Easy Nordic Baked Meatloaf (Lihamureke)

Published: 7/31/2026

A juicy and comforting classic of Finnish home cooking. This traditional meatloaf uses a blend of heavy cream and breadcrumbs to ensure a tender texture that never dries out in the oven, seasoned with a hint of allspice for that authentic Nordic touch.

Ingredients (6 servings)

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 g) plain bread crumbs
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely minced
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 tsp (9 g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground allspice
• Butter for greasing the pan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or a rimmed baking sheet with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and bread crumbs. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until the crumbs have fully absorbed the liquid. This is the secret to a moist meatloaf.
3. Add the minced onion, egg, salt, pepper, and allspice to the bowl. Mix well.
4. Add the ground beef. Using your hands, gently mix until just combined. Do not overwork the meat, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
5. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.

Pro Tips

• The Soak: Never skip the step of soaking breadcrumbs in cream; it is the secret to the famous “Nordic juiciness” known as mehevyys.
• Uniform Shape: Try to keep the loaf even in thickness so it cooks at the same rate from end to end.

See Also

• Classic Beef Stroganoff (Finnish Style)
• Creamy Chicken & Potato Casserole (Nordic Bake)
• Creamy Nordic Chicken Fricassée (Kanaviillokki)

Categories: mains, comfort-food