Best 2 Hearty Ham Loaf Recipes

Are you looking for a delectable dish that can satisfy your appetite and warm your soul? Look no further than the hearty ham loaf, a culinary creation that combines the savory flavors of ham, the tenderness of ground meat, and the comforting aroma of bread crumbs. This classic dish is a versatile main course that can be tailored to your preferences, whether you prefer a tangy glaze or a crispy crust.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

HEARTY HAM LOAF

Hearty Ham Loaf image

"THIS is a recipe that comes from my father's side of the family. It's a simple dish to make, good for just about any occasion. The sauce makes the meat especially flavorful. For me, this recipe brings back all kinds of memories of my childhood days in Nebraska. I hope you'll enjoy it in your home over and over again, so it can create some memories for you as well."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 10-12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup coarsely crushed saltines (about 25 crackers)
1 cup 2% milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds ground ham
1 pound ground pork
BASTING SAUCE:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
2-1/2 tablespoons vinegar
1/4 cup water

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the crackers, milk, eggs and pepper. Crumble ham and pork over mixture and mix well. Press into a 9x5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 1-1/4 hours or until a thermometer reads 160°. , Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Baste loaf occasionally after first 20 minutes of baking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 301 calories, Fat 18g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 95mg cholesterol, Sodium 836mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 20g protein.

HEARTY HAM LOAF WITH SWEET & TANGY SAUCE

Hearty Ham Loaf with Sweet & Tangy Sauce image

Hearty Ham Loaf combines ground ham, pork and beef in tender meaty slices. Says Luella Feck of Bexley, Ohio. "I volunteered to cook for a regular group meeting of senior citizens. When I started, there were 35 attending. Now the members are up to over 100, thanks in part to dishes like this tasty ham loaf."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 3 loaves and 4 cups sauce (8 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

3 eggs
2 cups milk
1-1/2 cups crushed saltines (about 35 crackers)
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds ground fully cooked ham
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
SWEET TANGY SAUCE:
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons ground mustard

Steps:

In a very large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cracker crumbs, onion salt, salt and pepper. Crumble meat over mixture; mix well., Shape into three loaves, about 9x3-1/2x1-3/4 in. each. Transfer to greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until a thermometer reads 160°. , Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Serve with ham loaves.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a fully cooked ham for convenience and to ensure food safety. Look for a ham labeled "fully cooked" or "ready to eat."
Use Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate fresh vegetables like celery, onion, and bell peppers for added flavor and texture. Choose crisp, brightly colored veggies for the best results.
Season Well: Don't be afraid to season your ham loaf generously. A combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is a great starting point. Feel free to add other herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
Bind the Loaf Properly: To prevent the ham loaf from falling apart during baking, use a combination of bread crumbs and eggs as a binder. Ensure the mixture is well combined and evenly distributed throughout the ham.
Cook Thoroughly: Bake the ham loaf according to the recipe's instructions, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) as measured by a meat thermometer. This ensures that the loaf is cooked through and safe to consume.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, brush the top of the ham loaf with melted butter or glaze for a shiny, appetizing appearance. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Conclusion:

Ham loaf is a versatile and delicious dish that's perfect for a variety of occasions. With its combination of savory ham, tender vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, it's a crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you're looking for a hearty main course or a tasty addition to your sandwich or appetizer platter, ham loaf is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this classic comfort food that's sure to become a family favorite.