My Mother's Belgian Meatloaf

Discover a taste of tradition with "My Mother's Belgian Meatloaf," a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a comforting family dinner. This classic recipe combines a savory blend of ground beef and pork with the subtle warmth of nutmeg, fresh parsley, and a touch of garlic. A milk-soaked breadcrumb mixture ensures every bite is tender and moist, while a sweet and tangy glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard adds the perfect finishing touch. Baked to golden perfection, this meatloaf is as comforting as it is easy to make, requiring just 20 minutes of prep before it goes into the oven. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new household favorite. With its simple ingredients and timeless flavors, this Belgian-inspired meatloaf is a wholesome recipe you'll want to pass down for generations.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 120 grams breadcrumbs
• 125 milliliters milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoons nutmeg
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 60 milliliters ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.

Step 2

In a small mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs soak up the milk.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon, but avoid overmixing as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 4

Heat a small skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Let cool slightly before adding it to the meat mixture. Mix again to ensure even distribution.

Step 5

Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a freeform loaf on a lined baking sheet. Pat it down gently to ensure even cooking.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the glaze.

Step 7

Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 8

Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the loaf with aluminum foil.

Step 9

Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the slices intact.

Step 10

Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1253.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2784.2

Total Fat 170.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 806.1mg	0%
Sodium 6532.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 136.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g	0%
Total Sugars 38.6g
Protein 189.2g	0%

Vitamin D 145.5IU	0%
Calcium 433.4mg	0%
Iron 20.8mg	0%
Potassium 1910.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.0%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 19.3%