Barefoot Contessa’s 1770 House Meatloaf Recipe that Brings Cozy Comfort

Classic comfort meets culinary elegance in this barefoot contessa 1770 house meatloaf recipe that promises to delight every palate.

Rustic and hearty, this dish carries the warmth of traditional home cooking with a gourmet twist.

Ina Garten’s signature touch turns a simple meatloaf into a memorable meal that speaks volumes about her cooking philosophy.

Rich ground beef, carefully selected herbs, and a tangy glaze combine to create a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue.

Each bite tells a story of careful preparation and time-honored technique.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and treating them with respect.

You’ll fall in love with this meatloaf that transforms an everyday dinner into a celebration of comfort and taste.

Get ready to savor a recipe that will become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients Breakdown for Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and robust protein foundation for the meatloaf.
• Ground Veal: Adds delicate texture and subtle sweetness to enhance meat mixture.
• Ground Pork: Contributes moisture and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.

• Parsley: Brings fresh, bright green notes and subtle peppery undertone.
• Thyme: Delivers earthy, woodsy flavor that complements meat perfectly.
• Chives: Introduces mild onion-like taste with delicate green appearance.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances meat's natural taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and slight spiciness to the mixture.

• Eggs: Act as natural binder, holding meat mixture together seamlessly.
• Milk: Softens meat texture and prevents dryness during cooking.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates light, airy texture and absorbs excess moisture.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base for flavor development.
• Celery: Adds subtle crunch and herbaceous background notes.

Equipment Needed for Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf

• Large saute pan: 30cm wide, essential for cooking vegetables evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meat and ingredients without overmixing.
• Food processor: Needed to finely grind panko breadcrumbs.
• Baking tray: For shaping and cooking the meatloaf.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
• Small saucepan: Used for infusing garlic oil.
• Medium saucepan: Necessary for simmering garlic sauce.
• Meat thermometer: Critical for checking meatloaf's internal temperature.
• Fork: Useful for mashing garlic in the sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly.

Cooking Instructions for Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf

• Vegetable Preparation

Sauté onions and celery in olive oil until they’re soft and translucent, creating a fragrant base for the meatloaf. Let the vegetables cool down slightly to blend seamlessly with other ingredients.

• Meat Mixture

Combine ground beef, veal, and pork with fresh herbs, eggs, and milk. Gently fold ingredients together, maintaining a light touch to keep the texture tender and delicate.

• Texture and Binding

Grind panko breadcrumbs finely and incorporate them with the cooled vegetable mixture into the meat. Mix carefully, ensuring everything is just combined without overworking the protein.

• Meatloaf Shaping

Form the meat mixture into a smooth, compact cylinder on a lined baking tray. Create clean edges for an elegant presentation that will cook evenly.

• Cooking Process

Bake in a preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches the perfect doneness. Allow the meatloaf to rest after cooking, which helps retain its juicy interior.

• Garlic Sauce

Infuse olive oil with garlic, creating a rich base. Simmer with chicken stock and butter to develop a luxurious, complex sauce that elevates the meatloaf’s flavor profile.

Toppings & Tips for Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf

• Swap ground meats with turkey, chicken, or lamb for a unique twist. Mix different protein combinations to create your signature flavor profile.
• Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for dietary restrictions. Experiment with seasoned breadcrumbs to enhance the meatloaf's taste.
• Customize the herb blend by adding rosemary, sage, or dried Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs can elevate the overall taste and aroma of the meatloaf.
• Transform the garlic sauce by adding roasted red peppers, a splash of white wine, or a touch of cream for a more complex flavor. Create a spicy version by incorporating red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper flavors. Form and bake just before serving for maximum freshness and optimal texture.

Serving Up Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf

• Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a silky bed of buttery mashed potatoes as the perfect companion for the rich, savory meatloaf. The smooth texture complements the hearty meat beautifully.
• Pair with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Arrange a colorful medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips around the meatloaf. The caramelized edges of the vegetables add a delightful crunch and freshness to the plate.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the top of the sliced meatloaf and garlic sauce. These bright green herbs provide a pop of color and a light, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Create a Comfort Food Spread: Set the table with a rustic wooden board, add some crusty bread on the side, and pour a glass of robust red wine to complete this ultimate homestyle meal that feels like a warm hug.

Make-Ahead Tips for Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and safety.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm slices in the oven at 165°C (325°F) for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken stock to keep the meat moist and tender.
• Pack for Lunch: Slice cold meatloaf and pack in lunch containers with a small container of garlic sauce. Enjoy at room temperature or gently reheat for a delicious midday meal.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa 1770 House Meatloaf Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s 1770 house meatloaf combines rich ground beef with classic seasonings for a hearty meal. Home cooks can easily prepare this comforting dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 450 g ground beef
• 450 g ground veal
• 450 g ground pork
• 3 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 160 ml (5.4 fl oz) whole milk
• 150 g panko breadcrumbs (Japanese bread flakes)
• 2 tbsps good olive oil
• 180 ml (6 fl oz) good olive oil
• 475 ml (16 fl oz) chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 2 cups (300 g) chopped Spanish onion (1 large)
• 1.5 cups (150 g) small-diced celery (2 stalks)
• 10 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 2 tbsps kosher salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, at room temperature
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic Sauce (see recipe below)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Preparation: Warm olive oil in a pan, gently sautéing onions and celery until translucent. Let the vegetable mixture cool slightly.
2. Meat Composition: In a large bowl, blend ground beef, veal, and pork. Incorporate fresh parsley, thyme, and chives for herbaceous complexity.
3. Liquid Integration: Whisk eggs and milk, folding into the meat mixture. Season generously with salt and black pepper to elevate flavor dimensions.
4. Textural Enhancement: Process panko breadcrumbs into fine crumbs. Fold breadcrumbs and cooled vegetables into the meat blend, mixing delicately with clean hands to maintain a tender texture.
5. Loaf Formation: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Shape the meat mixture into a compact cylinder, pressing sides to create a uniform loaf.
6. Thermal Transformation: Roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40-50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 70°C (155-160°F).
7. Resting Phase: Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring optimal moisture.
8. Garlic Sauce Creation: Infuse olive oil with whole garlic cloves, simmering until lightly golden. Combine chicken stock and butter in a saucepan, introducing infused garlic.
9. Sauce Refinement: Reduce sauce for 35-40 minutes until slightly thickened. Mash cooked garlic, whisking in salt and black pepper. Adjust seasonings to balance flavors.
10. Culinary Presentation: Slice meatloaf and generously drizzle warm, aromatic garlic sauce over the top, creating a luxurious dining experience.

Notes

• Blend Meats Carefully: Use a delicate touch when mixing ground beef, veal, and pork to prevent a tough, dense meatloaf texture.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 70°C (155-160°F) for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Rest and Redistribute: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and tender result.
• Garlic Sauce Technique: Slowly infuse olive oil with garlic and reduce sauce gently to develop rich, complex flavors without burning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 200mg