Savory Pork Meatloaf

Savory Pork Meatloaf is a dish that always reminds me of home. My family loves it, and it’s the kind of recipe that gets passed around at family gatherings. There’s something so comforting about a big, juicy meatloaf that’s packed with flavor. As soon as you pull it out of the oven, the smell fills the kitchen, and you can’t wait to dig in. Savory Pork Meatloaf is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a casual dinner or celebrating with loved ones.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

The best part about Savory Pork Meatloaf is how simple the ingredients are. You don’t need anything fancy, just some ground pork, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings you probably already have in your pantry. The secret to its delicious flavor is the blend of garlic, onion, and a little bit of Worcestershire sauce. These little touches make all the difference, turning an everyday meatloaf into something special. What I love about this recipe is that it doesn’t take long to prepare, yet it always tastes amazing.

A Dish That Brings Comfort

Every bite of Savory Pork Meatloaf feels like a warm hug. It’s filling and satisfying, with a crispy top and tender inside. Paired with mashed potatoes and some roasted vegetables, it’s a meal that feels like home-cooked goodness. The beauty of this dish is that it’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re making it on a chilly winter night or a busy weeknight, it’s always a hit. The leftovers are just as good the next day, making it an easy meal to enjoy more than once.

Perfect for Sharing

Savory Pork Meatloaf is the kind of meal that brings people together. I love serving it at family dinners, where everyone can help themselves to a big slice. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that fills up the table with warmth and good conversation. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories you create while enjoying it. Every time I make Savory Pork Meatloaf, I’m reminded of how food has the power to connect us all.

Chef’s Notes-  Savory Pork Meatloaf

• Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture: When combining the ingredients for the meatloaf, mix them just enough to incorporate everything. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense loaf.
• Cool Vegetables Before Mixing: After sautéing the vegetables, allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the meat mixture. This prevents the meat mixture from becoming too warm, which can cause the eggs to cook prematurely, resulting in an uneven texture.
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This guarantees it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
• Customizable Glaze: Feel free to adjust the glaze to suit your tastes. For a sweeter version, add extra brown sugar or honey. If you prefer it tangy, increase the amount of vinegar in the BBQ sauce.
• Rest the Meatloaf: After baking, let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful loaf.
• Make Ahead & Freezer Friendly: You can prepare the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked meatloaf for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the original instructions.

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Savory Pork Meatloaf

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Soul Food, Southern RecipesDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

500

kcal

Resting Time

5

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with our Savory Pork Meatloaf! Infused with a rich bourbon BBQ glaze, this recipe combines tender ground pork with a medley of fresh vegetables for a flavorful, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this meatloaf will become a household favorite. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering, juicy, and aromatic dish inspired by top culinary traditions!

Ingredients

• Vegetables

• 1 small yellow or red onion chopped coarsely

• 1 medium carrot diced

• 1 stalk celery sliced

• 1/4 red bell pepper chopped

• 3 cloves garlic minced

• Meatloaf Mixture:

• 2 pounds ground pork

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 large eggs beaten

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• Bourbon BBQ Glaze:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce your choice

• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Other:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Special Equipment:

• Food processor

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Ground pork: Substitute with ground turkey or beef.

• Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option.

• Worcestershire sauce: Replace with tamari or soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

• Eggs: Use flax eggs or chia eggs for a vegan option.

• BBQ sauce: Opt for sugar-free or low-sodium varieties.

• Brown sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup as sweeteners.

• Fresh parsley: Use dried parsley or other herbs like cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Directions

• Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven reaches the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking and achieving that perfect meatloaf texture. This step should take about 10 minutes.
• Prepare Vegetables: In a food processor, combine the chopped onion, diced carrot, sliced celery, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely minced, enhancing the flavor distribution throughout the meatloaf. This process takes approximately 5 minutes.
• Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced vegetables and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and most of the liquid evaporates. Let them cool briefly to prevent the meat mixture from becoming too warm, which could lead to scrambled eggs. This step takes about 10 minutes.
• Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and kosher salt. Use your hands to mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring a uniform texture. This should take around 5 minutes.
• Shape and Bake Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan, pressing it down firmly to shape. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
• Prepare Bourbon BBQ Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, combine the barbecue sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and honey in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, allowing it to thicken for about 4 to 5 minutes until it coats the back of a spatula. This adds a rich, glossy finish to the meatloaf.
• Glaze Meatloaf: With about five minutes remaining in the baking time, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread 1/4 cup of the bourbon BBQ glaze over the top. Return it to the oven to finish cooking, allowing the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
• Serve: Once baked, let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 5 minutes before unmolding. Slice and serve with additional glaze on the side for drizzling. Accompany with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Enjoy leftovers by slicing and reheating in a skillet with a drizzle of oil for 4 to 5 minutes.

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• casserole dish
• instant read thermometer
• pastry brush

Notes

• Ensure the meat mixture is well combined but not overmixed to keep the meatloaf tender. Letting the mixture cool slightly before shaping helps maintain its structure. For added flavor, incorporate sautéed mushrooms or swap the parsley for basil. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal. If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 500kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 40g
• Vitamin A: 700IU
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 60mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ- Savory Pork Meatloaf

Can I use ground beef instead of pork?

Yes! While ground pork adds a unique flavor and moisture to the meatloaf, you can easily substitute it with ground beef or a mixture of both ground beef and pork for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this meatloaf gluten-free, substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Make sure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or use tamari as a soy sauce alternative.

What can I serve with savory pork meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. For a Southern-inspired meal, you can also serve it with cornbread or collard greens.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and heat it in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil for 4-5 minutes, or microwave it until heated through.

Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add the glaze during the last few minutes of baking.