Delicious Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf for Your Next Meal
As I bite into the mouth-watering slice of my Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. Not only does it look beautiful, but it tastes delicious too. If you haven’t tried stuffing your meatloaf before, this recipe is the perfect opportunity to give it a go!
This Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf recipe is made with lean ground beef, cheddar cheese, and broccoli florets. It’s a nutritious meal all by itself but pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or greens. Trust me – once you try this stuffed meatloaf, you’ll never want to go back to plain old meatloaf again.
The best part about this recipe is that even those who don’t like broccoli won’t be able to resist the combination of savory beef and melted cheese blended with fresh greenery within. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a nutritious and delicious weeknight dinner? My Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe is the perfect meal for you! This recipe will bring a new twist to your traditional meatloaf while packing it with flavorsome broccoli and mild cheddar cheese.
The highlight of this recipe is the stuffed meatloaf, which means that every slice is a pleasant surprise of beef, broccoli florets, and melted cheese. The savory flavor of lean ground beef mixed with green onions, breadcrumbs, and eggs blend perfectly with the fresh taste of broccoli to compliment each other in every bit. Additionally, the cheese in the middle adds an explosion of flavor that will make everyone come back for more.
What makes me love this recipe even more is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course on its own, or pair it with your favorite side dish such as mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. The leftover meatloaf slices make an excellent grab-and-go lunch option for the next day.
Furthermore, this Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf recipe can be made ahead of time for those busy weekdays. All you have to do is prepare the meat mixture and store it in an airtight container until you are ready to use it. You can also freeze any leftover slices for up to three months.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic recipe! Try my Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe today to impress your family or guests at your next dinner party with a unique take on a classic dish.
Ingredient List
Preparing Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf is a great way to serve an All-American meal with a twist. Here are the ingredients you need to make this delicious recipe:
- lb lean ground beef * (pounds ground beef)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg beaten in a separate bowl
- 3 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed and chopped (fresh broccoli florets can also be used)
- 4 slices of mild cheddar cheese, divided into four equal parts (you can also use a combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese)
- 4 green onions, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Crushed tortilla chips (or breadcrumbs)
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients and preheated the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, let’s get started with the broccoli stuffed meatloaf recipe.
Step 1: Mix meat mixture
In a large bowl, I mix 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons of ketchup, 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, a half-teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Add chopped broccoli florets and cheese
Once combined, I add one chopped stalk of broccoli and one cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese. Incorporate these ingredients until evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
Step 3: Fill loaf pan
I then grease a loaf pan with either butter or cooking spray. I take the meat mixture and shape it into a rectangle inside the loaf pan.
Step 4: Bake and top
I bake in the oven for approximately an hour, making sure the internal temperature is at least 165°F. Afterward, I take it out of the oven and let it rest for five minutes before topping it with sliced green onions and more ketchup.
Step 5: Slice and serve
Once cooled enough to touch, I slice this delicious broccoli stuffed meatloaf into thick pieces that expose its golden crust stuffed with healthy broccoli florets and melted cheese.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up a bit with your stuffed meatloaf recipe? There are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to customize this dish to your liking.
For those who want a healthier option, consider substituting the lean ground beef with ground turkey. This will reduce the amount of fat in the dish, while still providing plenty of protein. Additionally, you can add chopped spinach to the meat mixture to up the nutritional value even more.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a chicken or turkey stuffed meatloaf instead. You can do this by using ground chicken breast or ground turkey in place of the beef. Alternatively, you could stuff your meatloaf with ham for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Cheese lovers rejoice! There are plenty of ways to play around with different cheese combinations in this recipe. Consider swapping out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor. You could also mix in some grated parmesan for an added boost of cheesy goodness.
If you want to experiment with different fillings besides broccoli, you can try substituting it with other vegetables like mushrooms or peppers. You could also add crushed tortilla chips instead of bread crumbs for an added crunch.
Whatever substitution or variation you decide to make, remember to adjust cooking times as needed and be mindful of any potential flavor combinations that may clash. With some creativity and experimentation, you can create your own unique version of this delicious stuffed meatloaf recipe!
Serving and Pairing
The broccoli stuffed meatloaf is a hearty and filling dish that pairs well with a wide range of sides. One of my favorite pairings for the meatloaf is creamy mashed potatoes, which complement the savory flavor of the dish perfectly.
Alternatively, you could serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables such as carrots or green beans to add some freshness and crunch to the meal. Some people even like to serve their meatloaf with a side of warm bread or rolls for an extra indulgent touch.
For those who are looking for a more low-carb option, you can serve the broccoli cheddar meatloaf with steamed cauliflower rice or roasted spaghetti squash instead of potatoes or bread.
This recipe is also versatile enough to be served with different sauces. Some options include ketchup, barbecue sauce, or even a simple gravy made from the drippings left in the pan after cooking.
No matter what you choose to serve it with, the broccoli stuffed meatloaf is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next family dinner or potluck gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As an experienced culinary explorer, I understand the importance of preparing meals ahead of time. Therefore, I’m thrilled to inform you that this Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing it for later consumption.
One great tip for making this recipe ahead of time is to allow the meatloaf to cool completely before slicing and packaging it into individual servings. This will ensure that it retains its shape and texture when reheated later. You could also slice it into portions and freeze them in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf, you can heat it up in your oven or microwave oven. For best results, I recommend reheating it in an oven preheated at 350° F. To reheat each slice, wrap it with aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Another important note to remember is to store the leftovers properly. Place the remaining slices in airtight containers or resealable bags before storing them in the refrigerator. Properly refrigerated meatloaf can last up to 3-4 days.
In conclusion, with just a little planning ahead of time, including proper storage and reheating procedures, you can always have a fresh and delicious Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf ready whenever you need it.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure that your broccoli stuffed meatloaf turns out deliciously, I’ve compiled some tips to help you achieve the perfect results.
Firstly, remember to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before baking your meatloaf. This will help your meatloaf cook evenly and thoroughly.
Additionally, be sure to mix your meat mixture thoroughly. Take your time working the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings together for two to three minutes. Doing so will ensure that all the ingredients mix well and create an even texture for the final dish.
While mixing, you should also keep in mind not to overwork the meat as it can lead to a tough texture. A good rule of thumb is to mix until everything is almost uniform.
When chopping your broccoli florets, try to chop them into small, even pieces so that they cook properly and are evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf.
Another essential tip is to let your meatloaf rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing it. This resting period allows the juices to settle back into the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful.
Lastly, be cautious not to overcook your broccoli stuffed meatloaf so that it doesn’t dry out. The ideal temperature is an internal temperature of 160°F for beef but if going for medium-rare don’t let it go above 155°F.
By keeping these tips in mind and following the recipe carefully. You are assured of having a restaurant-quality meal at home with this delicious broccoli stuffed beef meatloaf recipe!
FAQ
As you have read through the previous sections of this article, you may have already developed some questions or concerns about the broccoli stuffed meatloaf recipe. In this section, I have compiled the most frequently asked questions from readers based on experience and provided detailed answers to help you troubleshoot any issues and make your cooking experience as smooth as possible. So, let’s dive into the FAQ section, where I’ll answer some common questions about this delicious broccoli stuffed meatloaf recipe.
Can you put broccoli in meatloaf?
For this recipe, we will need one head of broccoli, sliced into small florets with its stems peeled and cut into thin slices. We will also require some extra-virgin olive oil, a small onion, a peeled and chopped carrot, a chopped stalk of celery, some fresh breadcrumbs made from three to four slices of white bread, one pound of ground chicken, and one large egg that is lightly whisked.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
When cooking meat, it’s essential to keep it moist to ensure a delicious result. One way of achieving this is by adding eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce or a combination of these wet seasonings at every step. These ingredients help with adding flavor and texture to the meat, but most importantly, they ensure the meat is juicy and tasty. So don’t skimp on adding moisture to your meat during cooking!
What is the best filler for meatloaf?
The possibilities for fillers in meatloaf are endless, with breadcrumbs, oatmeal, cracker crumbs and even crushed tortilla chips being fantastic options. My mother’s specialty is a turkey meatloaf that features southwestern seasoning and a secret ingredient, crushed tortilla chips. The great thing about meatloaf is that you can get creative and use whatever ingredients you have on hand in your pantry.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
When making a meatloaf, it’s essential to include binding agents such as eggs and breadcrumbs in the mix. Without these ingredients, the meat will have a tendency to fall apart as it cooks, resulting in a less-than-perfect dish. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your mixture is well-combined, so all the components stick together and create a cohesive flavor profile. Keep in mind, utilizing these binding agents will help your meatloaf retain its shape, and it won’t crumble on your plate.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this broccoli stuffed meatloaf recipe is a must-try for any food lover who wants to impress their dinner guests with something unique and delicious. With its tender and juicy lean ground beef meat mixture combined with the savory flavors of cheddar cheese, green onions, and dried basil, along with the added texture and nutrition from fresh broccoli florets, this dish is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
Whether you want to serve it up at a family dinner or take it to a potluck party, this recipe can easily be adapted and customized to suit your needs and preferences. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for future meals.
So if you’re ready to explore the world of stuffed meatloaf recipes and broaden your culinary horizons, give this broccoli stuffed meatloaf recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
Broccoli Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 green onions, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Mix meat, pepper, egg, basil, half the bread crumbs, and 3/4 of the green onion together.
- Set aside Bring a pot of water to boil.
- Drop broccoli florets in and cook 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Drain thoroughly.
- Mix broccoli, cheese, salt, remaining bread crumbs, and remaining onions.
- Press half the meat mixture into 8x4 loaf pan forming an indentation in the center, leaving 1" thick sides up the side of the pan Fill hollow with broccoli mixture.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture and seal well around the edges, completely enclosing the broccoli mixture Mix melted butter with ketchup and brush over the top of the meat loaf.
- Bake approximately one hour or until the sides pull away from the pan a little Serve hot.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.