Meatloaf secrets

[shortstuff]

I love meatloaf but gotta tell ya', I make the worst meatloaf. I try and follow the directions, I've used the whole tomatoes and the juice, I have smooshed in eggs and parsley and breadcrumbs and to know avail~~my meatloaf is TERRIBLE!!!

I would love to know what the secret is to moist tasty meatloaf. Anyone got any ideas?

[300miles]

We're listening


http://onthebutton.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/terry_nash_meatloaf_large.jpg

[shortstuff]

Ahh, come on that was funny....but what's your secret?

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

I love meatloaf but gotta tell ya', I make the worst meatloaf. I try and follow the directions, I've used the whole tomatoes and the juice, I have smooshed in eggs and parsley and breadcrumbs and to know avail~~my meatloaf is TERRIBLE!!!

I would love to know what the secret is to moist tasty meatloaf. Anyone got any ideas?


The big mistakes I have made in the past is using to much of breadcrumbs and eggs.


Here is what I make.

1lb of beef - lean
1/4lb of ground pork and turkey
1 very large yellow onion - fine chop
1 clove of garlic - fine chop
1 can of diced tomatoes - drained
1 yolk
1cup of ketchup
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

------------
Preheat oven to 350
Cook down the garlic, tomatoes and onion in a tiny amt of oil. Essentially remove the moisture. Let these cool.

In a bowl mix the 3 meats together, set aside

In another bowl, beat the egg yolk and then mix in the ketchup, tomatoes onion and garlic. Do not want to 'cook' egg so they have to be cool.

Mix the two together. Depending on how 'loose' the mixture is..add breadcrumbs. It is OK to not use them all. If you need to add more moisture, add ketchup. I find it is has the best moisture/flavor/bonding combo.

Form to a loaf and bake in a bread pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

[fiona]

Keep it covered for most of the baking time and then uncover it just long enough to brown the top. Keeps it from drying out.

[therising]

Try Lipton's Onion Soup mix.

[shortstuff]

The big mistakes I have made in the past is using to much of breadcrumbs and eggs.


Here is what I make.

1lb of beef - lean
1/4lb of ground pork and turkey
1 very large yellow onion - fine chop
1 clove of garlic - fine chop
1 can of diced tomatoes - drained
1 yolk
1cup of ketchup
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

------------
Preheat oven to 350
Cook down the garlic, tomatoes and onion in a tiny amt of oil. Essentially remove the moisture. Let these cool.

In a bowl mix the 3 meats together, set aside

In another bowl, beat the egg yolk and then mix in the ketchup, tomatoes onion and garlic. Do not want to 'cook' egg so they have to be cool.

Mix the two together. Depending on how 'loose' the mixture is..add breadcrumbs. It is OK to not use them all. If you need to add more moisture, add ketchup. I find it is has the best moisture/flavor/bonding combo.

Form to a loaf and bake in a bread pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Wow! I will try this one out. Sounds easy and appealing. I usually put a whole egg in, never thought to use the yoke only. Also I never added garlic and I love garlic so why not right?

The one ingredient I have never put in was ketchup. I used tomato paste instead. Have you tried the paste at all?

[shortstuff]

Try Lipton's Onion Soup mix.

hmm, lipton seems to get into just about anything, I will give this some thought. Does it just give flavor or does it add to the moisture?

[fiona]

This reminds me of how much I miss cooking with onion. I had to marry someone who hates onions with a passion.

[shortstuff]

Keep it covered for most of the baking time and then uncover it just long enough to brown the top. Keeps it from drying out.

You know what fiona, covering it is important. My mistake is that I keep it covered the whole baking time. Yet my loaf still comes out blah and dry.

Do you add ketchup to yours?

[Dougles]

Try Lipton's Onion Soup mix.

You can put this stuff on anything!


I use:
1lb ground beef (85% FF)
3/4 cup bread cumbs or oats
1/2 cup Ketchup
1 egg
1/2 of any cheese


mix it all together, put in a breadloaf pan and cook at 350 for 50 to 60 min.

[Dougles]

hmm, lipton seems to get into just about anything, I will give this some thought. Does it just give flavor or does it add to the moisture?

It has the flavor of the Garlic and onion.

[fiona]

You know what fiona, covering it is important. My mistake is that I keep it covered the whole baking time. Yet my loaf still comes out blah and dry.

Do you add ketchup to yours?

Maybe it's the temperature you're baking it at? I'm guessing maybe your oven runs a bit cool. Longer bake time at a cooler temp will dry it out.

I've only made meatloaf a handful of times and none recently, as my SO hates one of the key ingredients in a good meatloaf (onion), but yes, I do believe the recipe I have calls for ketchup. Either ketchup or tomato paste, can't remember which now. I'll look at my recipe book when I get home and post it later if ya like.

If anyone has any good onion-free dinner recipes, I could use them lol.

[Dougles]

You know what fiona, covering it is important. My mistake is that I keep it covered the whole baking time. Yet my loaf still comes out blah and dry.

Do you add ketchup to yours?

I'll be honest, I've never covered mine... and only had it come out dry once... mostly because I put to many oats in.

[fiona]

I'll be honest, I've never covered mine... and only had it come out dry once... mostly because I put to many oats in.

Oats in meatloaf? Now that's a recipe I want to see posted.

[therising]

hmm, lipton seems to get into just about anything, I will give this some thought. Does it just give flavor or does it add to the moisture?

It adds flavor. Maybe it adds moisture, I don't know. But, I do know that I don't add gravy, or sauce to my meatloaf at home - it's moist enough.

[PickOranges]

Instead of all the Ketsup, I throw a 1/4 barbecue sauce 1/4 Ketchup. I know we all watch the fat but it gives it more flavor. I also add salt, adobo and oregano..

That made me hungry so I just ordered a Pizza..

[Bud B Boomer]

Meatloaf is one of my all time favs {and I like the singer also}; but alas, as good of a cook that I am, I haven't really been successful with meatloaf. My darling wife {who can not cook herself out of a paper bag} makes a hell of a meatloaf. Two of the things I know she does is use a mixture of ground beef, pork and veal and she adds salsa. I wish I could tell you more but she doesn't have a recipe...says she does it by eye. My only complaint about her meatloaf is that she never makes enuff...I love left over meatloaf sandwiches, on white bread with ketchup {the only time I eat white bread or put ketchup on sandwches}.

I am now changing my eating habits and have cut out red meat...has anyone tried a meatloaf with ground turkey or chicken?

[cookie]

Here is the classic Quaker Oats Meatloaf Recipe/ It's what I started out using many years ago, Over the years I've tweaked it alot (like adding a big squirt of yellow mustard, or sometimes adding italian seasoning, or a big handful of grated cheddar)
Ingredients

* 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
* 3/4 cup Quaker® Oats(quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
* 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
* 1/2 cup catsup
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in large bowl; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape meatloaf mixture into 10x6-inch loaf on rack of broiler pan.

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until meatloaf is to medium doneness (160°F for beef, 170°F for turkey), until not pink in center and juices show no pink color. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Cover and refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 2 days, or wrap airtight and freeze up to 3 months.

[cookie]

I was trying to find a recipe I've done several times before. I can't find it now, but this one is kind of close. I do remember using crushed tortillas instead of the oats. My husband really loves this one. 5 Jalapenos seems like a lot, even for me (I love hot stuff), so keep that in mind if you try it.
ING,
# Combine in large skillet:
# 2 large onions, chopped
# 5 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
# 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
# 2 tablespoons oil
# cook over med-high heat, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent and just beginning to brown, about 7 min.
# -Add:
# 1/4 cup chili powder
# 2 teaspoons ground cumin
# 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
# cook for one minute
# -Add:
# 2 28oz cans diced tomatoes, drained
# cook for 3 minutes stirring frequently. Cool and then blend to a chunky sauce.
PREP
Mix 1 cup of this sauce, 1 egg, 1lb ground beef, 1 cup of oats, and 1 cup of cooked black beans together. Place in greased loaf pan, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the top of the loaf, and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

[cookie]

Shorty, do you maybe overmix your meatloaf? Just like burgers, the less you work it, the less dried out it seems.

I'll try to find my 52 Meat Loafs cookbook. There were some good recipes in there!

and WB anyone!!! Nice to see you posting again.

[anyones neighbor]

Keep it covered for most of the baking time and then uncover it just long enough to brown the top. Keeps it from drying out.

EXCELLENT point!

[anyones neighbor]

Try Lipton's Onion Soup mix.

That's the recipe I use only I use the crusts of bread (which I keep in the freezer) and NOT the DRY crumbs. Use twice as much fresh as dry.

[anyones neighbor]

This reminds me of how much I miss cooking with onion. I had to marry someone who hates onions with a passion.

OMG how do you live? LOL
When I order a burger at my favorite restaurant, WITH onion & miracle whip, they put either a slice about 1/2" thick or several slices of thin sliced ones.

[anyones neighbor]

and WB anyone!!! Nice to see you posting again.
THANK you Cookie! Browsers are brats sometimes, LOL!

[shortstuff]

Here is the classic Quaker Oats Meatloaf Recipe/ It's what I started out using many years ago, Over the years I've tweaked it alot (like adding a big squirt of yellow mustard, or sometimes adding italian seasoning, or a big handful of grated cheddar)
Ingredients

* 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
* 3/4 cup Quaker® Oats(quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
* 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
* 1/2 cup catsup
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in large bowl; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape meatloaf mixture into 10x6-inch loaf on rack of broiler pan.

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until meatloaf is to medium doneness (160°F for beef, 170°F for turkey), until not pink in center and juices show no pink color. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Cover and refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 2 days, or wrap airtight and freeze up to 3 months.

This is very interesting Cookie, I like the oats idea with the soy sauce. The combination in my head is difficult to "muster" up but I bet it brings a nice blend of flavors.

fiona needs a recipe without onions. So what if she did this one without the onions and add parsley to it instead. Fiona, try that idea. Or would that be too much......

thanx cookie, nice hearing from you

[nickelcityhomes]

Cook it in a smoker. You'll never go back to the conventional methods.

[shortstuff]

OMG how do you live? LOL
When I order a burger at my favorite restaurant, WITH onion & miracle whip, they put either a slice about 1/2" thick or several slices of thin sliced ones.

You know what, years ago onions and me got along nicely. However, now that age somehow took over, we don't get along. Love onions they just don't like me. So I do most things without onions, it depends how strong and fresh it is.

However, I went to Pinera's oh about a week ago and I had their chili and pinini. It was made with smoked turkey, melted moz. cheese, onions and tomatoes. Let me tell you, it was really good, and the onions did not attack!

I will get with the chili another time.

[shortstuff]

Cook it in a smoker. You'll never go back to the conventional methods.

I should get one, everyone ravs about it.....is it easy to cook with?

[shortstuff]

Shorty, do you maybe overmix your meatloaf? Just like burgers, the less you work it, the less dried out it seems.

I'll try to find my 52 Meat Loafs cookbook. There were some good recipes in there!

and WB anyone!!! Nice to see you posting again.

yeah I do, I keep kneading it with my fingers and I never no when it is blended enough. So that might be one of my mistakes. Thanks for that idea.

I would love some of the recipes you have on this. I think doing the meatloaf with turkey would work well if it had juice added like maybe turkey broth...what do you guys think?

[shortstuff]

Meatloaf is one of my all time favs {and I like the singer also}; but alas, as good of a cook that I am, I haven't really been successful with meatloaf. My darling wife {who can not cook herself out of a paper bag} makes a hell of a meatloaf. Two of the things I know she does is use a mixture of ground beef, pork and veal and she adds salsa. I wish I could tell you more but she doesn't have a recipe...says she does it by eye. My only complaint about her meatloaf is that she never makes enuff...I love left over meatloaf sandwiches, on white bread with ketchup {the only time I eat white bread or put ketchup on sandwches}.

I am now changing my eating habits and have cut out red meat...has anyone tried a meatloaf with ground turkey or chicken?

I like your blend of meats idea Bud, but the salsa sounds intriquing. I bet it gives it a nice kick.

I love left overs on this, and I like to put mashed potatoes ontop of the meatloaf in two slices of italian bread...Oh yeah......

[nickelcityhomes]

I should get one, everyone ravs about it.....is it easy to cook with?

It's as hard or easy as you want to make it. I'd recommend an electric smoker for complete beginners. Just set the thermostat and come back in a couple of hours.

[shortstuff]

Instead of all the Ketsup, I throw a 1/4 barbecue sauce 1/4 Ketchup. I know we all watch the fat but it gives it more flavor. I also add salt, adobo and oregano..

That made me hungry so I just ordered a Pizza..

Hmm I like the oregano idea. I wonder, does anyone use parsley? What flavor does the adobo do? Actually what is adobo?

///Thanx Nickel, electric will be the option I would choose.

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

Wow! I will try this one out. Sounds easy and appealing. I usually put a whole egg in, never thought to use the yoke only. Also I never added garlic and I love garlic so why not right?

The one ingredient I have never put in was ketchup. I used tomato paste instead. Have you tried the paste at all?


Ketchup is one of the best things ever invented.

I use it for meatloaf but I also use it for homemade "Chinese food." Essentially I put a cup of ketchup in a pot and then start adding asian sauces, spices and what not. Never have the same sauce twice but always great.


I use a lot of tomato paste but that is mostly for chicken and pasta.

[Dougles]

Ketchup is one of the best things ever invented.



My brother asked me this once... do you eat french fries because you like the taste or do you order them so you can put ketchup on them (for the taste)?

[shortstuff]

Ketchup is one of the best things ever invented.

I use it for meatloaf but I also use it for homemade "Chinese food." Essentially I put a cup of ketchup in a pot and then start adding asian sauces, spices and what not. Never have the same sauce twice but always great.


I use a lot of tomato paste but that is mostly for chicken and pasta.

Hm, your asian twist sounds wonderful. Love asian food. Try the new restaurant in Lancaster called The Thai House on Transit Road. Was the old Portabella's. Anyways, I use ketchup when I make my homemade barbacue sauce.

Ketchup is a greater volume when I add the soy sauce, brown sugar.

Someone spoke on this thread that they use mustard in their meatloaf. Now that is neat, giving it a horseradish kick. I use mustard when I make my egg salad (just a dash) and when I make my sicilian mac salad.

[shortstuff]

A relative told me she made meatloaf but made it a one meal plan. She put foil inside the meatloaf pan, made her meatloaf smaller, and around the perimeter of the meatloaf she put in cut sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, onion and carrots. Put tin foil tight ontop and cooked the meatloaf.

She said it was great.

Now another idea to put IN the meatloaf is raisins. I have to think on that one, she did it and said it was good...Hmmmm