Meatloaf is a classic dish that comes in handy when you need a hearty meal for the family. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate more ground meat into your meals. However, not all meatloaves are created equal. If you’ve ever been disappointed by a dry and bland meatloaf, you know how important it is to have a recipe that really delivers on flavor and texture. Here are three secrets to creating the perfect meatloaf:

1. Use the Right Meat

The foundation of any good meatloaf is, of course, the meat. You can use a variety of ground meats, but the most popular ones are beef, pork, and veal. Some recipes even call for a combination of these meats, which can result in a more complex flavor profile. However, it’s important to choose the right blend of meat. Beef is great for flavor, pork for moisture, and veal for tenderness. If you’re not a fan of one of these meats, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey.

2. Add Moisture

One of the biggest complaints people have about meatloaf is that it can be dry. To prevent this, you need to add moisture to your recipe. This can be done in a number of ways. For example, you can mix in some vegetables, such as onion, garlic, or grated carrots, which will release moisture as they cook. Another way to add moisture is by using a binder, such as breadcrumbs, oats, or even crushed crackers. Milk or cream can also be added to the mix to help keep your meatloaf moist.

3. Season Liberally

Meatloaf may seem like a simple dish, but it is not one to shy away from seasoning. Don’t be afraid to use herbs and spices liberally to add flavor to your dish. Some classic meatloaf seasonings include Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as paprika, cumin, or even curry powder.

Now that you know the three secrets to creating the perfect meatloaf, it’s time to put it all together. Here’s a recipe that incorporates these principles, and will give you a delicious and moist meatloaf every time:

Ingredients:

– 1 lb. ground beef
– 1/2 lb. ground pork
– 1/2 lb. ground veal
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, grated
– 1 tsp. salt
– 1/2 tsp. black pepper
– 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp. dried thyme
– 1 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, pork, and veal.

3. In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and milk until they form a paste.

4. Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat, along with the egg, onion, garlic, carrot, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Mix everything together until well combined.

5. Scoop the mixture into a loaf pan and shape into a smooth loaf.

6. Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil.

7. Bake for 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf reads 160°F.

8. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

In summary, the three secrets to creating the perfect meatloaf are to use the right meat, add moisture, and season liberally. By following these principles and using the recipe provided above, you can create a delicious and moist meatloaf that will quickly become a family favorite.