Name: Traditional German Hackbraten (Meatloaf) with Gherkins and Parsley Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 stale bread rolls (or stale baguette, about 100 g / 3.5 oz); 1 medium onion (approx 150 g / 5 oz); 70 g pickled gherkins (or cornichons; dill pickles preferred); 15 g parsley (chopped); 800 g ground meat (50% pork, 50% beef); 2 medium eggs; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp mustard; 1 tsp sweet paprika powder; 100 g unsalted butter (3.5 oz)

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Introduction

Traditional German Meatloaf, or Hackbraten, is a comforting dish combining ground meat with flavorful ingredients like pickled gherkins and paprika. It’s perfect for a hearty family meal and pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as mashed potatoes or boiled vegetables.

The image shows a loaf of meatloaf on a blue and white patterned rectangular plate, with the meatloaf cut into three pieces revealing a soft, crumbly texture mixed with small green bits inside. The top layer of the meatloaf is light brown with a slightly crisp surface, garnished with fresh green parsley leaves scattered over it. Next to the plate is a white bowl with a blue rim filled with peeled yellow potatoes. The scene is set on a white marbled textured surface with a gray cloth and knife partially visible to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 stale bread rolls (or stale baguette, about 100 g / 3.5 oz)
1 medium onion (approx 150 g / 5 oz)
70 g pickled gherkins (or cornichons; use dill pickles for best flavor)
15 g parsley (chopped)
800 g ground meat (50% pork, 50% beef; beef only can be used but will alter texture)
2 medium eggs
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp sweet paprika powder
100 g unsalted butter (3.5 oz)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the bread rolls into small pieces and soak them in warm water. Squeeze out excess moisture well to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too wet.
Step 2: Finely chop the onions, gherkins, and parsley.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan and fry the onions until they start to brown.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread, fried onions, eggs, mustard, gherkins, parsley, paprika powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease the bottom of an oven dish with butter.
Step 6: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared dish and shape it into an oval loaf.
Step 7: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
Step 8: Melt the remaining butter. Every 10 minutes, brush the surface of the meatloaf with a little butter to help it brown.
Step 9: Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (170°F).
Step 10: While baking, prepare a quick sauce to serve with the meatloaf, such as rahmsauce or jäger sauce.
Step 11: Serve immediately. This meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, potato dumplings, and boiled vegetables.

Tips & Variations

Use stale bread to absorb moisture without making the meatloaf too soggy.
For a richer flavor, replace some pork with veal or add finely chopped mushrooms.
Brush butter regularly during baking to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Substitute mustard with spicy or Dijon mustard to add a different depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through to retain moisture and texture. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular serving dish with a blue floral pattern, holding a meatloaf on the top half and two slices of meatloaf on the bottom half, garnished with small green parsley leaves. To the left is a bowl with small boiled potatoes topped with parsley, and below that is another bowl filled with broccoli and carrot pieces. On the right side, part of a white plate is visible, containing broccoli, carrot sticks, and more meatloaf. In the top right corner, there is a white gravy boat with a light brown sauce. All dishes are placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use all beef, all pork, or even a mix with veal or turkey. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly with each choice.

Do I have to use pickled gherkins?

Pickled gherkins add a distinctive tanginess that balances the meatloaf’s richness, but you can substitute with dill pickles or omit them if preferred, though the flavor profile will change.