Tired of the same old meatloaf? Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game? Then get ready to experience the juicy, smoky deliciousness of grilled meatloaf! This recipe takes a classic comfort food and gives it a fun, flavorful twist with a smoky char from the grill. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner idea, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This healthy meal is packed with flavor and is a great example of delicious homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Preparing the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. For easier grilling, you can also form smaller patties.
Grilling the Meatloaf:
- Brush the meatloaf generously with olive oil. This helps with browning and prevents sticking.
- Place the meatloaf directly on the preheated grill grates.
- Grill for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through. Adjust grilling time based on the size and thickness of your meatloaf. Smaller patties will cook faster.
Serving Suggestions:
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve your grilled meatloaf with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, a simple salad, or even some crusty bread make excellent accompaniments.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of your favorite BBQ sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
- Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add some veggies: Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meatloaf during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
- Leftovers? Grilled meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches the next day!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy recipe delivers a fantastic grilled meatloaf that's both flavorful and satisfying. It's a perfect example of how simple adjustments can transform a classic dish into something truly special. Enjoy!