If you’re looking to make a hearty and flavorful dish from the comfort of your kitchen, German meatloaf (Hackbraten) —also known as “Falscher Hase” or “false rabbit”—is the perfect recipe to try. This article will walk you through exactly how to prepare this classic dish at home, using simple, accessible ingredients and a unique twist that adds a lot of character.
I discovered this recipe through a fantastic video by Emji K., who shared his family’s traditional method for this beloved German comfort food. The name “Falscher Hase” has a fun backstory—it translates to “false rabbit” because the dish was historically baked in rabbit-shaped pans during the 19th century. While we might not be shaping our meatloaf into a rabbit, we’re still capturing all the rich, savory flavors that make this dish such a favorite.
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What makes this German meatloaf special? It’s the combination of hearty ground meats, onions, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, blended together and wrapped around a delicious filling of hard-boiled eggs, ham, and strong cheese. The baking process is simple, and in just about an hour, you’ll have a tender, flavorful meatloaf that’s perfect to impress friends, family, or even just to treat yourself.
I especially love how simple this recipe is – it only takes a minute to show you how it’s done.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the steps for making this dish, so you can enjoy a taste of Germany in your own home.
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If you’re looking to spice up your culinary repertoire with a unique and satisfying dish, this video is a must-watch! Emji K.’s step-by-step guide to making “falscher Hase,” or “wrong rabbit,” takes you on a fascinating journey into the history and preparation of this traditional German meatloaf. It’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also steeped in charm, with its playful name tracing back to 19th-century German kitchens.
In this video, you’ll learn how to combine simple ingredients like ground beef and pork, diced onions, garlic, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs into a flavorful meatloaf base, seasoned with a perfect blend of salt, pepper, and paprika. What makes “Falscher Hase” truly special is its rich filling – a savory mix of hard-boiled eggs, strong cheese, and ham – that elevates the dish with its layers of taste and texture.
Emji K. easily walks you through every step, from shaping the meatloaf and creating a cavity for the filling to baking it to perfection at 180°C/350°F. The video not only makes the process approachable for beginners but also provides seasoned cooks with a creative new take on meatloaf.
As you follow along, you’ll also uncover the history of this dish, which was once shaped to resemble rabbit and has since evolved into a heartwarming family favorite that’s popular at Easter.
Why should you watch this video? Because it’s more than just a recipe – it’s a culinary adventure that combines history, culture, and simple yet impressive cooking techniques.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a comforting meal, mastering “falscher Hase” will bring both flavor and fun to your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let this hearty German dish take center stage at your next dinner!
Amazing Meatloaf | German Hackbraten by Emji K.
This video by Emji K. demonstrates how to prepare a traditional German meatloaf, “Falscher Hase” (fake rabbit), filled with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and ham, offering a simple, step-by-step guide to this 19th-century-inspired dish in just one minute.
Key Takeaways
- The meatloaf, known as “Falscher Hase,” derives its name from rabbit-shaped roasting pans used historically in its preparation.
- Ingredients include ground beef and pork (3 lbs), 4 diced onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, and traditional seasonings like paprika.
- The filling consists of hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and ham, creating a flavorful center.
- The preparation involves layering the meat mixture with the filling and baking at 180°C/350°F for one hour.
- The video provides straightforward instructions, ensuring ease for viewers recreating the recipe. I don’t think I have seen a recipe video that makes the dish look so easy to make.
Want to learn more about German food? Find our guide to German dinner dishes here or make some German side dishes to go with your meatloaf here. You can also find all our German food articles here.