Meatloaf is one of those dishes that everyone craves whenever he or she is feeling down, but the Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf turns the ordinary into something more luxurious, more decadent, and more fulfilling. Heavy with garlic, crunchy Parmesan cheese, and topped with a creamy garlic Parmesan-sauce, this food achieves a strong flavor and at the same time feels just as cozy as a home-cooked meal.
This is not dry or bland like most other meatloaf’s but a juicy, tender, and richly savory meatloaf. A slice makes itself very well, and is topped off by a shiny sauce that oozes in all the crevices. It is the type of dinner that makes the kitchen smell unbelievably good and makes a simple weekday one to remember.
The reason Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Works?
Parmesan and Garlic are a well-established flavor combination. The Garlic adds sharp and aromatic warmth and Parmesan adds salt and umami that enhances the natural richness of meat. Parmesan does not only work as a flavor in this recipe, but it also serves to keep the meat bound and keeps it moist.
The sauteing of the garlic and onion before combining them with the meat also turns them into softeners and makes the flavor evenly spread throughout the meat. What comes out is a meatloaf that is complicated enough to be interesting and opulent enough to be dense.
Ingredients:
Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork.
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 small (3 /4 cup /110 g) finely minced yellow onion.
- 3/4 cup (45 g) plain or Italian breadcrumbs.
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk.
- 2 large eggs.
- 11/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
- 11/4 teaspoons salt.
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 tbs. olive oil or butter (to saute)
Garlic Parmesan Sauce Creamy.
- 3 tablespoons saltless butter.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 tablespoons general flour.
- 11/2 cups (360 ml) entire milk or heavy cream.
- 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (as a garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1: Prepare the Aromatics
Preheat a tiny skillet on medium-temperature. Add olive oil or butter and saute the chopped finely minced onion until tender and clear. Add Garlic and cook approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Take out of the heat and leave the mixture to cool down. This measure helps to avoid the bitter uncooked taste and makes the garlic melt in the meat.
2: Mix the Meatloaf
Add the ground beef and ground pork in a large bowl. Activate the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the onion and garlic mixture that is cooled. Wash hands and then mix gently until it is all mixed. Excessive mixing of the meatloaf may cause it to be thick and hard.
3: Shape the Loaf
Preheat the oven to 375degF (190degC). Brush a loaf pan or a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Roll the meat mixture into a loaf and take care of it. Do not over-pack it as this will entrap steam and cause a heavy texture.
4: Bake
Mov the meatloaf into the oven and bake without covering it 45-55 minutes, or until the interior temperature is 160 deg F (71 deg C). Outside is to be golden brown slightly caramelized.
5: Rest Before Slicing
Take the meatloaf out of the oven and allow it to rest at the end of 10 minutes. This will enable redistribution of the juices resulting in clean cuts and a wet interior.
For Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
As the meatloaf is resting, make the sauce.
Melt the butter in a medium-heat saucepan. The next thing to add is the garlic that must cook slowly until fragrant without being brown. Add in flour and cook approximately a minute to remove the raw flavor. Gradually add the milk or cream and keep on whisking to avoid the formation of lumps.
Bring to a low simmer the sauce. After thickening, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it is completely melting and smooth. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Sauce is to be thick, creamy and pouring.
Meatloaf Garlic Parmesan Presentation:
Cutter the meatloaf in thick pieces and pour the hot sauce all over each piece. Salting with a sprinkling of fresh parsley on it makes it look and taste fresh.
- This dish can be served together with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes.
- Grilled Brussel sprouts or carrots.
- Buttered green beans.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
The intensity of the sauce is balanced with plain vegetable sides.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended instead of pre-shredded Parmesan which melts better.
- Do not overmix the meat–do not handle it hard, it will be tender.
- It is always better to let the meatloaf cool down before cutting.
- To provide additional browning, bake the meatloaf, but do not bake the entire time then place it under the broiler, 2-3 minutes.
Diversities and Replacements:
- Turkey Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf: Use ground turkey instead of beef and pork and use 2 tablespoons extra milk.
- Hot Version: Salt black pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon.
- Low-carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Extra Cheesy: 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella may be added into the meat mixture.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftovers in the refrigerator can be stored in the airtight container up to 4 days. Warm up again in the oven or the microwave, with a spoonful of sauce so that it does not become dry. The meatloaf also has a freezing period of up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts:
This Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf with Creamy Sauce is a demonstration that comfort food does not necessarily mean boring. Heavy, meaty, and extremely gratifying, it is a dish that is well-known yet taken to the next level – the dish to be used during family dinners, meal prep, or other celebratory events.
Happy Cooking!