Meatloaf Recipes

Ground beef is the best-selling beef item in most supermarkets and many pounds of ground beef are destined to be mixed, shaped, and baked as part of meatloaf recipes. Often considered one of America’s most popular comfort foods, ground beef may be the only consistent ingredient in many meatloaf recipes. The classic variety includes ground beef, chopped onions, assorted spices, bread crumbs, and an egg for binding it all together. Additional ingredients range from the spicy to the bizarre, including:

• Barbeque or tomato sauce
• Salsa
• Potato chips or cheese puffs
• Vegetable soup
• Bacon
• Salad dressing or dry soup mixes
• Chopped or ground vegetables
• Wine, beer, or broth
• Oatmeal or bran
• Fruit zest (lemon, orange, etc.)

The only rule for a perfect meatloaf, it seems, is to match the cook’s individual tastes. Feel free to experiment to create a meatloaf recipe that expresses your personality as well as your cooking skills.

As society grows more health-conscious, many cooks look for alternative ways to prepare comfort foods without sacrificing traditional flavors. To prepare a healthier meatloaf, try leaner ground meats such as pork or turkey rather than beef. Adding additional chopped vegetables reduces the total amount of meat and mixing in healthy fillers, such as oatmeal or bran, creates a more fiber-rich nutritional dish. While baking, periodically drain off the excess oil to keep the finished loaf as low fat as possible.

Despite the flexibility of meatloaf recipes, cooks should follow some basic precautions to guarantee a palatable meal. Avoid using the leanest meat available – it will typically be less flavorful after baking. Do not overdo add-in ingredients – they may overpower your meatloaf recipe and make it crumbly or spongy. Over-mixing can destroy the loaf’s texture, while over-baking can make it stiff or dry.

To test for doneness, use a meat thermometer: ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. For easiest serving, let the loaf stand for 15-20 minutes prior to slicing. Meatloaf can easily be frozen before or after baking for convenience, making it an even more flexible meal choice. .

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