Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
There can be many reasons why your meatloaf falls apart. The most common reason is that your meatloaf doesn’t have enough binding agents. To help your meatloaf stay together add things in like eggs and bread crumbs because they are key ingredients that bind meat stick together. Another reason why your meatloaf may be falling apart is that it is overcooked.
Do you have to put milk in meatloaf?
Milk is the preferred liquid for meatloaf, but there are some great substitutes if you do not want to use it. The reason milk is added in meatloaf is that it soaks the bread crumbs which add needed moisture to the meatloaf. If you personally do not want to use milk you can try using low sodium beef stock, chicken stock, water, or a non-dairy milk substitute.
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Is it okay if my meatloaf is a little pink?
The color of your meatloaf will not tell you if it is done or if it is safe to eat. To tell if your meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat you need to take its internal temperature. For ground beef to be safe and fully cooked, it needs to reach an internal minimum temperature of 160 Fahrenheit. If your meatloaf is just a little pink but is 160 Fahrenheit, you are ready to eat.
If you like this recipe, you may be interested in some of our other classic dinner recipes:
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Momma's Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon. basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, knead together the ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, worcestershire sauce, salt, basil, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Shape the meat into a loaf and put it into the prepared pan. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.
- Mix up the glaze in a small bowl by whisking together the ketchup, brown sugar, and worcestershire sauce. Brush it over the hot meatloaf.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
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Mila W. says
This meatloaf is yummy. The only thing I did different is I sautéed the onions in a little olive oil, a trick my mom taught me. It makes the onions sweeter.
Polly Webb says
I’ve been making meatloaf for decades. This was the first time my husband raved on and on about how delicious it was and asked me to make it again soon. I love Rachel’s recipes also because they go together exactly as instructed and come out perfect. This now replaces my meatloaf recipe from 1978!
ZG says
Love it! I subbed in A1 as I didn’t have any worcestershire and it turned out great!
Jocelyne Stewart says
I really want to thank you for all amazing recipes please never stop to inspired all of us and we love you . You really are amazing and beautiful young woman we need you so never stop your wonderful work and generosity . Sincerely. Jocelyne Stewart .
Jamie says
This recipe was amazing, I have never been able to make a good meatloaf. Meatloaf is my husbands favorite dish. This was a hit and will be my go to recipe from now on!! Thank you!!!!
Kristina says
The whole family enjoyed this recipe. Picky dad, 4 & 6 y.o boys, too. I expected to have leftovers for sandwiches, but they cleaned the pan! Next time, I’ll double it. Thanks.