Beef loaf is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the rich taste of ground beef with a medley of herbs and spices. This hearty loaf is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a special gathering. With its tender texture and aromatic blend of seasonings, beef loaf is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed both warm and cold, making it a staple for various occasions.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (lean)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, milk, and ketchup or tomato sauce.
   • Add the dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, ground black pepper, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Shape the Loaf:
   • Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
   • Transfer the beef mixture to the loaf pan and shape it into a loaf, pressing down gently to ensure there are no air pockets.
4. Bake the Loaf:
   • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until the beef loaf is cooked through and has a golden-brown crust on top. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Rest and Garnish:
   • Once the beef loaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the loaf to set.
6. Slice and Serve:
   • Carefully transfer the beef loaf to a cutting board. Slice it into individual servings using a sharp knife.
   • Garnish the slices with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
7. Serving:
   • Serve the savory beef loaf slices warm, accompanied by your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a green salad. Leftover slices can also be enjoyed cold, making them a great option for sandwiches or salads.

Enjoy this Savory Beef Loaf with Herbs and Spices, a dish that captures the essence of comfort food with its delicious blend of flavors and hearty texture. Its versatility makes it a go-to recipe for both cozy family dinners and delightful leftovers.

TIPS:

• Moisture Management: To ensure a moist and flavorful beef loaf, consider adding a moisture-trapping layer. After shaping the beef mixture into a loaf in the pan, lay a few strips of bacon over the top. As the loaf bakes, the bacon will render its fat, infusing the meat with flavor and helping to retain moisture.
• Customize with Fillings: Get creative with fillings and add-ins to personalize your beef loaf. Try incorporating ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, shredded cheese, or cooked spinach to the beef mixture before shaping and baking. These additions can provide extra texture, flavor, and visual appeal to your loaf.