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Traditional German Meatloaf Recipe – Oma's Falscher Hase

This is THE best meatloaf recipe. It is so simple, so quick, and so delicious! In German it is called Falscher Hase, meaning false hare. The similarity is in shape, not taste! The meat loaf is formed into a slightly elongated, flattened shape to resemble a hare (or rabbit).

Servings:

Makes 4 - 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean beef (or half beef and half pork)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped, (browned in vegetable oil, if desired)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or 1 Kaiser roll (see hints below)
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled (optional)
• 4 strips bacon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, gently mix ground meat, eggs, onion, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. 
3. If you're hiding hard-boiled eggs inside: flatten the meat into the shape of a square, lay the peeled eggs in a straight line in the middle of the meat, and then fold sides over them. Shape meat into a loaf shape.
4. If you're not hiding hard-boiled eggs inside: mold meat mixture into a loaf shape.
5. Place meatloaf into a large shallow container - not into a loaf pan! I use a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
6. Lay bacon slices on top of the meatloaf.
7. Place dish in preheated oven for 50 - 60 minutes or until done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat loaves are at 165°F.
8. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. 

Notes/Hints:

• Traditionally, stale buns were used instead of bread crumbs. Easiest is to use a Kaiser roll, and soak it in some warm milk or water for about 10 minutes. Drain it, squeeze out the liquid, and crumble the roll and add to the meat instead of the breadcrumbs.
• Shape into 2 smaller loaves, so there's more crust - everyone just loves the crusty ends - they're extra delicious! 
• Add any or several of the following: ¼ to ½ cup ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, and/or sautéed mushrooms.
• Change flavor by adding 1 teaspoon thyme and/or a teaspoon paprika.
• Other seasonings to try: caraway seeds, fresh parsley, or dried parsley flakes.
• You can omit the bacon strips to wrap the loaves. Instead, brush with barbecue sauce or ketchup before baking.
• This tastes so good when it's served with German potato salad.

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02.24.2022 revision update