East Croatian Meat Loaf

Delight in the rich, homestyle flavors of East Croatian Meat Loaf, a hearty dish that captures the essence of traditional Eastern European cuisine. Made with a flavorful mix of ground beef and pork, this meat loaf is elevated with smoked paprika, garlic, and dried parsley for a savory, aromatic base. Optional additions like sweet ajvar and shredded cheese infuse it with a delightful tang and creaminess, while a golden layer of crispy bacon ensures every bite is irresistible. Moist and tender, thanks to a blend of breadcrumbs soaked in milk, this meat loaf is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special gathering. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to complete this authentic Croatian feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 g Ground beef
• 500 g Ground pork
• 100 g Breadcrumbs
• 125 ml Milk
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Dried parsley
• 100 g Sweet ajvar (pepper spread, optional)
• 1 tbsp Sunflower oil
• 100 g, shredded Cheese (hard cheese like Gouda or Edam, optional)
• 8 slices Bacon strips

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease it lightly with sunflower oil.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb and soften.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, softened breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until well combined.

Step 4

If desired, mix sweet ajvar and shredded cheese into the meat mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Ensure it is evenly incorporated.

Step 5

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to remove air pockets and create a compact loaf.

Step 6

Lay the bacon strips over the top of the meat loaf, slightly overlapping them and tucking the ends underneath the loaf for a snug fit.

Step 7

Cover the meat loaf loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 8

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the meat loaf reaches 75°C (165°F).

Step 9

Remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 10

Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1775.7 grams (1775.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4268

Total Fat 291.50g	374%
Saturated Fat 112.60g	563%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.30g
Cholesterol 1365mg	455%
Sodium 7020mg	305%
Total Carbohydrate 119.20g	43%
Dietary Fiber 9.00g	32%
Total Sugars 27.80g
Protein 297.70g	595%

Vitamin D 160IU	801%
Calcium 1272mg	98%
Iron 23mg	126%
Potassium 2512mg	53%

*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: 61.1%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 11.1%