The Best Meatloaf and Creamy Cauliflower Mash

The Best Meatloaf and Creamy Cauliflower Mash

The best meatloaf? Really? Well, I think it is. I've been making meatloaf for years and years and years, and while I've made it differently at different times, this is my current favorite version.


It's rich, tangy and moist with a caramelized tomato-based sauce (aka ketchup) on top. And the little pockets of creamy feta cheese add another layer of richness.


Most times, I like to pair it with creamy mashed potatoes but occasionally I'll make creamy mashed cauliflower instead, like today. You might be surprised at how especially delicious cauliflower can be when made this way.

The Best Meatloaf

Serves 6

Oven 375 degrees F

Ingredients:

1 pound ground sirloin (or ground grass-fed beef if you can find it - The Meat House has it)

1 pound ground pork

1 egg, beaten

2 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

2-3 large cloves garlic, minced

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup ketchup (I used Annie's Naturals this time but turns out I prefer Heinz or Hunt's)

4-6 ounces Greek feta cheese, crumbled

Annie's Naturals was sweeter than Heinz or Hunt's and that didn't appeal to me.

In large bowl whisk together egg, worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, crushed red pepper, mustard, salt, pepper, bell pepper, garlic, parsley and ketchup.

Next add ground sirloin and ground pork and mix together using your hands. Just mix until blended but don't over mix. 

Lastly, add the crumbled feta and gently mix in.

mixture in baking dish and then with sauce on top

Place mixture in loaf baking dish or pan, then make the sauce.

Sauce:

1/2 cup ketchup (if using Heinz or Hunt's add 1 teaspoon brown sugar)

1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce

Mix all ingredients together and spread on top.

Place in oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Meatloaf should be hot, bubbly and starting to brown. Place under broiler for 5 minutes to caramelize ketchup mixture. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Creamy Cauliflower Mash

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower

4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream at room temperature

3 Tablespoons butter at room temperature

kosher salt to taste

fresh cracked pepper to taste

Trim stem and leaves from cauliflower head and cut florets from core. Cut florets into small pieces and steam for 15 - 20 minutes until very soft.

Remove from steam and allow cauliflower to dry out a little or blot with paper towels. Place cauliflower in medium bowl and mash well with a potato masher or a fork. Add cream cheese, yogurt, butter, salt and pepper to mashed cauliflower and mix well.

Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches the next day!