I browse Pinterest a lot and came across a photo of a yummy meatloaf. It sounded so good, I thought I could try to create my own version of it, adding ingredients to my basic meatloaf recipe. All the topping sounded so good, and I just thought a cheesy saucy topped parmesan meatloaf sounded perfect for a cold winter night’s dinner. We didn’t even need the typical mashed potatoes, just a salad and some steamed veggies made the perfect dinner.
I typically do not put the red sauce on my meatloaf, we just don’t enjoy that, but a couple strips of bacon are totally delicious. However, this was different and I thought it would probably be super yummy!
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
Eggs are a crucial ingredient in meatloaf because they act as a binding agent. Just like breadcrumbs and milk, eggs help hold the meat mixture together. The proteins in the egg whites coagulate when cooked, forming a strong network that keeps the meatloaf from falling apart.
When it comes to using eggs in meatloaf, there’s no need to get fancy. Simply beat one or two eggs and mix them into your meat mixture along with the other ingredients. Be sure to mix everything thoroughly to ensure the eggs are evenly distributed.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
The key to making a moist meatloaf is using meat that has a higher fat content. The more fat in the meat, the more moisture it will retain during cooking. So, if you’re making an all-beef meatloaf, always opt for a higher-fat cut of beef with at least 15 percent fat. This will ensure that your meatloaf has enough fat to keep it moist and flavorful.
But what if you prefer to use leaner meats like turkey or chicken? No problem! You can still achieve a moist and tender meatloaf by mixing in some ground pork and/or veal. These meats have a higher fat content than lean beef or turkey, which means they’ll add the necessary moisture to your meatloaf.
Another tip for making a moist meatloaf is to avoid over-mixing your ingredients. Over-mixing can cause the meat to become tough and dry. Instead, mix the ingredients just until they are combined, and then stop. This will ensure that your meatloaf has a light and tender texture.
Parmesan Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 lb of ground turkey
- 1 lb of ground of you choice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of bread crumbs- italian style
- 3 tablespoons of italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon worchestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients and mix well, but do not mix to death, as it makes the meat tough.
- Put the mixture into a pan, or form a loaf on a baking pan. I prefer a baking pan so that there is more crispy crust.
- Pour about 1/2 the jar of sauce over the meatloaf.
- Cook in a 400 degree oven about 30 minutes.
- Top with mozzarella cheese, and add a little more of the spaghetti sauce. Add parsley over top of the cheese.
- Put back into oven and allow the cheese to melt and lightly brown.
