Meatloaf has long been a staple in American households, offering a comforting and hearty meal that brings families together. The Yankee Tower Meatloaf is a classic recipe that adds a delightful twist to the traditional dish.
This flavorful and savory meatloaf is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table, blending the essence of traditional Yankee cuisine with a modern touch.
Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this delicious dish that pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of New England.
Recipe of Yankee Tower Meatloaf:
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Transfer the meat mixture to a greased baking dish, shaping it into a loaf. The Yankee Tower Meatloaf gets its name from its distinct shape, resembling a tower. Use your hands to mold the meatloaf into a rectangular shape with slightly tapered ends, creating the tower effect.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze: ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. This sweet and tangy glaze will add a delightful finishing touch to the meatloaf.
Brush the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf, ensuring a generous coating.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Basting the meatloaf with the glaze every 15-20 minutes will enhance the flavor and create a caramelized finish.
Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the Yankee Tower Meatloaf slices on a platter, garnishing with fresh herbs for a burst of color and added flavor.
Also Check Out: Kitchenaid Bread Bowl Recipe
Benefits of Yankee Tower Meatloaf:
- Satisfying Comfort Food: The Yankee Tower Meatloaf is the epitome of satisfying comfort food. Its hearty combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings creates a dish that warms the soul and provides a sense of nostalgia. The familiar flavors and unique tower shape make it a comforting and satisfying choice for those seeking a classic American meal with a twist.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: This meatloaf recipe boasts a versatile flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes. The blend of ingredients, including onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, contributes to a rich and savory taste. The sweet and tangy glaze adds an extra layer of complexity, making the Yankee Tower Meatloaf a well-balanced dish that can be enjoyed by both traditionalists and those looking for a modern flavor experience.
- Easy Preparation and Baking: One of the significant benefits of the Yankee Tower Meatloaf is its simplicity in preparation. The straightforward instructions and common ingredients make it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. The tower shape not only adds a visual appeal but also facilitates even cooking, ensuring that the meatloaf is baked to perfection. This ease of preparation makes it a convenient choice for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Customizable Ingredients: Another advantage of this meatloaf recipe is its adaptability to personal preferences. While the core ingredients create a delicious base, individuals can customize the recipe by adding ingredients such as diced vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit their taste. The flexibility of the recipe encourages creativity in the kitchen, allowing cooks to experiment and make the dish uniquely their own.
- Leftover Potential: The Yankee Tower Meatloaf offers excellent leftover potential, making it a practical choice for meal planning. Slices of the meatloaf can be reheated for lunch or dinner, providing a quick and delicious option for the next day. The flavors often deepen and intensify after sitting, enhancing the overall taste and ensuring that no part of this delectable dish goes to waste.
Nutrition Facts of Yankee Tower Meatloaf:
It’s important to note that specific nutrition facts for a recipe can vary based on ingredient brands, quantities, and specific preparation methods.
The following nutrition facts are approximations based on common ingredients used in a Yankee Tower Meatloaf recipe. It’s advisable to use these as a general guideline and adjust based on your specific ingredients and portions.
Nutrition Facts for Yankee Tower Meatloaf (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 30g
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 6% DV
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note:
- The nutrition facts provided above are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.
- Ground beef with lower fat content will result in a lower total fat and calorie count.
- The inclusion of breadcrumbs and milk contributes to the carbohydrate content.
- The glaze, consisting of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, adds to the total sugar content.
- Adding vegetables or other ingredients will alter the nutrition profile.
It’s always recommended to check specific ingredient labels for accurate nutritional information, especially if you have dietary restrictions or specific health considerations. Adjusting ingredient quantities or choosing alternative ingredients can also be done to tailor the nutrition content to individual preferences and dietary needs.
Conclusion:
The Yankee Tower Meatloaf is a testament to the timeless appeal of classic American comfort food with a creative twist.
This recipe captures the essence of Yankee cuisine, offering a savory and satisfying dish that will have your family coming back for seconds.
Whether enjoyed for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf is bound to become a cherished favorite in your household.