Meat Cake Recipe

Meat Cake: A Savory Celebration

I still remember the first time I saw “Meat Cake” on the dinner table. As a child, I was bewildered by the name – expecting a sweet, frosted confection. Instead, I was greeted with a hearty, savory creation, glazed with a tangy tomato sauce. It was an instant hit, becoming a comforting staple in our family dinners. The aroma alone, a blend of savory meat, sweet vegetables, and that distinctive tomato topping, takes me right back to those cozy evenings.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yields: 12 pieces
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 lbs hamburger meat
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• ¾ cup chopped celery
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 7/8 ounce brown gravy mix
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×11 inch Pyrex baking dish
• Saucepan

Instructions

1. First, prepare your vegetables. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery until they become translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
2. While the vegetables are cooling, in a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are moistened and the mixture is fairly smooth.
3. Add half of the tomato paste (about 3 ounces) to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. This will help bind the meat cake together.
4. Now, gently fold in the sautéed vegetables into the breadcrumb and tomato paste mixture. Ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed.
5. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Mrs. Dash seasoning mix, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well distributed.
6. Using your hands, gently mix in the hamburger meat to the vegetable and breadcrumb mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meat cake. Mix until just combined and the meat is evenly distributed throughout.
7. Pour the meat mixture into a 9×11 inch Pyrex baking dish. With your hands or a spatula, flatten the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring it is consistent in thickness.
8. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining tomato paste (about 3 ounces) and the entire can of tomato sauce. Mix well to create the topping for the meat cake.
9. Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meat cake in the Pyrex dish.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 1 hour. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
11. While the meat cake is baking, prepare the tomato gravy. In a saucepan, combine the remaining tomato paste (save a small amount for thickening if needed) with 1 cup of water. Stir well.
12. Add the brown gravy mix to the tomato paste and water mixture. Follow the directions on the gravy mix package for proper cooking, usually involving bringing the mixture to a simmer while constantly whisking until thickened. If the gravy is too thin, add a little reserved tomato paste. If too thick, add more water.
13. Once the meat cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
14. Serve slices of the meat cake with the warm tomato gravy spooned over the top.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the meat cake from drying out, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven during baking. This will create a steamy environment and keep the meat moist.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the hamburger meat with ground beef chuck or ground pork.
• If you prefer a smoother topping, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the tomato sauce mixture before pouring it over the meat cake.
• You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and can save time on a busy day.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the meat cake hot, sliced into squares, with a generous spoonful of tomato gravy. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable such as steamed green beans or broccoli.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices or reheat the entire meat cake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. You can also freeze the meat cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen meat cake can last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	248.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	119 g	48%
Total Fat	13.3 g	20%
Saturated Fat	5.1 g	25%
Cholesterol	88.1 mg	29%
Sodium	730.8 mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	14.4 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	7%
Sugars	4.8 g	19%
Protein	17.9 g	35%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Meat Cake: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Spicy Meat Cake: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Italian Meat Cake: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Vegetarian “Meat” Cake: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of brown gravy mix to create a vegetarian version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef chuck or ground pork can be substituted for half of the hamburger meat for a richer flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have Mrs. Dash seasoning mix?
A: You can substitute Mrs. Dash with a combination of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Q: Can I make this meat cake in a different size baking dish?
A: While a 9×11 inch dish is recommended, you can use a different size dish, but be aware that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

Q: How do I know when the meat cake is fully cooked?
A: The meat cake is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.

Q: Can I freeze leftover meat cake?
A: Yes, leftover meat cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Meat Cake, or meatloaf baked in a 9×11 pan as it may commonly be known, is more than just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate. The warm, savory flavors and comforting aroma are sure to bring a smile to your face and fill your home with love. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own meat cake memories. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste, and share your feedback with me! Consider pairing this dish with a crisp green salad or a glass of robust red wine for a truly satisfying experience.