Ultimate Rock 'n' Roll Meatloaf
Inspired by the legendary Harley-Davidson Cafe, this homestyle meatloaf combines the savory flavors of ground beef, bacon, and aromatic vegetables with a blend of robust spices. Each bite is a nostalgic reminder of classic American diner cuisine, perfect for gatherings or a hearty family dinner. Ideal for freezing or scaling up for a larger crowd, this meatloaf delivers comfort food at its finest, whether you're under the neon lights of Las Vegas or enjoying a cozy evening at home.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1/2 lb (crispy, chopped)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
black pepper
3/4 tablespoon (ground)
onion powder
3/4 tablespoon (ground)
dried thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons (dried)
salt
2 tablespoons (finely ground)
dry mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (ground)
paprika
1 1/2 tablespoons (ground)
garlic powder
3/4 tablespoon (ground)
tomato juice
1 cup (fresh)
evaporated milk
3/4 cup (canned)
dry breadcrumbs
2 cups (store-bought)
eggs
4 (beaten)
ground beef
5 lbs (80/20 blend preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a large frying pan, cook the bacon until it's crispy. Remove it from the pan, drain on paper towels, and chop it into small pieces.
3
Leave the bacon drippings in the pan and add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent, but avoid browning them.
4
Stir in black pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dry mustard, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the spices to awaken.
5
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully mix in the tomato juice and evaporated milk, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
6
In a large bowl, combine dry breadcrumbs with eggs, mixing until they form a cohesive mixture. Then, add in the ground beef.
7
Fold in the sautéed vegetable and spice mixture, along with the chopped bacon. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
8
Divide the meat mixture evenly into two or three 8 x 4 inch loaf pans.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked.
10
Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Rock 'n' Roll Meatloaf?
It is a homestyle meatloaf inspired by the Harley-Davidson Cafe that combines ground beef, bacon, and aromatic vegetables with robust spices.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the legendary Harley-Davidson Cafe.
How much ground beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 lbs of ground beef, preferably an 80/20 blend.
Does this meatloaf contain bacon?
Yes, it includes 1/2 lb of bacon that is cooked until crispy and chopped.
What vegetables are used in the meatloaf?
The meatloaf uses 1 cup of chopped onion and 1 cup of chopped celery.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
Sauté the chopped onions and celery in the bacon drippings until they are soft and translucent.
What spices are in the seasoning blend?
The seasoning includes black pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dry mustard, paprika, and garlic powder.
How long should I cook the spices?
The spices should be cooked with the vegetables for 10 minutes to allow them to awaken.
What liquids are added to the vegetable mixture?
Carefully mix in 1 cup of fresh tomato juice and 3/4 cup of canned evaporated milk.
What type of milk is used in this meatloaf?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of canned evaporated milk.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 4 beaten eggs for the mixture.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe uses 2 cups of store-bought dry breadcrumbs.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) before baking.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Mix breadcrumbs and eggs first, add the ground beef, then fold in the vegetable and spice mixture with the chopped bacon.
What size loaf pans are recommended?
The mixture should be divided into two or three 8 x 4 inch loaf pans.
How long does the meatloaf bake?
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the meatloaf?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
Should I let the meatloaf rest?
Yes, allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
Can this meatloaf be frozen?
Yes, this meatloaf is ideal for freezing for later use.
Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings and can be easily scaled up.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground dry mustard.
How much dried thyme is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried thyme.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely ground salt.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The recipe uses 3/4 tablespoon of ground garlic powder.
Can I use fresh tomato juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests 1 cup of fresh tomato juice.
What should I do with the bacon drippings?
Leave the bacon drippings in the pan to sauté the onions and celery for added flavor.
How is the bacon prepared for the mixture?
Cook it until crispy, drain on paper towels, and then chop it into small pieces.
What is the texture of the vegetables after sautéing?
They should be soft and translucent, but you should avoid browning them.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
This is a classic American diner-style comfort food recipe.