CLASSIC HOMEMADE MEATLOAF AT BUDGETBYTES.COM

This homemade meatloaf recipe is super simple, yet incredibly good. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Ground beef is the base for this recipe and we suggest using 85/15 (15% fat) ground beef. The fat gives flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist.
• Onion: Onions add a wonderfully subtle savory flavor to the meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs soak up moisture from the ground beef, milk, and eggs as the meatloaf bakes, keeping the loaf super tender and moist.
• Milk: Milk adds moisture and flavor to the meatloaf.
• Egg: Egg acts as a binder for the meatloaf so it doesn’t fall apart when sliced, plus it adds flavor, moisture, and richness.
• Seasoning: This meatloaf is seasoned simply with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It’s just enough seasoning to add flavor without overpowering the natural beef flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce is used in both the meatloaf and the glaze. It offers a deliciously savory umami flavor with just a hint of sweetness.
• Ketchup: Ketchup is the base for the sweet and tangy glaze that goes on top of the meatloaf.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar helps balance the ketchup’s acidity and gives the glaze its beautifully glossy finish.
• Yellow Mustard: Mustard adds depth and savory flavor to the glaze.

THE SECRET TO GOOD MEATLOAF

Dairy product derived from the mammary glands of mammals. Milk is the key ingredient for making delicious meatloaf. Although it may seem peculiar, it has a significant impact. Milk moisturizes the breadcrumbs, which serve as a binding agent in meatloaf, hence maintaining the loaf’s exceptional moisture and tenderness.

During the testing part of this recipe, I prepared one batch without the inclusion of milk in order to assess the impact it would have. I can confidently state that the disparity in taste and texture was substantial. The milk-free meatloaf exhibited a high density, little toughness, and much greater dryness compared to the milk-infused meatloaf at budgetbytes.com. Therefore, it is imperative not to omit it. Additionally, I am confident that milk alternatives made from non-dairy sources would produce a similar outcome.https://www.budgetbytes.com/classic-homemade-meatloaf/

LOAF PAN OR BAKING SHEET?

There are two distinct approaches when it comes to cooking meatloaf: using a loaf pan or a baking sheet. I personally like using a baking sheet, but ultimately the choice will depend on individual preferences. I have observed that loaf pans do not facilitate sufficient evaporation, resulting in a slightly watery bottom. By using baking sheets, the meatloaf can undergo a slight amount of evaporation, resulting in a flawlessly moist and tasty outcome.

However, if you find shaping challenging or desire precisely square edges, a loaf pan may be more suitable for you.

HOW TO KEEP MEATLOAF FROM FALLING APART

There are a couple of tricks to making a meatloaf that holds together in nice slices. Here are a few tips:

• Use a recipe that has the right amount of binders (egg and breadcrumbs). This is essentially the glue that holds the meat together.
• Use ground beef with a finer grind, or that has been double ground. Really coarse ground beef won’t mix as thoroughly with the binders and may crumble when sliced.
• Mince the onion as finely as possible. Large chunks of onion will prevent the loaf from holding together as well.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH MEATLOAF

My favorite pairing for meatloaf is what I have pictured here, Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans. It’s so simple, classic, and balanced with the meatloaf and its tangy glaze. But here are some other good side dishes for meatloaf:https://www.budgetbytes.com/classic-homemade-meatloaf/

• Roasted Broccoli
• Broccoli Shells and Cheese
• Mushroom Rice
• Potato Salad
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Biscuits
• Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
• Potatoes au Gratin
• Three Bean Salad
• Garlic Bread