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Feed your family and friends with our tasty, rustic German meatloaf served in a rich gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes to dunk up the delicious gravy and vegetables of your choice on the side.
I recommend serving it with our delicious Brussels sprouts.
This German meatloaf is budget-friendly and an absolute crowd-pleaser. In case you are wondering what ‘Falscher Hase’ means, it translates to fake rabbit.
Basically, the German meatloaf is a more affordable alternative to real rabbit, which would cost more to purchase and prepare.
Here are more authentic German dishes you might like: German Potato Salad, German Filled Cabbage Rolls, German Beef Roulades, or, if you prefer something sweet, a Classic German Apple Sheet Cake.
Ingredients For German Meatloaf
The Meat
I like to mix beef and pork mince for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf. If pork isn’t an option for you, using only ground beef works fine, too.
You could also try minced lamb as an alternative meat option.
Spices
In this meatloaf recipe, I keep the spices to a minimum. Besides using salt and freshly ground pepper, I only add wholegrain mustard, which is a must-have.
Of course, you can add more spices like chili flakes and garlic, or herbs like rosemary or parsley.
Eggs
The filling for our Classic German meatloaf consists of hard-boiled eggs. It not only tastes great but also looks very decorative when the meatloaf is being served.
If you can, try to get organic eggs from free-range chickens.
Sometimes, the meatloaf is filled with cooked carrots or even cheese. These options are great for people who don’t want eggs in their diet.
How To Make A Classic German Meatloaf (Falscher Hase) In A Rich Gravy
Step 1 – Prepare The Meat Mixture
The process of preparing the meat mixture is pretty straightforward.
Simply combine the ingredients like the minced meat, egg, finely chopped onions, seasoning, and the soaked bread pieces with your hands until thoroughly combined.
I like to let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before moving on to the cooking.
Note: While the meat is resting, boil the eggs for the egg filling. Also, you can now prepare the gravy as well.
Step 2 – The Gravy
Sauté the sliced onions in a little olive oil until they are softened. Add the beef stock and let it simmer.
Combine tomato paste, sour cream, and cornflour to a thick paste. Add the paste to the saucepan, bring to a simmer until the mixture has thickened.
If it is too thick, add a little bit more beef stock. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Assemble The Meatloaf
Drizzle some olive oil into a large baking dish, and form a base with half of the meatloaf mixture.
Place the eggs lengthwise on the meat, then cover them completely with the remaining meat.
Form the meat into a log-like shape.
Step 4 – Bake The Meatloaf
Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. After 30 minutes, take it out and pour the gravy into the baking dish.
Cook the German meatloaf for another 15 minutes until it is golden brown.
Step 5 – Serve
Once the meatloaf is cooked, let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting it into thick slices.
Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables on the side.
Enjoy! Guten Appetit!
Extra Tip
You can prepare the meatloaf a day in advance, before baking it.
You can also make the gravy ahead of time and store it in a covered container in the fridge.
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Let’s Get Started With Our German Meatloaf (Falscher Hase) With Gravy Recipe
I hope you enjoy my easy recipe for this tasty German Meatloaf, also known as Falscher Hase in Germany.
My German meatloaf is a budget-friendly dinner idea that not only feeds a crowd, but you can easily prepare in advance. Serve it with your favorite vegetables on the side and with lots of potatoes to dunk up the delicious, rich gravy.
I would love for you to leave a rating and a comment with your feedback and any questions. Your feedback will help me improve my recipes even more.
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Additionally, the recipe card includes affiliate links for equipment in case you need any kitchen gadgets.
Are you feeling hungry? Then, put on your apron and start making this rustic German meatloaf along with our rich gravy.
Tasty German Meatloaf (Falscher Hase) In A Rich Gravy
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Meatloaf
- 3 hard boiled eggs (shell removed) for the filling
- 1 egg
- 2 slices white bread
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 pound minced beef
- 1 pound minced pork
- 1 brown onion finely chopped
- 2 tsp salt
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1/3 to 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
For The Gravy
- 1 large brown onion
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cornflour
- 2 tsp sour cream
- olive oil for frying
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
How To Prepare The Meatloaf
- Tear the bread into small pieces and put them into a mixing bowl. Pour over the milk and let the bread soak for a few minutes.2 slices white bread, 1/4 cup milk
- Now, add the meat, onion, egg, mustard, and seasoning, and mix thoroughly with your hands.1 egg, 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 1 pound minced beef, 1 pound minced pork, 1 brown onion, 2 tsp salt, freshly ground pepper to taste
- If you want, let the meat mixture rest for 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to develop. (this step is optional)
- Drizzle olive oil into the baking dish, and create a base layer with half of the meat dough. Place the eggs lengthwise onto the meat.1/3 to 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil, 3 hard boiled eggs (shell removed)
- Now cover the eggs with the rest of the meat and form a log-like shape.
- Place the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes at 180 ℃/350℉ (fan -forced).Note: After 30 minutes of cooking time, we are adding the gravy to the dish
The Gravy
- Cut the onion into slices and slowly sautee them in some olive oil.1 large brown onion, olive oil for frying
- In a small bowl combine the tomato paste, cornflour, and sour cream to a thick paste. You can add 2 tbsp of water if desired.1 tsp tomato paste, 1 tsp cornflour, 2 tsp sour cream
- Add the beef stock to the onions and bring to a simmer. Add the paste to thicken the gravy.1 cup beef stock
- Simmer on low heat until it is thickens. If it is too thick, add a little more beef stock. Season with salt and pepper.salt and pepper to taste
- Add the gravy to the meatloaf after it has been in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Leave the meatloaf in the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting it into thick slices.
- Serve with your favorite vegetables and mashed or boiled potatoes. Enjoy!
