Festive Stuffed Meatloaf with Cranberries

Festive Stuffed Meatloaf with Cranberries

As the holiday season approaches, the opportunity to bring rich flavors and joyful company to your dining table is ripe. Festive Stuffed Meatloaf with Cranberries is a delectable dish that marries the savory taste of traditional meatloaf with the tart sweetness of cranberries, creating a perfect harmony to celebrate any occasion. This post will guide you through making this delightful dish, ensuring your festive meal is both memorable and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• For the Stuffing:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• For the Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Cooking Method

1. 

   Prepare the Cranberry Stuffing:

   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon. Cook until the cranberries soften and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

3. Assemble the Meatloaf:

   • On a large piece of parchment paper, flatten the meatloaf mixture into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
   • Spread the cranberry stuffing evenly over the meatloaf, leaving a border around the edges.
   • Carefully roll the meatloaf, using the parchment paper to help, into a log. Seal the edges and ends to enclose the stuffing.

4. Bake the Meatloaf:

   • Place the meatloaf seam side down in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf.
   • Bake for 60-75 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

5. Rest and Serve:

   • Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Nutritious Value and Pairings

This Festive Stuffed Meatloaf with Cranberries is a wholesome meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and the antioxidant goodness of cranberries. The walnuts add a nutritious punch of omega-3 fatty acids, while the orange juice and cranberries provide vitamin C.

For an ideal dining experience, pair this dish with side options that enhance its flavors without overpowering them:

• Side Dishes: Consider serving with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green bean almondine, or roasted root vegetables to complement the earthiness of the meatloaf.

• Salads: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad will add a refreshing contrast.

• Drinks: A medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot pairs beautifully, or for a non-alcoholic option, try serving a spiced cranberry mocktail to echo the dish's subtle tartness.

With these pairings, your festive table will be both satisfying and elegantly balanced, celebrating the harmonious blend of flavors that this stuffed meatloaf brings.