This delightful recipe for a flavorful pork meatloaf is perfect for a relaxing Sunday lunch or a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Keep reading as I share some helpful tips to ensure that your meatloaf turns out with a crispy top and a moist and delicious interior!
The Recipe: A Czech Twist
If you’re looking to try something new, this recipe for pork meatloaf, called “sekaná” in the Czech Republic, is a delightful twist on the classic dish. In Czech tradition, the meatloaf is baked in the oven on a baking sheet, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior without any glaze or BBQ sauce.
In addition to ground pork, the traditional meatloaf recipe calls for crushed garlic, dried marjoram, breadcrumbs, and cold milk. Eggs are added for the perfect consistency and texture.
Serving this sliced pork meatloaf alongside boiled or mashed potatoes and Czech dill pickles is a popular choice among Czechs, who consider meatloaf to be the ultimate comfort food!
MY TIP: You can also try making these pan-fried ground pork patties called Czech vepřenky!
Ingredients for Homemade Meatloaf
To make your own succulent meatloaf with ground pork, gather the following ingredients:
- Plain ground pork: The fattier nature of ground pork ensures a beautifully succulent meatloaf. You can either mince the meat yourself using a grinder or purchase pre-ground pork from the store.
- Cold whole milk: Meatloaf absorbs a lot of liquid, which contributes to its juiciness and moisture. Ensure that your milk is cold to prevent the meat mixture from becoming too warm when you mix it with your hands. Don’t worry if your hands get cold during the process; simply rinse them with warm to hot water afterward.
- Breadcrumbs: Use dried, plain white bread crumbs (not Panko breadcrumbs).
- Fresh garlic: Peel and crush some fresh garlic cloves finely.
- Dried marjoram: This Czech herb adds a unique flavor to the meatloaf.
- Eggs: Adding eggs helps achieve a better consistency.
- Salt: To taste.
✅ You’ll find the exact measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below, which you can also print out for easy reference.
For baking the meatloaf, you don’t need a special meatloaf pan. Instead, use a rimmed baking sheet for excellent results.
Instructions: Step-by-Step with Photos
Here’s how you can make this delectable pork meatloaf:
STEP 1: Begin by placing the ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the cold milk and add the breadcrumbs, eggs, crushed garlic cloves, salt, and dried marjoram.
STEP 2: First, roughly combine the mixture using a fork. Then, use your hands to knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and almost mushy. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty; using your fingers is essential to achieving the right texture. Remember to keep the mixture cold while working with it.
STEP 3: If you’re uncertain about the seasoning, fry a small patty of the mixture in a pan and taste it. Adjust the seasoning to your preference if necessary.
STEP 4: Shape the well-kneaded and seasoned mixture into loaves, gently tapping them on the work surface to remove any air bubbles and ensure that the meat settles evenly. If the meat sticks too much to your hands, rinse them with cool water.
STEP 5: Shape the meatloaves again into a nice form and transfer them to a baking tray. Pour a little water over them and bake for 1 hour in a preheated oven at 356°F/180°C (using both lower and upper heat).
Occasionally, pour the drippings over the meatloaf or add about half a cup of water if the liquid in the tray evaporates. Basting the meatloaf during baking will result in a golden and crispy layer on the surface.
Serving Your Delightful Meatloaf
Once your meatloaf is baked to perfection, slice it into 1-1.5 cm thick slabs and serve alongside boiled or coarsely mashed potatoes. For added flavor, you can include dill pickles, a touch of yellow mustard, and some onion rings on the plate.
Cold meatloaf also makes a tasty option on a slice of rye bread. Prepare meatloaf sandwiches as a delightful snack for a family outing. For an extra kick, spread each slice thinly with mustard.
Storing Your Meatloaf
Allow the meatloaf to cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to five days.
Meatloaf also freezes well. You can freeze the entire meatloaf or slice it and store the individual portions in an airtight container in the freezer.
Cooking Tips
For an exciting twist, add finely chopped onion to the mixture.
In traditional Czech recipes, it’s common to wrap the meatloaf in bacon. Don’t be afraid to give it a try! Wrapping the meatloaf in bacon provides extra protection against drying out and cracking during baking, while also adding another layer of wonderful flavor.
Questions and Answers
Q: What are some other delicious pork recipes?
- Szegediner goulash – Czech segedinsky gulas made with sauerkraut.
- Oven-roasted pork shoulder.
- Slow-roasted pork belly.
- Pork chops with gravy.
- Easy pork loin roast from the oven.
Remember to visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill for more mouthwatering recipes and delightful experiences!