Juicy German Applesauce Meatloaf Recipe Is Downright Lecker 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.

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 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!

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. 

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links.

Cuisine: German / American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 1/2 hours (ovens vary)
Total Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 8

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
• salt and black pepper, to taste

Recipe Notes

• I used unsweetened applesauce for this recipe.

• When researching this 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.

• I grated two leftover hamburger buns to make the soft breadcrumbs.

• You could mix together some applesauce and Worcestershire sauce and use it as a topping for the meatloaf. Spread it on top about five minutes before you take it out of the oven.

• I put parchment paper on the bottom of my baking dish for easier cleanup.

• I used my Le Creuset 13x9-inch baking dish, but any baking dish that the meatloaf fits in will work. 

Here's how to make it: 

1. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Season well with salt and black pepper.
   
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. 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. This recipe has been analyzed by HappyForks. However, 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.

Need to convert cooking and baking measurements? Here are some kitchen conversion charts. Here's how to submit your recipes to 30Seconds.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get recipes in your newsfeed daily.