Meatloaf is a classic American dish and a true comfort food that has been around for centuries. It is easy to make, economical, and versatile, as it can be made with many different ingredients to suit your taste. In this article, we will share with you the best meatloaf recipe that you can prepare at home, and we will also explain the science behind some of the ingredients that make it so delicious.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds of ground beef
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup of ketchup
– 2 tablespoons of mustard
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk until well combined.

3. Add the ground beef, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Using your hands, mix everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Transfer the meat mixture to a lined or greased baking dish, and shape it into a loaf.

5. Bake the meatloaf for 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

6. Allow the meatloaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Scientific Explanation:

– Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs are added to the meatloaf mixture to absorb excess moisture, prevent the meatloaf from becoming too dense, and add some texture.
– Milk – Milk helps to keep the meatloaf moist while it cooks, and also adds some flavor and richness to the dish.
– Eggs – Eggs act as a binder, holding the meatloaf ingredients together and giving it a more cohesive texture.
– Ketchup – Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the meatloaf, and also helps to keep it moist.
– Mustard – Mustard adds some tanginess to the meatloaf and helps to balance out the flavors.
– Worcestershire sauce – Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the meatloaf, and also contains some salt and acid to enhance the other flavors.
– Garlic powder – Garlic powder adds some depth and complexity to the meatloaf, and also helps to balance out the sweetness and acidity.
– Onion powder – Onion powder adds some sweetness and umami flavor to the meatloaf, and also helps to balance out the other flavors.
– Salt – Salt enhances the other flavors in the meatloaf and also helps to tenderize the meat.
– Pepper – Pepper adds some heat and flavor to the meatloaf, and also helps to balance out the other flavors.

Summary:

– Meatloaf is a classic American dish that is easy to make and versatile.
– The best meatloaf recipe includes ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
– Breadcrumbs help to absorb excess moisture and add texture to the meatloaf.
– Milk helps to keep the meatloaf moist and adds flavor and richness.
– Eggs act as a binder and give the meatloaf a cohesive texture.
– Ketchup adds sweetness and acidity to the meatloaf and helps to keep it moist.
– Mustard adds tanginess and helps to balance out the flavors.
– Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor and helps to enhance the other flavors.
– Garlic powder and onion powder add depth and complexity.
– Salt enhances the other flavors and tenderizes the meat.
– Pepper adds heat and balances out the other flavors.