Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Magic

Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf carries a rich culinary heritage that transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Legendary chefs have perfected this classic comfort dish through generations of careful technique.

Robust ground meats blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of deep, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Moist and tender, each slice promises a delightful experience that connects home cooking with gourmet traditions.

Professional kitchens and home cooks alike celebrate this timeless recipe for its incredible depth and satisfying texture.

Simple ingredients come together with remarkable complexity, elevating a humble protein into something extraordinary.

Why 1770 House Meatloaf Is a Total Legend

• Unleash Gourmet Comfort: This meatloaf elevates a classic home-cooked dish with a blend of three meats (beef, veal, and pork) that creates a rich, deeply satisfying flavor profile perfect for family dinners.
• Master Culinary Technique: The recipe demonstrates professional cooking methods like carefully sautéing vegetables, processing panko for perfect texture, and creating a delicate garlic sauce that transforms a simple meatloaf into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Flavor-Packed Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives are generously incorporated, providing a vibrant and aromatic dimension that takes the meatloaf from ordinary to extraordinary, making every bite interesting and delicious.
• Foolproof Cooking Experience: With clear step-by-step instructions and specific temperature guidelines, this recipe ensures even novice cooks can achieve a perfectly cooked, moist meatloaf with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

Must-Haves for a Fancy Weeknight Meatloaf

• Ground Beef, Ground Veal, Ground Pork: Rich combination of meats for a flavorful and tender meatloaf, choose fresh and high-quality meats with good fat content for best results.

• Parsley, Thyme, Chives: Fresh herbs that add bright and aromatic flavor to the meatloaf, choose vibrant green herbs with no wilting.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.

• Eggs, Milk, Panko Breadcrumbs: Key components that help bind the meatloaf together and maintain moisture, select fresh eggs and fine panko breadcrumbs.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oil for infusing garlic flavor, choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Garlic Cloves: Primary flavor component of the sauce, select fresh, firm garlic with no sprouting.
• Chicken Stock: Provides depth and richness to the sauce, use low-sodium stock for better control of seasoning.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce, use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

The Method Behind This Famed Meatloaf Favorite

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 350°F (180°C) to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Onions
• Celery

Stir occasionally until vegetables become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine Meat Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Ground veal
• Ground pork
• Fresh parsley
• Thyme
• Chives
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Process Breadcrumbs

Pulse panko in a food processor until finely ground. Fold the sautéed vegetable mixture and processed breadcrumbs into the meat mixture.

Step 5: Gently Mix Ingredients

Use clean hands to softly combine all ingredients. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep the texture light.

Step 6: Shape the Meatloaf

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form the meat into a rectangular shape, then compress the sides to create a compact cylinder.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F.

Step 8: Rest and Slice

Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. Slice and prepare for serving.

Garlic Sauce Instructions:

Step 9: Infuse Olive Oil

In a small saucepan, combine olive oil and garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until garlic is lightly browned. Remove garlic and set aside.

Step 10: Create the Sauce Base

• Chicken stock
• Butter
• Cooked garlic

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 11: Season and Finish

Mash the garlic with a fork. Whisk in salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the warm garlic sauce over the sliced meatloaf. Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this classic dish.

Tips That Take Meatloaf to Star Status

• Herb Selection Magic: Choose vibrant, fresh herbs straight from the garden or produce section to elevate the meatloaf's flavor profile and bring restaurant-quality taste to your home cooking.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Handle the meat mixture like a delicate pastry, using light hands to fold ingredients together, preventing a tough and dense final result that nobody wants to eat.
• Perfect Loaf Shaping: Press the meat mixture firmly into the pan, eliminating air pockets that can create uneven cooking and weird textures in your meatloaf.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and juiciness, removing the guesswork from cooking ground meat perfectly every single time.
• Resting Rule for Moisture: Allow the meatloaf to sit quietly after cooking, letting the juices redistribute and settle, which ensures each slice remains tender and succulent when you cut into it.

How to Keep Meatloaf Moist Day After Day

• Freezer Protection: Seal meatloaf completely in double-layer wrapping using plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Create tight seals around edges to block moisture and air exposure.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store sliced meatloaf in glass containers with tight-fitting lids to preserve moisture and prevent contamination. Position slices in single layers to maximize air circulation and reduce bacterial growth potential.
• Thawing Technique: Transfer frozen meatloaf from freezer to refrigerator 24 hours before consuming, allowing gradual temperature adjustment. Slow defrosting maintains meat texture and prevents potential bacterial development during rapid temperature changes.

Remix the Meatloaf with Flavor Surprises

• Mediterranean Fusion Meatloaf: Replace traditional herbs with oregano, mint, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Use ground lamb instead of veal to enhance the Mediterranean essence.
• Smoky Southwestern Meatloaf: Incorporate chipotle peppers, cumin, and smoked paprika into the meat mixture. Top with a zesty salsa and serve alongside roasted corn and black beans for a southwestern kick.
• Asian-Inspired Umami Meatloaf: Mix in grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, and green onions. Replace breadcrumbs with crushed rice crackers and create a complementary glaze using hoisin and sriracha sauce.
• Vegetable-Packed Lean Meatloaf: Increase vegetable content by adding grated zucchini, finely chopped spinach, and diced bell peppers. Swap some meat with ground turkey to create a lighter, more nutrient-dense version of the original recipe.

One Last Slice from the Iconic Loaf

Culinary masterpieces often emerge from unexpected combinations, and this 1770 House Meatloaf exemplifies that delicious principle.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience that connects home cooks with classic American comfort.

Layers of beef, veal, and pork create a rich, harmonious blend that promises satisfaction in every slice.

Garlic sauce elevates the meatloaf from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing depth and complexity to each bite.

Family dinner tables will come alive with conversation and appreciation for this thoughtful dish.

Passionate cooks who embrace this recipe can expect applause, social media engagement, and requests for seconds – so share this gem, spread the deliciousness, and let gastronomic magic unfold!

Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf delivers classic comfort with modern sophistication. Tender beef blended with herbs and seasoned perfectly promises a memorable meal that connects family around dinner tables with hearty, delicious warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 450g ground beef
• 450g ground veal
• 450g ground pork

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 cups (300g) chopped Spanish onion (1 large)
• 1½ cups (150g) small-diced celery (2 stalks)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 10 garlic cloves, peeled

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 160 milliliters whole milk
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 150g panko breadcrumbs (Japanese bread flakes)
• 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 180 milliliters good olive oil
• 475 milliliters chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic Sauce (see recipe below)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 180°C (350°F), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
2. Sauté the aromatics by warming olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Gently cook onions and celery for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and release their delicate flavors. Allow the vegetable mixture to cool slightly.
3. Create the meat blend by combining ground beef, veal, and pork in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate fresh parsley, thyme, and chives for herbaceous depth.
4. Whisk eggs and milk together, then fold into the meat mixture. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Transform panko breadcrumbs into fine crumbs using a food processor. Gently fold the processed breadcrumbs and cooled vegetable mixture into the meat blend.
6. Delicately mix the ingredients using clean hands, ensuring everything is just combined without overworking the mixture, which could result in a dense texture.
7. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Carefully shape the meat mixture into a compact cylinder, pressing the sides to create a uniform loaf.
8. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until an internal thermometer registers 70°C (155-160°F), indicating perfect doneness.
9. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute the internal juices and ensures a moist result.
10. Craft the garlic sauce by slowly infusing olive oil with whole garlic cloves. Simmer gently until the garlic turns a light golden brown, being cautious not to burn.
11. Develop the sauce by combining chicken stock and butter in a saucepan. Introduce the infused garlic and reduce the mixture for 35-40 minutes until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
12. Enhance the sauce by mashing the cooked garlic and whisking in salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings to create a balanced flavor profile.
13. Serve the meatloaf by slicing and generously drizzling the warm, aromatic garlic sauce over the top, creating a luxurious dining experience.

Notes

• Resting transforms texture, allowing juices to redistribute evenly through the meatloaf, creating a more succulent slice.
• Monitoring internal temperature guarantees food safety and prevents dry, overcooked meat; 70°C signals perfect doneness.
• Crafting a compact shape eliminates air pockets, ensuring uniform cooking and a professional-looking final presentation.
• Handling ground meat gently maintains tender, light texture, avoiding the dense, rubbery result of excessive mixing.
• Incorporating fresh herbs elevates flavour profiles, delivering vibrant, aromatic notes that dried alternatives cannot match.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 626
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 2,007mg
• Fat: 44g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 46g
• Cholesterol: 273mg