Bobby Flay’s Meatloaf Recipe is a flavorful and juicy take on the classic comfort food. The secret to this dish lies in the combination of three different types of ground meat—ground pork, veal, and chuck—which ensures a moist and tender meatloaf. The addition of sautéed vegetables, including zucchini and bell peppers, adds freshness, while a tangy glaze made with ketchup and balsamic vinegar gives the meatloaf a perfect sweet and savory finish. It’s easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Meatloaf:

  • 1/2 lb ground pork

  • 1/2 lb ground veal

  • 1 lb ground chuck

  • 1 zucchini (diced)

  • 2 bell peppers (yellow and red, diced)

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 2 large eggs

  • 3 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

  • 1 cup bread crumbs

  • 1/4 cup chopped thyme

  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan, add zucchini, bell peppers, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.

2. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, veal, chuck, eggs, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, ketchup, balsamic vinegar, thyme, parsley, and the sautéed vegetables. Mix until well combined.

3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape it into a loaf.

4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Brush the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

5. Bake: Bake at 450°F (232°C) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through and golden brown on top.

6. Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 331 kcal

• Total Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Sugar: 6.1g

• Protein: 27g

• Cholesterol: 123mg

• Sodium: 844mg

• Potassium: 538mg

The Secret to a Juicy Meatloaf: A Blend of Ground Meats

The secret to Bobby Flay’s meatloaf lies in the unique combination of three types of ground meat: pork, veal, and chuck. Each type of meat plays a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Ground pork adds moisture and richness, while veal offers a delicate, tender bite. Ground chuck, with its perfect fat-to-lean ratio, brings a hearty flavor that balances the other meats.

This blend of meats ensures that the meatloaf remains juicy and flavorful, rather than dry or overly dense. The fats in the pork and chuck help to keep the meatloaf moist during cooking, while the veal ensures a tender texture. The result is a meatloaf that is both satisfying and light, with a perfectly balanced flavor that makes every bite delicious.

Sautéed Vegetables: Adding Freshness and Flavor

In addition to the meat, Bobby Flay’s meatloaf features sautéed vegetables, including zucchini and bell peppers, which add a freshness and complexity to the dish. These vegetables not only provide flavor and moisture but also contribute to the overall texture, preventing the meatloaf from becoming too heavy. Zucchini, in particular, has a mild flavor that absorbs the other ingredients, making it an ideal addition to the meatloaf mix.

The bell peppers, with their slightly sweet and smoky flavor, enhance the richness of the meat while adding a pop of color to the dish. The garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper elevate the flavors of the vegetables, creating a savory base that complements the richness of the meat.

The vegetables are sautéed in olive oil until softened and then set aside to cool. This step ensures that the vegetables release their moisture and flavors before being incorporated into the meat mixture, giving the meatloaf a more even and well-rounded flavor profile.

The Egg Mixture: Binding the Meatloaf Together

To help bind the ingredients together, eggs are added to the meatloaf mixture. The eggs provide structure and moisture, making the meatloaf easier to shape and preventing it from falling apart during baking. The combination of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese also helps to absorb moisture, providing a firm yet tender texture.

The breadcrumbs are a crucial element, as they help the meatloaf hold its shape without making it too dense. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf. This mixture of eggs, breadcrumbs, and cheese creates a flavorful base for the meat and vegetables, resulting in a well-seasoned, cohesive loaf.

The Glaze: Sweet and Tangy Finish

One of the highlights of Bobby Flay’s Meatloaf Recipe is the tangy glaze that is brushed over the top of the meatloaf. Made with ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes, the glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that caramelize on top of the meatloaf as it bakes. The balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor and a slight acidity, while the ketchup provides a traditional sweetness that complements the savory meat.

The red pepper flakes in the glaze provide just a hint of heat, which helps balance the sweetness of the ketchup and adds an extra layer of flavor. Brushing the glaze over the meatloaf before baking ensures that the crust becomes caramelized and flavorful, adding a delicious, sticky coating that enhances every bite.

Baking the Meatloaf to Perfection

Baking the meatloaf at a high temperature of 450°F (232°C) allows the meatloaf to cook quickly while still developing a golden, crispy exterior. The baking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes ensures that the meatloaf is cooked through and fully set, with a juicy interior and a slightly crispy crust. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety, and to allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Serving the Meatloaf

Once the meatloaf has rested, it’s ready to be sliced and served. The tender, juicy slices hold together beautifully, and the flavorful glaze creates an irresistible finish. Pair this delicious meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a comforting, balanced meal.

The vegetables in the meatloaf provide both flavor and nutrition, making this a well-rounded dish that will appeal to everyone at the table. It’s an ideal option for family dinners or any occasion when you want to impress with a classic yet flavorful dish.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Bobby Flay’s Meatloaf provides about 331 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonably light option for a hearty meal. The dish contains 18 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat, which is primarily from the meats and Parmesan cheese. The protein content is high at 27 grams per serving, making this an excellent source of lean protein.

The meatloaf also provides 14 grams of carbohydrates, with 6.1 grams of sugar, which comes primarily from the ketchup in the glaze. The dish contains a modest amount of sodium (844mg), so it’s important to adjust the amount of salt and seasonings to taste. Additionally, the meatloaf provides potassium (538mg) and a moderate amount of cholesterol (123mg), offering a balance of essential nutrients.

Conclusion

Bobby Flay’s Meatloaf Recipe offers a fresh and flavorful take on the classic comfort food. With a combination of ground pork, veal, and chuck, sautéed vegetables, and a tangy glaze, this meatloaf is anything but ordinary. The addition of fresh zucchini, bell peppers, and a delicious glaze makes each bite a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this meatloaf is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, bakes quickly, and offers a comforting yet sophisticated flavor that will please everyone at the table. Bobby Flay’s twist on this timeless dish proves that with the right ingredients, meatloaf can be elevated into something truly memorable.