Description
Traditional German Hackbraten is a hearty, rustic meatloaf made with a blend of ground beef and lamb or chicken, caramelized onions, and a sweet-tangy glaze. It's a classic comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or chicken
1 medium onion, diced and caramelized
2 slices stale bread, soaked in milk and squeezed dry (or ½ cup breadcrumbs)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Caramelize the diced onion in a bit of oil over medium heat until soft and golden, then let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb or chicken, cooled onions, soaked bread or breadcrumbs, garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F (71 °C) and the glaze is set.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
You can use all beef or all chicken depending on your preference.
Try adding chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh flavor.
Add grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for moisture and nutrition.
The glaze can be spiced up with smoked paprika or hot sauce.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
