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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karla childs says
Super awesome!! Only th8ng I changed was, the kind of ketchup, i used a Jalapeno flavored one. Total success!! Now I will try to use turkey instead of ground beef. Will update, but Im sure it will be delicious also! 5 stars!!
James Curtis says
Two things. I add one part ham loaf to two parts beef. Second, if you like things a bit on the spicy side add jalapenos, (About two tablespoons per pound), to the mix. Make no mistake, this recipe sounds great!
I have to put my own spin on this one. Enjoy the results no matter how you spin your own!
Traci says
Simple and delicious.
Sheryl says
This magic meatloaf was a hit with family and friends! It’s my new go to meatloaf recipe!
Carole Brown says
I have tried quite a few recipes for meat loaf over the years & this Meat Loaf is the “BEST” ! My husband & I give you a high five on this delicious Meat Loaf Recipe !! Love your videos & your instruction are super easy to follow ! Excited to try your other recipes !!
Katherine says
Just love this 5 stars all the way
Diane Z. says
Made it tonight & it was a hit! Our “family recipe” wasn’t written down & could be hit or miss, so now this shall be “our” recipe (with due credit given ☺️). One difference: our “glaze is always Heinz Chili Sauce, so that is what it had to be topped with. This recipe is soooo good! thanks for sharing it!
Myra says
Someone asked about adding milk to their meatloaf recipe. My daughters are allergic to dairy, so I added tomato sauce. It makes an amazing flavorful meatloaf! I won’t use milk ever again.
Lesley Stewart says
I used cream of celery soup…. amazing!
Marty Ponnech says
I would like to make this meatloaf. I am also eating as low carb as is possible. My question is;. Can I use more egg as a binder and not add the bread crumbs? Thank you in advance!!
Rachel Farnsworth says
That is definitely something you can experiment with. Please be sure to come back to report your results.
Lynne Sisk says
Keto recipes use crushed pork rinds
Wayne Camarena says
I cooked this the other night. The only changes I made were panko bread crumbs and I cooked it on my pellet smoker grill. Magnifico!
Lin says
Yummylicious ! Just made it last night!! What left over? I have some meatloaf recipes but your recipe over rules them!
Thank you!!
Anonymous says
This recipe is fantastic! And my husband is thrilled to have a beef recipe on rotation for dinner. 🙂 Thanks!
Jennifer {The Craft Patch} says
Okay, I was wondering what the Christmas connection was. Ha! Should have known it would be The Christmas Story!
Mary McCroskey says
MayI have this recipe.
stayathomechefblog@gmail.com says
I’m not sure I understand your question. The recipe is here for everyone to enjoy.