German Applesauce Meatloaf Recipe Is Downright Lecker & So Moist (7 Ingredients) by Donna John

My dad has a lot of German in his side of the family, and my father-in-law is straight out of Germany. That means that I'm always on the lookout for interesting, delicious German recipes. This easy German applesauce meatloaf recipe caught my eye not only because of the short list of ingredients and easy prep, but the interesting ingredients and flavor profile.

Photo credit (all photos): Donna John

This juicy homemade meatloaf recipe doesn't require a long list of ingredients, but has a rich, slightly sweet, flavor. The ground sage adds an herbal back note that sings on the tongue. This is a comfort food meal that you won't seen forget!

To make this juicy high-protein meatloaf you will need ground beef, ground pork, onion, ground sage, Worcestershire sauce, applesauce, soft breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper and optional (but recommended!) tomato paste or ketchup. The ingredients are mixed together, shaped into a loaf and baked until cooked through. The pan drippings have a wonderful flavor, so be sure to drizzle some over the sliced meatloaf when serving!

Cooking Note: When researching this German meatloaf recipe, I found that some used ketchup in the meatloaf mixture and some did not. I thought tomato paste would add a richer flavor. You can add tomato paste or ketchup, or skip this ingredient.

Serve this ground pork and beef meatloaf with your favorite side dishes. I served mine with a salad topped with brioche croutons and buttered cabbage. 

Note: Lecker is used by some Germans to say that something is delicious. 

Cuisine: German / American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 1/2 hours (ovens vary)
Total Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef 
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground sage
• 1 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste or 3 tablespoons ketchup (optional)
• 1 cup soft breadcrumbs

Here's how to make it: 

1. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Season well with salt and black pepper. (I grated two leftover hamburger buns to make the soft breadcrumbs. I used unsweetened applesauce for this recipe.)
   
2. Mix until combined (do not overmix).
   
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
   
4. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for about 1 1/2 hours, or until it is cooked through.
   
5. You could mix together some applesauce and Worcestershire sauce and use it as a topping for the meatloaf. Spread it on top about 5 minutes before you take it out of the oven. Let the meatloaf rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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