; Fat (g): 22; Fat Calories (kcal): 190; Saturated Fat (g): 9; Protein (g): 24; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 8; Carbohydrates (g): 25; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2.5; Sodium (mg): 750; Cholesterol (mg): 155; Fiber (g): 2;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by YUYU, 5/25/2013I LOVE IT! I used 1-1/4 lb ground beef, 1/2lb ground pork and added about 2 tbsp sugar. I would make this a day ahead next time again. The flavor and texture is MUCH better the next day. I thought the flavor of herbs were strong when I was testing the texture by cooking a quarter size to see if you need to add egg or breadcrumb and I did this the day before. I had fun cooking this; all of herbs were from my garden and can't wait to make this again :-)

by librarylady, 2/20/2012We used plain yogurt instead of sour cream and it was great. One night we had it with baked potato, the other with the orzo that Chef Alex recommended.

by anncancook, 4/20/2010"melt in your mouth" is a perfect description of this meatloaf that has such a light and refreshing taste. I made the recipe as stated and the flavor and texture was spot on. My only suggestion would be to warn people who are not huge fans of tarragon, to cut back on the fresh tarragon. My husband and I happen to love it. Will definitely make this again!

by atriola702, 6/11/2009

by LarryBak, 12/23/2008

by mgssts63, 4/1/2008I also prepared this one day ahead. Overall, didn't really care for the flavor of this. The meatloaf was moist and easy to assemble.

by cmanzetti, 1/26/2008This is a wonderful recipe that makes melt-in-your-mouth meatloaf. The sour cream adds an unusual smoothness to the dish but also made it appear undercooked after 60 minutes. I made the meatloaf a day in advance, stored it in the refrigerator and then cooked it the next evening. I would recommend that it cook for about 15 minutes longer if made this way.