Jeff Mauro’s “United States of Meatloaf” is a decadent and hearty twist on a classic comfort food. The dish combines ground chuck, pork, and veal to create a juicy, flavorful meatloaf, perfectly complemented by a sweet, tangy, and spicy barbecue glaze. With its mix of savory flavors, it delivers the essence of American cuisine with an unexpected punch of heat, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
This meatloaf is ideal for a family meal, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. The glaze, a mix of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha, gives the meatloaf a delightful sweetness and a subtle kick of spice. The dish is easy to prepare and makes for excellent leftovers, whether served on its own or as part of a classic meatloaf sandwich.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small Spanish onion, finely diced
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Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup whole milk
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
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2 large eggs
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1 pound ground chuck
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8 ounces ground pork
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8 ounces ground veal
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1 cup coarsely crushed saltine crackers (about 24)
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⅓ cup minced fresh parsley
For the Glaze:
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½ cup barbecue sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar
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2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt, add minced garlic, and sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, whisk together milk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add the ground chuck, pork, veal, crushed saltine crackers, parsley, and the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Mix everything until combined.
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Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf, about 9 inches by 5 inches.
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In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha sauce to make the glaze.
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Brush the glaze generously over the meatloaf and bake for about 1 hour, basting halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Let the meatloaf rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
| Kcal: 620 (per serving) | Servings: 4
The United States of Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Revolution
The United States of Meatloaf, created by Chef Jeff Mauro, is an elevated take on the beloved classic meatloaf. Meatloaf is one of those dishes that feels like home comforting, hearty, and satisfying. While it may have humble origins, it’s a staple in American kitchens, served in various forms across the country. Chef Jeff Mauro has taken this traditional dish and added a flavorful twist that showcases the diverse tastes and regional influences that define American cuisine.
The Evolution of Meatloaf
Meatloaf dates back centuries, but it truly found its place in American homes during the Great Depression. It was an affordable way to stretch a small amount of meat into a hearty meal. The classic recipe typically combines ground beef with breadcrumbs or oats and eggs, along with seasonings and sometimes vegetables. While the meatloaf of the past was often simple, it has since evolved into a dish with infinite possibilities for customization.
One of the hallmarks of modern meatloaf is its versatility. Chefs and home cooks alike have experimented with different types of meat, from ground beef to turkey, lamb, chicken, and even seafood. Add-ins such as cheese, vegetables, and grains help change the flavor profile and texture of the dish. Meatloaf is also a perfect canvas for glazes and sauces, which can be used to bring in sweet, spicy, tangy, or savory flavors.
Chef Jeff Mauro’s “United States of Meatloaf” exemplifies this creative freedom. Rather than sticking to the traditional ingredients and flavors, Mauro combines different types of ground meat—beef, pork, and veal—to create a more robust and layered flavor. This meatloaf represents a celebration of different regions, each known for their distinctive culinary traditions, in one dish.
A Glorious Twist on Tradition
The “United States of Meatloaf” takes a bold step away from the expected. Jeff Mauro’s rendition uses a combination of ground chuck, pork, and veal, which infuses the meatloaf with richness, moisture, and depth. The choice of veal, in particular, contributes a delicate flavor, which when paired with the beef and pork, creates a complex and harmonious taste.
One of the most notable features of this meatloaf is the glaze. Instead of the traditional ketchup-based glaze, Mauro opts for a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy barbecue glaze made with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sriracha sauce, and barbecue sauce. This glaze does more than coat the meatloaf; it adds layers of flavor that cut through the richness of the meat. The sweetness from the brown sugar balances the tanginess of the vinegar, while the sriracha provides just the right amount of heat, giving the meatloaf a distinct kick.
The addition of crushed saltine crackers as a binder instead of breadcrumbs adds a different texture to the loaf. Saltine crackers offer a crispiness that enhances the meatloaf’s texture without overshadowing the meat. The crackers soak up the juices from the meat, creating a juicy yet firm loaf that holds its shape beautifully when sliced.
Regional Influences and Flavor Profiles
The United States of Meatloaf is more than just a dish; it’s a reflection of the diverse culinary influences across the country. Jeff Mauro’s recipe can be seen as a tribute to regional American flavors. The barbecue glaze reflects the influence of Southern and Midwest cooking, where barbecue reigns supreme. Southern BBQ sauce, with its balance of sweet and tangy flavors, is a beloved staple in many homes, and it adds a quintessential American touch to this meatloaf.
The use of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and Dijon mustard gives a nod to the tangy and spicy flavor profiles often found in dishes from the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. These ingredients provide acidity and heat, which contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze and the richness of the meats.
The ground pork and veal blend also gives the meatloaf a level of sophistication that elevates it from a simple comfort dish to a gourmet experience. These meats are often used in traditional European and Italian meatloaf recipes, so their inclusion hints at Mauro’s ability to seamlessly weave global influences into an American classic.
The versatility of this recipe allows for adaptation based on personal preference and available ingredients. If you’re a fan of a spicier kick, you can always add more sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. Alternatively, for a milder version, you could dial back on the hot sauce and use a sweeter barbecue sauce. You could also experiment with different types of ground meat, or add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the mix for added texture and flavor.
Why the United States of Meatloaf Works
This dish works because it’s both familiar and new at the same time. Meatloaf is a universal comfort food, loved by generations of Americans. Yet, with the creative twist that Jeff Mauro brings, it feels fresh and exciting. The blend of meats adds a richness and complexity that makes the meatloaf feel more like a main course than a side dish. The glaze provides a sticky, savory-sweet finish that will have everyone coming back for more.
The textures in this dish are also worth mentioning. The meat is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the saltine crackers create just the right amount of texture contrast. The glaze, when it cooks into the meatloaf, forms a beautiful caramelized crust that adds extra depth to every bite. These different layers of texture and flavor work in harmony to make the dish unforgettable.
Another reason this recipe works so well is its simplicity. While there are a few steps involved in creating the meatloaf, the ingredients themselves are relatively easy to find, and the process is straightforward. This means it’s a recipe that’s accessible to both novice cooks and more experienced ones who want to try something new.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
The United States of Meatloaf is a dish that can stand alone, but it’s also versatile enough to be paired with a variety of sides. Classic mashed potatoes are always a winner with meatloaf, providing a creamy contrast to the rich, flavorful meat. For a lighter option, try pairing it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips complement the earthiness of the meatloaf while adding a touch of sweetness.
For a more indulgent meal, consider serving the meatloaf with macaroni and cheese or a side of crispy roasted potatoes. If you’re looking for a more casual option, meatloaf sandwiches are always a hit, especially when paired with a tangy pickle and some of the leftover glaze.
Conclusion:
The United States of Meatloaf is a true American classic reimagined. Jeff Mauro’s creative take on this dish celebrates the rich culinary diversity of the United States, blending flavors from across the country to create a meatloaf that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this dish will be a showstopper. It’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for any meal.
In a world where comfort food is often synonymous with simplicity, the United States of Meatloaf proves that you can still enjoy the familiar while exploring bold, new flavors. It’s a recipe that brings people together around the dinner table, invites you to savor every bite, and leaves you feeling like you’ve experienced something truly special. So, next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and delicious, give this elevated meatloaf a try it’s sure to become a favorite in your home as it has in many others across the country.