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The Greatest EVER (Moist) Meatloaf Recipe


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This actually is the BEST Meatloaf Recipe on the market! It has by no means acquired lower than a 5-star ranking and receives RAVE opinions from everybody who tries it. Moist and scrumptious, this easy-to-make meatloaf with candy ketchup glaze will go away you wanting extra. Scrumptious served with mashed potatoes and maple glazed carrots.

A close up of a plate of Meatloaf

Why You’ll Love This Moist Meatloaf Recipe

You’re ten easy components away from making the most effective meatloaf ever! This can be a basic recipe that’s simple to comply with and the candy ketchup glaze is sort of actually the icing on the highest. In the event you’re hesitant about cooking or have by no means made meatloaf earlier than, fear not! Learn by means of this put up to get all my ideas and tips for a scrumptious meal. Pay particular consideration to my milk and bread crumbs tip as a result of THAT is the KEY to this tender meatloaf.

Ingredients in a white plastic bowl

Moist Meatloaf Substances

  • Floor Beef– I like to make use of floor beef with a barely larger fats content material for this recipe. By doing so helps make this meatloaf moist and tender. I intention to seek out 80/20.
  • Onion
  • Bread Crumbs– seasoned bread crumbs
  • Eggs
  • Milk– provides moisture. Entire or 2% is most popular.
  • Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning)
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire
  • Ketchup + Brown Sugar (for glaze on high)

What’s the secret to moist Meatloaf?

Effectively, there are a variety of issues that I do to maintain a meatloaf moist, tender and scrumptious! Listed below are the fundamentals:

  • Fats Content material. Utilizing a floor beef that has a barely larger fats content material can positively assist hold your meatloaf moist and tender. A lean or further lean floor beef (like 90/10 or 93/7) makes a tricky meatloaf as a result of it lacks the fats. Attempt to intention for 80/20.
  • Add Sautéed Veggies. I like sautéing some onions in olive oil till they’re brown and including this to the meat combination. This not solely provides taste however further moisture to maintain your meatloaf tender and juicy.
  • Add Milk. I do know this looks like a bizarre ingredient, however milk makes an enormous distinction! Milk provides moisture and it helps retains the meat tender.
  • Use Breadcrumbs. Seasoned breadcrumbs add one other layer of taste and act kind of like a ‘filler’. Nevertheless it has an necessary job! Breadcrumbs soak up the milk in addition to the fats from the meat because it cooks, serving to to lock in moisture, protecting your meatloaf scrumptious.
  • Do NOT Overmix. To keep away from a dense meatloaf, mix the components JUST till integrated.
  • Season the Meat Effectively. This recipe makes a big meatloaf, so it wants loads of salt and pepper. Not less than a tablespoon of every. Additionally, Worcestershire provides depth of taste, so don’t overlook it!
  • Add a Glaze. Whether or not you sweep on a home made glaze or use plain previous ketchup, this provides a candy taste which compliments the savory meatloaf and sure, you guessed it, helps maintain moisture in.
  • Cowl the Meatloaf When Baking. Once more, retaining moisture is the secret, so whereas this meatloaf recipe is within the oven, remember to cowl it with foil. Within the final Quarter-hour, be at liberty to take away to get that glaze good and sticky. Yum!

Why Do You Put Milk in Meatloaf?

Like I discussed above, milk provides moisture and fats that the breadcrumbs soak up that hold this recipe moist and tender. I exploit the identical methodology with meatballs and even turkey burgers. Milk is a magic ingredient that makes a giant distinction. Attempt to use complete or 2% milk the place you’ll be able to. In fact 1% or skim milk works simply high quality! A nondairy substitute would additionally work rather than the milk as nicely.

Make Moist Meatloaf

Right here is my final information on the best way to make this simple meatloaf recipe. For full recipe particulars, together with components measurements, see the printable recipe card down under. Here’s a step-by-step information that will help you make the most effective meatloaf ever!

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a half sheet pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, spray frivolously with nonstick cooking spray and put aside.

Do I Want a Particular Pan For Meatloaf? No! You’ll have seen a particular ‘meatloaf pan’ on the market which seem like a cross between a loaf pan, a springform pan, and a colander. However let me be the primary to let you know, you don’t want it to make moist, flavorful meatloaf. With my recipe, you solely want a baking sheet lined with foil. A glass baking dish additionally works in a pinch. You may also simply use two plain loaf pans that you’d use for bread, however I personally don’t like all of the fats gathering within the pan; I like forming it right into a loaf form on a sheet pan and letting any further fats prepare dinner out and find yourself on the pan as a substitute of within the meatloaf.

2. Make Meatloaf Combination

In a big skillet, saute onions in olive oil till tender and browned. Pour into a big bowl.

To the onions, add in floor beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, seasonings, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Combine nicely till utterly mixed. Don’t overlook to season nicely with salt and black pepper.

Professional Tip: To check for seasonings, pinch out a small quantity of the meat and kind a skinny patty. Cook dinner in a pan on the stovetop, then style. Add extra salt and pepper as wanted.

raw meatloaf on a tinfoil lined baking sheet being glazes with ketchup

3. Type Your Meatloaf Log and Add the Glaze

Type into a protracted go browsing the ready baking sheet and flatten the highest. It ought to fill the pan lengthwise.

Whisk ketchup along with brown sugar and unfold excessive of the meatloaf.

What Can I Placed on High of Meatloaf As an alternative of Ketchup? I saved issues simple by glazing this meatloaf recipe with a mix of ketchup and brown sugar. Ketchup is a straightforward but conventional topping to meatloaf that locks within the moisture whereas additionally offering its signature candy vinegary style. In the event you don’t like ketchup or for no matter purpose don’t need to use ketchup as a glaze, listed here are a couple of different choices: BBQ sauce, Grated Cheddar Cheese, Marinara Sauce (for an Italian meatloaf), Salsa (for a Mexican impressed meatloaf), Strips of Bacon or Cream of Mushroom Soup.

4. Bake

Bake lined with foil at 350° F till cooked during to at the least 160° F. Be at liberty to take away the foil after about 40 minutes of cooking to essentially caramelize that glaze. High with chopped contemporary parsley if desired and serve.

Meatloaf Cooking Time

The final rule of thumb right here is to prepare dinner a meatloaf half-hour per pound of beef. That is on the oven temperature of 350° F. Cooking occasions will range as a result of no two ovens are alike. Plus the thinner and flatter you make your loaf the faster it’s going to prepare dinner. I baked mine for about an hour, chances are you’ll want extra time.

What Inner Temperature is Meatloaf Achieved?

Use an prompt learn meat thermometer to examine for doneness. If it reads 160° F or extra, you’re good to go. Over baking can dry it out although, so watch out.

close up of the top of meatloaf sliced

Storage Instructions

Fortunate for you, this meatloaf recipe saves nicely! Cowl leftover meatloaf with plastic wrap or hermetic container and retailer them within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. To reheat, merely heat within the microwave or oven. 

To Freeze

You may also freeze this meatloaf recipe. With this methodology, it may last as long as 4 months within the freezer. After baking, let your loaf cool to room temperature. Cowl in foil, then seal it in a plastic freezer bag.

Reheat. Let thaw for twenty-four hours in your fridge earlier than baking. Then bake at 350° F till the interior temperature reaches 160° F.

Make Forward Directions

Moreover measuring components and mixing them collectively, the one different factor you need to do is saute onions. For this reason this meatloaf recipe is such a straightforward one. It’s excellent for any night time of the week and may even be made forward of time!

Merely combine the meat combination collectively in a bowl and cowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate till prepared to make use of. Once you’re prepared, uncover it and let it come to room temperature whereas the oven preheats. Type that log form on a ready pan and high it with the sauce proper earlier than baking.

Meatloaf vs Salisbury Steak

Whilst you may assume meatloaf and salisbury steak two are principally the identical dish, they’re positively not my buddies. Sure, the components are largely the identical, however the variations are in approach they’re cooked and what’s added to the highest. Meatloaf is clearly shaped right into a loaf and both baked in a loaf pan or on baking sheet, within the oven. Meatloaf normally has a tomato (ketchup) unfold or glaze added to the highest. Salisbury Steak is cooked in skillet on the range high in patties, and normally served with a brown mushroom gravy.

Meatloaf Recipe FAQ

Why is my meatloaf falling aside?

To maintain your loaf from falling aside ensure you comply with the written recipe appropriately. The entire binding components (like breadcrumbs and eggs) are key. Another excuse the meatloaf can collapse is in the event you sliced into it whereas it proper out of the oven piping scorching. Let it relaxation for ten minutes earlier than chopping to assist it hold its form.

Why is my meatloaf robust?

You can have a tricky or chewy meatloaf for 2 primary causes: (1) you used a floor beef with a decrease fats content material and/or (2) you over baked it. To keep away from this, use 80/20 floor beef and use that prompt learn meat thermometer to assist forestall this.

Why is my meatloaf mushy?

The principle purpose you’d have a mushy meatloaf is that if the parts of binding components to meat is off. When you have too many onions, breadcrumbs, eggs and milk can create a mushy meatloaf. Any meatloaf recipe that has extra breadcrumbs than floor beef is an indication you’ll most certainly have a mushy meatloaf.

Why did my meatloaf crack?

This occurs as a result of the surface cooks quicker than the within. To assist forestall a crack in your meatloaf, remember to high the surface with ketchup, bake at a decrease oven temperature (350° F) and canopy with foil.

What to Serve With Meatloaf

This Meatloaf recipe deserves to be served with the most effective aspect dishes. So I’ve rounded up a couple of that go completely with meatloaf.

Love Meatloaf? Strive These Recipes

I do know you’ll rapidly see why this recipe has develop into a household favourite of mine! Add it to your month-to-month meal planning rotation! The printable recipe card is under. Have an amazing day, buddies! 🙂

In the event you make this recipe, I might actually admire it in the event you would give it a star ranking and go away your overview within the feedback! When you have an image of your completed dish, put up it on Instagram utilizing the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

A close up of a plate of Meatloaf
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