Homemade Deli-Style Meat Loaf
Make your own healthy, additive-free deli meat at home with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or a quick protein-packed snack.
- Prep15 min
- Cook3h
- Total3h 15m
- DifficultyMedium
- Servings12
This homemade deli meat is a game-changer for lunchboxes and quick meals. It's made with ground pork, chicken, or turkey, seasoned simply and cooked gently until firm, then sliced thin. You control the ingredients, so no hidden preservatives or fillers.
It's surprisingly easy to make, and you can cook it two ways: on the stovetop in a water bath or in an Instant Pot. Both methods yield a moist, tender loaf that slices beautifully. Keep it in the fridge for the week or freeze for later.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions.
- Press each portion into a round 2-cup glass dish (like a Pyrex), smoothing the top.
- Set the glass dishes in a large pot and add water halfway up the sides. Cover with a lid.
- Bring the water to a gentle simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
- Carefully remove the dishes from the pot and drain any excess liquid.
- Let the dishes cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Refrigerate the dishes for about 2 hours until fully chilled.
- Turn the loaves out of the dishes and slice to your preferred thickness.
- Store the slices in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
💡 Tips
- For the Instant Pot method, use a round 4-cup glass dish and cook on the meat setting for 20 minutes, then natural release.
- Slice the loaf thinly for sandwiches; thicker slices are great for snacking.
- If you skip the liver, add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Inspired by a recipe from Kitchen Stewardship