Traditional German Meatloaf (Hackbraten) + video

German Meatloaf on blue and white plate.

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4.93 from 13 votes

Traditional German Meatloaf (Hackbraten) + video

This authentic hackbraten is full of flavour. A great quick meal for the family that everyone will love.

Course Main Course

Cuisine German

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings people

Calories 371kcal

Author Marita

Equipment

1 oven dish
1 pastry brush

Ingredients

2 stale bread rolls (or stale baguette, about 100 g[3.5 oz])
1 medium onion approx 150 g/ 5 oz
70 g pickled gherkins (or cornichons; use dill picklesfor best flavor)
15 g parsley chopped
800 g ground meat (50% pork, 50% beef) (You can use only beef, but this will alter the texture.)
2 eggs medium size
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
100 g usalted butter 3.5 oz

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

Slice the bread rolls into small pieces and soak them in warm water. Squeeze out any excess moisture well to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too wet.
2 stale bread rolls
Finely chop the onions, gherkins, and parsley
1 medium onion, 70 g pickled gherkins, 15 g parsley
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan and fry the onions until they start to brown.
100 g usalted butter
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread, fried onions, eggs, mustard, gherkins, paprika powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
800 g ground meat, 2 eggs, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease the bottom of an oven dish with butter.
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared dish and shape it into anoval loaf.
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
Melt the remaining butter in a pan or microwave. Every 10 minutes, brush with a little butter to help it brown.
To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the center. If the internal temperature reaches 75°C (170°F), the meatloaf is fully cooked.
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare a quick sauce to serve with it. ( rahmsauce or jäger sauce are great options.
Serve immediately. This meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, potato dumplings, and boiled vegetables.

Video

Notes

Recipe Variations

Use a loaf tin or rectangular dish for a more defined shape.
Add boiled eggs to the center of the loaf—just don’t overcook them, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Experiment with herbs like sage, tarragon, or oregano for different flavors.
Wrap the meatloaf in bacon instead of brushing with butter for a crispy exterior and moist interior.

Storage Instructions

Cooked Hackbraten keeps in the fridge for 2–3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
For longer storage, freeze in slices using airtight freezer bags or containers.

Nutrition