This Tarragon Meatloaf combines the rich, savory flavors of beef and pork with the fresh, aromatic notes of tarragon and Dijon mustard. The glaze made with Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and honey adds a perfect balance of tang and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of this comfort food classic.
Perfectly moist and flavorful, this meatloaf makes an excellent centerpiece for a weeknight family dinner. The addition of fresh herbs like tarragon and parsley not only elevates the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation. Serve it alongside your favorite mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ½ pounds ground beef
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1 ½ pounds ground pork
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup milk
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, Dijon mustard, fresh tarragon, salt, and pepper.
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Add the milk and mix until the mixture is well combined.
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Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a lightly greased baking dish.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, honey, and dried thyme. Pour the glaze over the meatloaf.
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Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
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Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with fresh tarragon and parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Tarragon Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Meatloaf is one of those dishes that evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, instantly transporting you back to cozy family dinners or childhood memories of comforting home-cooked meals. While the traditional meatloaf recipe remains a staple in many households, there’s always room for a bit of innovation in the kitchen. Enter the Tarragon Meatloaf a delightful and aromatic variation that takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level.
By infusing this meatloaf with the unique, herbal flavor of fresh tarragon, along with the tangy richness of Dijon mustard, you create a dish that’s both savory and slightly sophisticated, yet still simple enough for weeknight dinners. With a beautifully glazed exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, this Tarragon Meatloaf will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
The Magic of Tarragon in Meatloaf
Tarragon is an herb that often takes a back seat in many kitchen pantries, but it deserves much more attention. With its distinctive, slightly sweet, and licorice-like flavor, tarragon is often associated with French cuisine, where it is used to enhance the taste of sauces, meats, and poultry. When used in this meatloaf, tarragon adds a unique twist to the traditional savory profile of the dish, providing an aromatic, almost floral note that pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef and pork.
The freshness of tarragon helps cut through the fat in the meatloaf, offering a contrast that brightens the overall flavor. Unlike other herbs, tarragon has a subtle complexity that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them. It’s this delicate balance of flavors that makes Tarragon Meatloaf so intriguing.
Why Combine Beef and Pork in Meatloaf?
Traditionally, meatloaf is made with ground beef, but many chefs, including the creator of this Tarragon Meatloaf, like to combine beef with another type of ground meat, such as pork. This mixture of meats brings a few key benefits to the dish. First, the fat content in ground pork makes the meatloaf extra moist, preventing it from drying out during cooking. Beef, on the other hand, provides a hearty, meaty base that gives the loaf its depth of flavor.
The combination of beef and pork creates a harmonious texture and flavor profile that enhances the overall dish. It results in a meatloaf that is juicy and tender on the inside while still holding its shape when sliced. This is important for achieving the perfect balance between flavor and texture, and it’s something that a simple beef-only meatloaf often struggles to achieve.
The Importance of the Glaze
What sets this Tarragon Meatloaf apart from other versions is the glaze that’s poured over the meatloaf before baking. This glaze is a simple but impactful mixture of Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, honey, and dried thyme. The Worcestershire sauce provides a savory umami flavor, while the tomato paste adds a richness that deepens the taste. The honey, on the other hand, brings a touch of sweetness that caramelizes during the baking process, creating a glossy, golden-brown crust.
This sweet-savory glaze is not just about enhancing the flavor; it also serves to create the perfect crust on the meatloaf. As the meatloaf bakes, the glaze caramelizes, creating a beautiful texture and an inviting, appetizing appearance. The glaze helps lock in moisture, keeping the meatloaf juicy, while also imparting a deliciously tangy finish.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the best things about meatloaf is that it gets better the next day. This Tarragon Meatloaf is no exception. The flavors have time to meld overnight in the refrigerator, making it a perfect dish for meal prep. If you’re cooking for a busy week ahead, this meatloaf can be made in advance, stored in the fridge, and reheated when you’re ready to eat.
Leftover meatloaf can be sliced and turned into sandwiches, served with a side of vegetables, or even chopped and added to salads. It’s a versatile dish that provides multiple meal options, ensuring that none of it goes to waste.
A Family Favorite
The Tarragon Meatloaf is an ideal dish for family meals. Its simple, comforting nature appeals to both adults and kids alike. The fresh tarragon adds an unexpected twist to the dish, making it a perfect conversation starter while still maintaining the familiar flavors that make meatloaf a go-to for busy families.
This dish is great for a Sunday family dinner, where everyone gathers around the table for a hearty and satisfying meal. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a special occasion, yet is easy to make.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
While this Tarragon Meatloaf is certainly a great option for weeknight meals, it’s also an excellent choice for special occasions or gatherings. The herb-infused flavor makes it just unique enough to impress guests, and its comforting nature ensures that it will appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a meal for the holidays, this meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress.
You can even make mini meatloaf’s for individual servings, which would be perfect for a buffet-style meal or a casual get-together. These individual portions can be served alongside mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes, creating a delightful plated meal for guests to enjoy.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Tarragon Meatloaf is a simple yet sophisticated twist on a beloved classic. By incorporating fresh tarragon and Dijon mustard, the dish elevates the standard meatloaf recipe into something special. The savory combination of beef and pork, paired with the sweet-savory glaze, creates a flavor profile that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering with friends and family, this meatloaf is versatile, comforting, and always delicious. It’s a recipe that embraces the familiar while adding an exciting new element, making it the perfect dish for anyone looking to shake up their meatloaf routine. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers either way, this Tarragon Meatloaf is a dish that you’ll return to time and time again.