Yankee Tower Meatloaf Recipe

Jennifer Segal

21 Oct, 2023

Discover the ultimate comfort food - Yankee Tower Meatloaf! This mouthwatering recipe promises a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Dive in now!

Yankee Tower Meatloaf

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: American
Category: Main dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: 350 calories

About this recipe

Yankee Tower Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food dish that encapsulates the heartiness and flavors of Yankee-style cuisine.

This dish is a delectable combination of ground beef and pork, mixed with a medley of aromatic herbs, vegetables, and seasonings, resulting in a moist and flavorful meatloaf. The "tower" in the name likely alludes to the towering, well-risen loaf that emerges from the oven, making it a visually impressive centerpiece for any meal.

The preparation begins with a blend of ground beef and pork, ensuring a rich and balanced meaty flavor. To bind the ingredients and maintain moisture, breadcrumbs soaked in milk and eggs are added.

The mixture is then infused with the savory essence of sautéed onions, green and red bell peppers, and garlic, lending depth and complexity to the taste.

Worcestershire sauce and a mix of seasonings, including thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, provide a harmonious blend of spices and aromatics, while ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tang.

Once combined, the meatloaf is formed into a loaf shape, hence the term "tower," and baked to perfection. The result is a tender, sliceable meatloaf that's great for family dinners or gatherings. It captures the essence of traditional American cooking, offering a satisfying, well-balanced meal that's both hearty and flavorful.

Yankee Tower Meatloaf is a quintessential American comfort food, skillfully combining meats, seasonings, and a touch of flair to create a delightful main dish that's both visually appealing and delicious. It's a tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Yankee cuisine, providing a hearty and comforting meal for those who enjoy classic American flavors.

Why make this recipe?

You should consider trying the Yankee Tower Meatloaf recipe for several compelling reasons:

Delicious Flavor: This meatloaf is packed with a delightful blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with a mix of herbs, vegetables, and spices. The result is a mouthwatering combination that's savory, aromatic, and full of rich flavors.
Comfort Food: Meatloaf is the epitome of American comfort food. It's a warm and hearty dish that can evoke a sense of nostalgia and coziness, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Visual Appeal: The name "Yankee Tower Meatloaf" hints at the impressive presentation. When you slice into it, you'll have a tall and appealing loaf that's visually striking, making it a great choice for special occasions.
Versatile: Meatloaf is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it a flexible and crowd-pleasing option.
Leftovers: Meatloaf often makes excellent leftovers. You can use it in sandwiches, as a topping for salads, or even crumbled into pasta dishes, ensuring that you can enjoy it for multiple meals.
Homemade Goodness: Making meatloaf from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. It's a rewarding and fun dish to prepare.

Making the Yankee Tower Meatloaf recipe is an opportunity to savor a delicious, comforting, and visually appealing dish that celebrates the essence of classic American cuisine. It's a dish that can bring joy to your taste buds and a sense of nostalgia to your dining table.

What does Yankee Tower Meatloaf taste like?

The taste of Yankee Tower Meatloaf is a delightful combination of savory, aromatic, and hearty flavors. Here's what you can expect:

Savory: The combination of ground beef and pork provides a rich, meaty flavor that forms the foundation of the dish. The meat is seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, which add depth and complexity to the taste.
Aromatic: Onions, bell peppers, and garlic are sautéed and mixed into the meatloaf, infusing it with a savory and aromatic quality. These ingredients contribute to the overall flavor profile, providing a pleasant, well-rounded taste.
Herbaceous: Herbs like thyme and oregano add a touch of earthiness and freshness to the dish. They contribute to the overall bouquet of flavors and enhance the meatloaf's aroma.
Balanced: The seasoning, which includes salt and pepper, ensures a balanced and well-rounded taste. The Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of umami and depth, while ketchup provides a touch of sweetness and tang.

Yankee Tower Meatloaf is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the savory richness of meats, the aromatic essence of vegetables and herbs, and a balanced blend of seasonings. It's comfort food at its finest, offering a taste that's both delicious and familiar.

What would you need for this recipe?

These are the ingredients needed to make Yankee Tower Meatloaf:

Ground Beef and Pork: A combination of ground beef and ground pork forms the base of the meatloaf. The beef provides a rich, beefy flavor, while the pork adds a bit of tenderness and moisture to the dish.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs act as a binder and help maintain the structure of the meatloaf. They absorb moisture and contribute to the loaf's texture.
Milk: Milk is used to soak the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are moist and ready to bind the meat mixture. It adds a touch of creaminess to the dish.
Eggs: Eggs are another binding agent that holds the meatloaf together. They also contribute to its moisture and texture.
Onion: Finely chopped onions add a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the meatloaf. They provide depth and aroma to the dish.
Bell Peppers: Both green and red bell peppers, finely chopped, contribute a mild, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor to the meatloaf. They also add vibrant color to the dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic cloves infuse the meatloaf with a delightful garlic aroma and flavor, enhancing its overall taste.
Ketchup: Ketchup not only adds sweetness but also a tangy note to the dish. It contributes to the overall flavor profile of the meatloaf.
Worcestershire Sauce: This condiment adds depth and umami to the meatloaf, enhancing its savory qualities.
Seasonings: A mix of seasonings, including salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano, imparts the herbaceous and savory character to the dish.

Equipment

Mixing Bowl: You'll need a mixing bowl to combine all the meatloaf ingredients. A large mixing bowl is ideal. Substitute: Any large bowl or even a pot can work.
Baking Dish or Sheet: You'll use a baking dish or sheet to shape and bake the meatloaf. A 9x5-inch loaf pan is commonly used. Substitute: A similarly sized casserole dish or even a rimmed baking sheet can be used.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring ingredients like breadcrumbs, milk, and spices.
Knife and Cutting Board: You'll need a knife for chopping onions, bell peppers, and garlic. A cutting board is essential for food prep.
Skillet or Pan: You'll use a skillet or pan to sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Substitute: If you don't have a skillet, you can use a saucepan or even a microwave-safe bowl for sautéing in the microwave.
Oven: Baking the meatloaf requires an oven. Make sure it's preheated to the recommended temperature.
Meat Thermometer: While not strictly necessary, a meat thermometer is a useful tool to ensure your meatloaf reaches the correct internal temperature (160°F or 71°C) for safe consumption.
Aluminum Foil: You may need foil to cover the meatloaf while baking to prevent excessive browning. It's not essential, but it can be useful.

How to make Yankee Tower Meatloaf

Indulge in the best Yankee Tower Meatloaf recipe - a delicious twist on classic comfort food. Learn how to make it from scratch!

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
Add the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.
Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it's cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve your Yankee Tower Meatloaf with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

How do you serve Yankee Tower Meatloaf recipe?

To serve Yankee Tower Meatloaf after preparing the recipe, follow these steps:

Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute within the meatloaf, ensuring it stays moist.
Slicing: Use a sharp knife to slice the meatloaf into individual portions. The thickness of the slices is a matter of personal preference, but they are typically around 1/2 to 1 inch thick.
Plating: Arrange the meatloaf slices on serving plates or a platter. You can be creative with the presentation, placing them neatly in rows or overlapping for an appealing look.
Sides: Consider serving your Yankee Tower Meatloaf with your choice of side dishes. Common accompaniments include mashed potatoes, gravy, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. The sides can complement the flavors of the meatloaf and complete the meal.
Garnish: Optionally, you can garnish the meatloaf with some fresh herbs, such as parsley, or a drizzle of extra ketchup or gravy for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving: Place the completed plates in front of your guests or family members and enjoy your homemade Yankee Tower Meatloaf. Encourage everyone to savor the delicious flavors and hearty comfort of this classic American dish.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 628 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Yankee Tower Meatloaf, Yankee Tower Meatloaf Recipe, Recipe, Easy, Homemade, Top rated

What to serve with?

Yankee Tower Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some classic options to serve alongside your meatloaf:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that complements the savory meatloaf. You can add butter and cream for extra richness.
Gravy: A ladle of rich, savory gravy, such as brown or mushroom gravy, drizzled over the meatloaf and mashed potatoes can elevate the flavors.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Fresh or lightly seasoned steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli add a healthy and colorful component to your meal.
Macaroni and Cheese: This indulgent side dish combines the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the meaty flavors of the meatloaf.
Coleslaw: A crisp and refreshing coleslaw, with a tangy dressing, provides a contrasting texture and taste to the meatloaf.
Fresh Garden Salad: A simple green salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing adds a light and refreshing element to your meal.
Bread or Dinner Rolls: A side of crusty bread or dinner rolls is perfect for mopping up any gravy or sauce from the meatloaf.
Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic Southern side that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf, offering a sweet and savory contrast.
Roasted Potatoes: If you prefer a different take on potatoes, consider roasted potatoes with herbs and seasonings for a crispy and flavorful side.
Pickles: A side of pickles or pickled vegetables can add a tangy and crunchy element to your plate, balancing the richness of the meatloaf.

My recommendations and tips

Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is cooked to the right internal temperature (160°F or 71°C), use a meat thermometer. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Mix the Meat Gently: When combining the meat mixture, avoid overmixing. Gently blend the ingredients to prevent a dense or tough meatloaf.
Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps it moist. It also makes it easier to slice.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you prefer more herbs or a bit of spice, customize the recipe to suit your preferences.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables. They'll enhance the flavor of your meatloaf.
Shape Uniformly: When shaping the meatloaf, aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. A loaf shape is classic, but you can get creative with shapes and sizes.
Cover with Foil: If your meatloaf begins to brown too quickly during baking, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while allowing the inside to cook thoroughly.
Customize the Sides: The choice of side dishes can significantly impact the overall meal. Consider your preferences and any dietary restrictions when selecting sides.
Experiment with Sauces: While ketchup is commonly used on meatloaf, don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces or glazes for added flavor.
Leftovers: Meatloaf makes great leftovers. It's perfect for sandwiches or can be crumbled into pasta dishes or omelets for another meal.
Enjoy the Comfort: Above all, remember that meatloaf is classic comfort food. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia it brings to your table.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Meat: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use all ground beef or even ground turkey instead of a mix of beef and pork. Just keep in mind that the fat content may affect the final texture.
Breadcrumbs: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even crushed cornflakes for a similar binding effect.
Milk: You can use a dairy-free milk like almond or soy milk if you have dietary restrictions. Alternatively, you can use buttermilk for a tangy twist.
Eggs: For a vegan option or if you have an egg allergy, flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water can serve as binding agents. Use one tablespoon of either with three tablespoons of water for each egg.
Onion: Replace finely chopped onion with grated or minced shallots, scallions, or leeks for different flavor profiles.
Bell Peppers: If you're not a fan of bell peppers, you can use other vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini to add moisture and flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic can be substituted with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
Ketchup: In place of ketchup, you can use tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, or a combination of tomato paste and a touch of sugar or honey.
Worcestershire Sauce: If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, a combination of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar can provide a similar umami flavor.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary, basil, or smoked paprika.