This Pork and Apple Meatloaf is a cozy, nourishing dish that blends the juicy flavors of pork and beef with sweet-tart apples. Enhanced with warming spices like ginger and nutmeg, it's a perfect meal for cooler days. Moist, flavorful, and family-friendly, this meatloaf is sure to become a regular favorite on your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 500 g ground pork
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup beef broth
- 2 tart apples (Granny Smith), peeled, cored, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a teaspoon of olive oil or butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and shredded carrots until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add ground pork, ground beef, the cooled veggie mixture, breadcrumbs, salt, ginger, nutmeg, applesauce, and beef broth. Mix well using a potato masher or your hands until fully combined.
- Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish. Spread half of the meat mixture into the bottom. Arrange half of the apple slices on top.
- Add the remaining meat mixture, smoothing the surface. Top with the remaining apple slices in a neat layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and is golden brown on top.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings? ❄️ The Pork and Apple Meatloaf brings together the juicy richness of pork and beef with the sweet-tart brightness of apples 🍎 — a timeless flavor combination that feels like autumn on a plate. Infused with warm spices like ginger and nutmeg, this meatloaf is not only nourishing but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids love it, and adults will be reaching for seconds! 🥰
🛠️ Essential Tools & Equipment
Before getting started, make sure you have the following kitchen essentials ready:- 🥣 Large mixing bowl
- 🍏 Vegetable peeler
- 🥔 Potato masher (for mixing, too!)
- 🥘 1.5-quart casserole dish
- 🍳 Frying pan
- 🥄 Measuring cups and spoons
🧾 Ingredients for Pork and Apple Meatloaf
Here’s everything needed to craft this delicious, juicy meatloaf:- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🐖 500g ground pork
- 🐄 500g ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 🥕 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
- 🍞 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs (or your preferred type)
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🌿 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 🌰 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended!)
- 🍏 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 🥣 1/3 cup beef broth
- 🍏 2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a teaspoon of olive oil or butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and shredded carrots. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.2️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your meatloaf bakes evenly and develops a lovely crust on top. 🔥3️⃣ Combine the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add ground pork, ground beef, the cooled vegetable mixture, breadcrumbs, salt, ginger, nutmeg (if using), applesauce, and beef broth. Using a potato masher (or clean hands), mix until fully combined but not overworked — this keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy. 🥩4️⃣ Assemble the Meatloaf
In a greased 1.5-quart casserole dish, spread half of the meat mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer half of the sliced apples on top of the meat, slightly overlapping them like scales. Add the remaining meat mixture over the apple layer, smoothing the top. Finish by arranging the remaining apple slices neatly on top. 🍎5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is golden and slightly caramelized. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving — this step helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for their light texture, but regular packaged breadcrumbs, homemade fresh breadcrumbs, gluten-free options, or even almond flour can be used as substitutes.
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is recommended, but homemade spiced applesauce adds a cozy touch.
- Ground Meat: This recipe uses a 50-50 mix of pork and beef, but ground turkey or chicken could be used for a leaner option. 🐓
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Pork and Apple Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with:- Creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
- Roasted root vegetables (parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots)
- Steamed green beans or a crisp green salad 🥗
- Topped with your choice of ketchup or barbecue sauce for a tangy kick! 🍅🔥
⭐ Why This Recipe Works
- Classic pork & apple pairing — a match made in culinary heaven!
- The addition of ginger & nutmeg brings subtle warmth and complexity.
- Applesauce keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
- It's a family-friendly favorite, easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
📌 Final Tip
Leftovers are fantastic! Slice the meatloaf for next-day sandwiches, topped with sharp cheddar and a smear of apple butter. 🍏🧀