Dutch Oven Meatloaf Recipe with Beef and Pork

Cast iron dutch oven meatloaf is a traditional dish for dinner on a busy weeknight. It requires little prep work and is an excellent option for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Discover the simplicity and deliciousness of cast iron Dutch oven meatloaf, a traditional and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.

This meatloaf is moist and flavorful. It is made with a combination of ground beef, pork sausage, herbs and spices, eggs, half-n-half, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Then, baked in a Dutch oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes at 350 degrees. It is important to cover it for most of the cooking time to retain moisture. Then uncover the last 15 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.

Drain the excess grease and apply a mouthwatering homemade meatloaf glaze made from tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and beef broth.

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, homemade dinner rolls, or one of these delicious side dishes for meatloaf.

What is Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a popular old fashioned hearty dish. It is typically made by combining ground meat, such as beef, with various seasonings, breadcrumbs or oats, eggs, and other ingredients.

Meatloaf can be made with different types of ground meat, including beef, pork, veal, turkey, or a combination of meats.

The mixture is made with ground beef and pork, shaped into a loaf and baked in the oven. It is often served sliced.

Whether served as a satisfying dinner or transformed into flavorful sandwiches for lunch using the leftovers, this is the best old-fashioned cast iron meatloaf recipe.

Why You Will Love Meatloaf in a Dutch Oven

This delicious meatloaf recipe with Worcestershire sauce combines healthiness and easy preparation, making it a go-to option!

• Healthy: By excluding ingredients like brown sugar, bread crumbs, and slices of bread, this delicious recipe is perfect for those on a low-carb diet.
• Easy Preparation: Mixing the ingredients and letting the oven do the rest of the work, this meatloaf recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comfort Food: Meatloaf is a classic dish. This recipe provides a comforting and nostalgic experience of home-cooked goodness.

Kitchen Essentials You May Need

• Dutch Oven: Whether using a budget-friendly Lodge or, my favorite, the Field Company dutch oven, this is the best way to make meatloaf in the oven.
• Meat Thermometer: I highly recommend a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Mixing Bowls: I love these stoneware mixing bowls.

Dutch Oven Meatloaf Ingredients

Dutch oven meatloaf is a hearty, savory, and delicious dish made using ingredients from your pantry.

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make this easy recipe at home:

• Ground Beef – I recommend using 90% ground beef when cooking this particular recipe, as it has the right amount of fat to bring moisture and flavor.

• Ground Sausage – the secret to the best-tasting homemade oven meatloaf is to use ground sausage and ground beef! I prefer to use Italian Pork Sausage.

• Organic Herbs and Spices – Minced garlic, onion, basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, and thyme make an incredibly flavorful meatloaf. Celtic salt and black pepper to taste.

• Large Eggs – Eggs are added to meatloaf for two reasons. The first is moisture. The second reason eggs are used is to hold or bind the meatloaf and other ingredients together in the desired form.

• Half-n-Half – Using dairy helps to keep the meatloaf moist and keeps the meat tender.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Instead of using breadcrumbs or oats, I use grated parmesan cheese as a binding agent for this recipe.

Meatloaf Glaze Without Brown Sugar

If you are looking for a meatloaf glaze without brown sugar, this simple recipe uses tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and beef broth.

How to Make Meatloaf in the Oven

Meatloaf, a timeless classic, remains a beloved meal that never goes out of style.

If you are looking to prepare a simple and delicious 2 1/2 pound meatloaf recipe, here is how you can make it using a dutch oven:

Step 1 Preheat and Prepare

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
• As the oven heats up, gather all the necessary ingredients, including the dutch oven and mixing bowls.

Step 2: Blend the Herbs and Spices

• Combine the salt, pepper, herbs, and spices in a small bowl. Stir them together.
• Then add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Blend Eggs and Half-n-Half

• In a separate bowl, break eggs and pour in the half-n-half. Beat together until they are well combined and form a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Combine the Meat Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground sausage. Thoroughly mix the meats until they are evenly blended.
• Once the meat is mixed, pour in the previously prepared spice, herb, and egg mixture. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf

• Take the meatloaf mixture and form meat into a loaf approximately 9″x5″.
• Press the mixture together, ensuring it holds its shape.
• Place the formed loaf of meat into a cast iron dutch oven or a loaf pan.

Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf

• Transfer the dutch oven or loaf pan with the meatloaf to the preheated oven.
• Bake for approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Step 7: Make the Meatloaf Glaze Recipe

• While the meatloaf is baking, combine glaze ingredients. Mix a homemade ketchup glaze with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and beef broth.

Step 8: Add Glaze to Meatloaf

• Remove it from the oven after baking the meatloaf for an hour and 15 minutes. Drain off the grease from the bottom of the dutch oven and scrape off the excess fat from the top of the meatloaf.

• Then, brush glaze on top of the meatloaf. Return the meatloaf, uncovered, to the oven for another 15 minutes.

Step 9: Finish Baking the Meatloaf

• The best and most accurate way to know if the meatloaf is finished is by checking its internal temperature. When meatloaf hits 160°F, it’s time to pull it from the oven.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

• When cooking meatloaf, it is essential to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Doing this allows the juices in the meatloaf to redistribute and settle after cooking. This results in a moist and juicy final product that is easy to slice!

Best Dutch Oven Meatloaf Tips

The best dutch oven meatloaf is a family favorite you’ll love to share with your loved ones. Here are a few tips for making an easy meatloaf recipe:

• Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing, making the meatloaf dry and dense.
• Use Your Hands: When making meatloaf, your hands are perfect for the job! If you prefer not to use your hands, a wooden spoon can be used to mix the ingredients together.
• Use Beef and Pork: Most recipes use only ground beef, but my recipe uses ground sausage and beef. The ground sausage adds a great flavor making this the best dutch oven meatloaf!
• Glaze: If you dislike a meatloaf ketchup glaze, try using your favorite BBQ sauce or skip the glaze altogether and smother the meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Storing and ReHeating

Leftover meatloaf can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether cold or heated, here is how to store and reheat:

How to Store Meatloaf

To store meatloaf, follow these steps:

1. Allow the cooked meatloaf to cool completely.
2. Place the meatloaf in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag.
3. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
4. Store the meatloaf in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

Reheating Meatloaf in the Oven

To reheat meatloaf, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place your leftover meatloaf in a shallow baking dish. Add two tablespoons of beef broth to avoid drying out the meat. Cover with aluminum foil and place it on the center rack of the oven.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Internal Temp of Meatloaf

The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F to be considered completely cooked and safe to eat.

Do You Cover Meatloaf in the Oven?

This moist meatloaf recipe is covered with a dutch oven lid while baking. However, avoid keeping it covered the entire cooking time. Remove the lid for the last 15 minutes of baking to achieve a crispy exterior.

Do You Drain the Grease From Meatloaf?

It is recommended to drain the grease from the meatloaf approximately 15 minutes before the cooking time is complete.

How Can I Tell If My Meatloaf Is Done?

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature to determine if your meatloaf is cooked thoroughly. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf; it is done when the temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 350 Degrees?

When cooking a 2 pound meatloaf at 350°F, plan for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes of cook time. However, the cooking time can vary so use a meat thermometer to see if the internal temperature is at 160°F.

What to Serve with Meatloaf

There are so many delicious side dishes when it comes to serving meatloaf. Here are a few simple sides for meatloaf:

• Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
• Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls

Click HERE to view 60+ Tasty Meatloaf Dinner Side Dishes to Serve with your meal!

Click HERE to view 13 + Old Fashioned Dutch Oven Recipes!

Dutch Oven Meatloaf

A traditional and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights, you can enjoy this delicious meatloaf baked in a cast iron dutch oven.

It is easy to prepare with minimal time spent in the kitchen, which is convenient for those who want a satisfying meal for their whole family without the hassle.

The leftovers are equally enjoyable, allowing for tasty meatloaf sandwiches or reheated meals throughout the week.

Printable Recipe Card