Why is Meatloaf one of the most popular comfort foods? I don’t really have that answer, it just is and it is certainly on the top of my comfort list. When it comes to making meatloaf, I love the fact that everything goes into 1 bowl and you get in there with your hands all at once. Then it’s just mix and roast. Easy-peasy!
Autumn/Fall Meatloaf
In keeping with the flavors of the season I use ground pork, apple and sage and the combination is beyond flavorful and oh so comforting.
Ketchup in Meatloaf
I don’t typically cook with ketchup, but I have to admit that it adds amazing flavor to the gravy and, as an added bonus, it also caramelizes to create a delicious crust that’s simply delectable.
Make Ahead Meatloaf
This pork, apple and sage meatloaf is both a fantastic and inexpensive dish for entertaining on a fall evening. Also perfect for family dinners, it can be prepared ahead and roasted when you’re ready cutting your time in the kitchen down.
Best Pan for Pork Meatloaf
I don’t use the usual loaf pan for meatloaf. Just like my Italian Meatloaf, I like to make it in a high-sided 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan. This not only allows the heat to circulate more around the meatloaf (to create that wonderful crust) but allows me to add stock to make gravy (more on this below).
Meatloaf Gravy
I recently started adding beef broth or stock to the pan with the meatloaf and this makes a delicious brown gravy while it bakes. The juices are added to a saucepan and thickened after baking.
Meatloaf Leftover Ideas
The leftover ideas for meatloaf are endless and only limited by your imagination. Here are some ideas that come to mind: You can go for the traditional meatloaf sandwich, toss it with pasta and vegetables, roll it up in wonton wrappers and make egg rolls, or break it up and sauté it with some potatoes to make a breakfast hash. That is, if you have any leftovers!
Freezing Leftover Meatloaf
Speaking of leftovers, this recipe makes a large meatloaf (enough to feed 8 people). What I sometimes do is I mix the meatloaf and separate them it into 2 halves when I’m only feeding the 2 of us and freeze the rest for another day.
Pork Meatloaf Cooking Time
This large meatloaf takes about 1 hour to cook, depending on your oven. Please keep in mind that it’s not good practice to rely on time alone when cooking meat, using a meat thermometer is the best way to know when the inside is up to the correct temperature of at least 165°F/74°C.
Pork Meatloaf Serving Suggestion:
A delicious homemade apple ketchup (pictured below) is a delicious condiment to serve with this meatloaf or use it top top the meatloaf before baking in place of regular ketchup. I served the meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans. If you’ve tried this Pork, Apple and Sage Meatloaf or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love to hear from my readers!
