Quick Meat Loaf Tip
I just got through making meat loaf for my family for dinner - it is cooking in the oven as we speak and I thought I’d share a couple of little tips with you…
One of the reasons I didn’t like making meat loaf for a while was because the meat mixture was so cold it literally hurt my hands to mix it all together. Sure, I tried using my kitchenaid mixer, but then I ended up with more mess and dishes to clean, so it wasn’t exactly the idea situation either. One day it finally dawned on me - I could stick the ground beef in the microwave for a bit to warm it up.
Tip #1
Microwave the hamburger mixture (without the egg) for 30 seconds to 1 min (depending on how much meat loaf you are making, time also varies from one microwave to the other). Then add the eggs, any other spices and proceed as usual. The meat should just be warmed, not starting to cook.
Tip #2
Add sausage for different flavor. I got this tip from my MOL. She uses different types of raw breakfast sausage and mixes some of it into her ground beef mixture for a different flavor. It also keeps the meatloaf nice and moist.
Tip #3
Make your meatloaf healthier by replacing some of the meat with veggies. Dice or shred anything from cabbage to zucchini and add it to your meat loaf mixture. We particularly like diced bell peppers, onion and celery.
Tip #4
If you usually add some chopped onion to your meat loaf for flavor but run out use one of the following instead:
- Onion Soup Mix (dry)
- Onion Salt
- Onion Flakes (dry)
Last but not least, let me share my favorite meat loaf recipe with you.
Meat Loaf - Family Recipe
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 pack bulk breakfast sausage (optional)
- 1/2 onion - finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 pack saltine crackers - crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ketchup
Pre heat the oven to 400 F. Combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl. Spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread a layer of ketchup on the top and bake for about 45 minute or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 160F.
Optional - You can peel a few potatoes and cut them into 8th lengthwise. Stick these potatoes all around the outside rim of your meatloaf (in the casserole dish). This way the potatoes bake halfway in the meatloaf.
Otherwise just serve with mashed potatoes and a few veggie sides (We like corn and green beans or steamed broccoli).
Please share your own favorite meat loaf recipe using the comments section below.
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Thursday, September 13th, 2007 at 8:14 pm under
I always thought a meat loaf was made from 3 types of meat hence the name “meat loaf”. I have never used sausage, but it does sound different. I will have to try that sometimes. Thanks for the nice recipes. I do wish you had included the nutritional values. I am diabetic and can only eat low-carbohydrate foods. (20g and under)
October 25th, 2007 at 1:53 pmYou are welcome to visit my Low-Carb Diabetic Recipes blog
You’re welcome. Looks like you are right. According to wikipedia meatloaf is often made from three different types of meat.
Meatloaf is a meat dish consisting of seasoned ground meat (usually ground beef or a combination of ground beef with veal, lamb, or pork), which is formed into a loaf shape and baked or smoked. During the Great Depression it was popular to add cereal grains to the meatloaf to stretch the meat; this has now been adopted by people who wish to eat a lower-fat version of meatloaf (adding cereal also helps to bind the meat, lending it a more cohesive shape). It is normally served warm as part of the main course, but can also be found sliced as a cold cut. It is in many respects similar to pâté, which is generally more finely ground. The meatloaf can be placed on a baking tray or in a mold. The result is usually shaped like a loaf of bread, but other shapes (e.g., hearts) are possible.
Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meatloaf
November 4th, 2007 at 2:46 pm