Veal-and-Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon

This is a scrumptious spin on a classic comfort food, offering a delectable blend of veal, mushrooms, and bacon. The meatloaf is delightfully moist and flavorful, thanks to the addition of mushroom and the unique tanginess of horseradish. Finally, the bacon adds a slight crunch and smoky flavor, making every bite a savory delight.

Photos of Veal-and-Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon Recipe

The key ingredients in this recipe like veal, horseradish, and oyster crackers may not be a regular in every pantry. Veal is a tender and flavorful type of meat that you can find in the meat section of the supermarket. Horseradish, a root vegetable known for its pungent flavor and heat, can be found in the condiment aisle. Oyster crackers are small, round crackers typically used in soups, and they are usually located in the bread or cracker aisle.

Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon Ingredients

Unsalted butter: This ingredient adds a creamy richness to the dish and helps in sautéing the vegetables.

White mushrooms: They offer a great texture and earthy flavor to the meatloaf.

Onion: Onions are essential for their sharpness and aroma, providing a depth of flavor.

Green bell pepper: It adds a vibrant color and a touch of sweetness to the meatloaf.

Bacon: This adds a smoky, meaty flavor.

Ground veal: The primary protein source in the meatloaf, veal is tender and flavorful.

Oyster crackers: When crushed, they give a nice texture to the meatloaf and help to bind the ingredients together.

Ketchup: It adds a tangy sweetness to the meatloaf.

Horseradish: This gives the meatloaf a distinctive sharp, pungent flavor.

Egg: Egg acts as a binder for the meatloaf, keeping the ingredients intact.

All-purpose flour: This is used to thicken the sauce for the meatloaf.

Sour cream: Used in the sauce, it adds a tangy creaminess.

One reader, Glennie Moser says:

This veal and mushroom meatloaf with bacon recipe is a game-changer! The combination of veal and mushrooms creates a rich, savory flavor, and the bacon adds a delicious smokiness. It's a perfect comfort food that's both hearty and satisfying. I highly recommend trying this recipe!

Glennie Moser

Techniques Required for Making Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon

How to sauté mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt butter and add sliced mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat until they release their liquid, then increase the heat to moderately high and cook, stirring, until browned.

How to cook bacon: Mince the bacon in a food processor. It will add flavor and texture to the meatloaf.

How to test for seasoning: Sauté a small piece of the meatloaf mixture in a skillet over moderate heat and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.

How to make the sour cream sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then add the reserved pan juices. Bring the sauce to a simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened. Add the sour cream and cook, stirring, until hot, about 2 minutes. Do not let the sauce boil. Season with salt and pepper.

How To Make Veal-and-Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon

Make dinner nights special with this mushroom meatloaf, made with delicately flavored veal, bell peppers, and salty bacon, for a decadently hearty meal!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes

Rest Time: 30 minutes

Total: 2 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4tbspunsalted butter
½lbwhite mushrooms
salt and freshly ground pepper
1medium onion
1medium green bell pepper
½lbbacon,lean, thick cut
2½lbground veal,(not too lean)
1cupoyster crackers
¼cupketchup
¼cuphorseradish,drained, prepared
1large egg
1tbspall purpose flour
1cupsour cream

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook over moderate heat for about 4 minutes, until they release their liquid.
Increase the heat to moderately high and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes longer until browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the butter.
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the onion and bell pepper soften. Let cool to room temperature.
Mince the chopped bacon in a food processor.
In a large bowl, combine the minced bacon with the veal, cracker crumbs, ketchup, horseradish, egg, and the cooled mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly with hands.
Sauté a small piece of the meatloaf mixture in the skillet over moderate heat and taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper to the meatloaf mixture, if necessary.
Pack the meat into a 2-quart loaf pan and arrange the halved bacon strips on top.
Bake the meat loaf for 1¼ hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 140 degrees F.
Drain the pan juices into a heatproof bowl and skim off the fat. There should be ⅔ cup of juices.
Preheat the broiler.
Broil the meatloaf 5 inches from the heat for 1 minute, or until the bacon is browned.
Let the meat loaf rest in the pan for at least 10 or for up to 30 minutes.
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then whisk in the reserved pan juices.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened. Add the sour cream and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until hot; do not let the sauce boil. Season with salt and pepper.
Thickly slice the meatloaf and serve with the sour cream sauce. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 454.35kcal
Fat: 34.01g
Saturated Fat: 14.64g
Trans Fat: 1.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.59g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.05g
Carbohydrates: 10.01g
Fiber: 1.16g
Sugar: 3.93g
Protein: 26.72g
Cholesterol: 113.31mg
Sodium: 542.57mg
Calcium: 57.01mg
Potassium: 467.73mg
Iron: 2.35mg
Vitamin A: 93.76µg
Vitamin C: 12.80mg

Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf

When preparing your veal and mushroom meatloaf, it's crucial to not overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until they're just mixed. This will ensure your meatloaf remains tender and juicy. Also, remember to let your meatloaf rest after it comes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, making it moist and flavorful.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf

Prep ahead: Prepare the mushroom mixture and bacon in advance to cut down on cooking time.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly and evenly mince the bacon for the meatloaf mixture.

Bake and broil together: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the sour cream sauce to save time.

Make extra: Double the recipe and freeze an extra meatloaf for a quick and easy meal in the future.

Organize ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Veal-and-Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon Recipe

veal - Substitute with ground beef: Ground beef is a suitable substitute for veal in meatloaf, as it has a similar texture and flavor profile.
white mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar earthy flavor and texture to white mushrooms, making them a good substitute in this recipe.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a cured Italian bacon that can provide a similar smoky and savory flavor to the meatloaf.
oyster crackers - Substitute with saltine crackers: Saltine crackers can be used as a substitute for oyster crackers to provide a crunchy texture and absorbent quality in the meatloaf mixture.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for ketchup to add a rich tomato flavor to the meatloaf mixture.
horseradish - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can provide a tangy and slightly spicy flavor similar to horseradish in the meatloaf recipe.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream to add creaminess and tanginess to the meatloaf mixture.

Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf

Elevate the meatloaf: Mold the meatloaf into a perfect rectangular shape using a ring mold for a clean and professional look.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and chives over the meatloaf for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Create a bacon lattice: Arrange the bacon strips in a lattice pattern on top of the meatloaf for an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
Drizzle with sour cream sauce: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the sour cream sauce in a decorative pattern on the plate for a sophisticated touch.
Serve on individual plates: Portion the meatloaf onto individual plates, ensuring each slice is presented beautifully with a dollop of sour cream sauce on the side.
Add a side of roasted vegetables: Accompany the meatloaf with a side of roasted root vegetables for a balanced and visually stunning presentation.
Use a slate or wooden board: Present the meatloaf on a sleek slate or rustic wooden board for a modern and stylish presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the plate with delicate edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, for a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Sprinkle with edible gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, delicately place edible gold leaf on top of the meatloaf for a stunning and opulent presentation.
Serve with a wine pairing: Pair the meatloaf with a recommended wine, and present the bottle alongside the dish for a complete and refined dining experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf

Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is an essential tool for cooking the mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers in this recipe.
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, mincing, and blending ingredients. It is used to mince the bacon in this recipe, adding flavor and texture to the meatloaf.
Loaf pan: A loaf pan is a deep, rectangular-shaped pan used for baking bread and meatloaf. It is used to shape and bake the veal and mushroom meatloaf in this recipe.
Instant-read thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is used to quickly and accurately measure the internal temperature of the meatloaf, ensuring it is cooked to the proper doneness.
Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking vessel with a handle and a lid, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and simmering ingredients. It is used to prepare the sour cream sauce in this recipe.

Storing and Freezing Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon

Let the meatloaf cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the meatloaf soggy.
Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer of protection will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the meatloaf's moisture.
Label the wrapped meatloaf with the date and contents using a permanent marker. This will help you keep track of how long the meatloaf has been stored.
To store the meatloaf in the refrigerator, place the wrapped meatloaf in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
To freeze the meatloaf, place the wrapped meatloaf in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. The meatloaf will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
If reheating individual slices, you can microwave them on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the meat.
If you have any leftover sour cream sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

How To Reheat Leftover Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover meatloaf in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the meatloaf from drying out while reheating. Heat the meatloaf in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Another option is to reheat the meatloaf in a skillet on the stovetop. Slice the meatloaf into 1-inch thick slices and heat a small amount of butter or oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the meatloaf slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a slice of meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the meatloaf moist. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the slice and the power of your microwave.
If you have leftover sour cream sauce, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let the sauce boil, as this can cause the sour cream to curdle. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little beef broth or water.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the meatloaf under the broiler. Place the slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the meatloaf is heated through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Interesting Trivia About Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon

The meatloaf recipe includes a unique combination of ingredients such as veal, mushrooms, and bacon. This dish offers a rich and savory flavor profile, making it a hearty and satisfying meal option. The use of oyster crackers in the recipe adds a delightful texture to the meatloaf. Additionally, the inclusion of horseradish in the recipe provides a subtle yet distinctive kick of flavor. This dish can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. The meatloaf pairs well with a medium-bodied merlot, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Is Making Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf at Home Cost-Effective?

The veal and mushroom meatloaf with bacon recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of veal and bacon may increase the overall cost, but the dish's rich flavors and hearty portions make it worth the investment. The blend of veal and mushrooms creates a savory and satisfying meatloaf, while the addition of bacon adds a smoky depth. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $30-$35, considering the quality of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon Healthy or Unhealthy?

The veal and mushroom meatloaf with bacon recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:

High saturated fat content from the bacon, veal, and sour cream
Butter is used in cooking, adding more saturated fat
Refined carbohydrates from the oyster crackers
Relatively high sodium content from the bacon, seasoning, and ketchup

However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace some of the veal with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce the overall fat content
Use a leaner cut of bacon or omit it altogether to decrease the saturated fat
Substitute the butter with olive oil, which is a healthier source of fat
Replace the oyster crackers with whole wheat breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content
Reduce the amount of salt used in seasoning and opt for low-sodium ketchup
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the meatloaf mixture to boost the nutrient density
Serve the meatloaf with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a tasty and more nutritious version of the veal and mushroom meatloaf.

Editor's Opinion on the Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon Recipe

The veal and mushroom meatloaf with bacon recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of veal, mushrooms, and bacon creates a rich and savory meatloaf that is sure to impress. The addition of oyster crackers adds a nice crunch, while the tangy horseradish and ketchup provide a perfect balance of flavors. The sour cream sauce adds a creamy and indulgent finish to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful twist on a classic meatloaf, and the flavors are beautifully complemented by a medium-bodied merlot. It's a dish that is sure to please any meatloaf enthusiast.

Enhance Your Veal-and-Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of chives for added flavor

Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Crispy brussel sprouts roasted with balsamic glaze and topped with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with honey and sprinkled with fresh thyme for a touch of sweetness and herbaceousness

Delicious Alternatives to Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes, simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: This zesty lemon chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy lemon and herb marinade, then grilled to perfection. It's a refreshing and light dish that's perfect for a summer meal.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Indulge in this creamy garlic shrimp pasta, featuring succulent shrimp and al dente pasta coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It's a decadent and satisfying dish that's sure to impress your dinner guests.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Veal and Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a delicious and elegant appetizer, try making stuffed mushrooms. These bite-sized treats are filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then baked until golden and bubbly. They are sure to impress your guests and get the meal off to a great start.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Bacon-wrapped dates are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors in every bite. The dates are stuffed with creamy cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked until caramelized. This irresistible combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Veal-and-Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delectable veal and mushroom meatloaf with bacon that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of fresh mushrooms and savory bacon creates a rich and flavorful profile. The use of high-quality veal ensures a tender and succulent texture, while the addition of horseradish and sour cream elevates the dish with a delightful zing. With meticulous attention to detail and a harmonious blend of ingredients, this recipe promises a memorable dining experience that you can trust.

Share your thoughts on this Veal-and-Mushroom Meatloaf with Bacon Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you'd make to this delicious dish!

FAQ:

Can I substitute the veal with another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the veal with ground beef, ground pork, or a combination of both. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the meatloaf will vary depending on the substitution.

Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf through step 2 and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a convenient option for busy days.

Can I use a different type of mushroom in the recipe?

Of course! You can use cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite mushrooms to add depth of flavor to the meatloaf.

Can I omit the bacon from the recipe?

While the bacon adds a rich smoky flavor to the meatloaf, you can omit it if desired. You may want to adjust the seasoning to compensate for the absence of bacon.

Can I freeze the meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.