Chances are, you have a meatloaf recipe in your family. Meatloaf is one of those meals that make great memories. At Gelson’s, we have a passion for it too; our classic meatloaf represents one of the most comforting meals that’s also nourishing and delicious.

There are as many versions of meatloaf as people who put in the time to make it. In a way, every meatloaf recipe is unique. Here are 12 tips to make yours truly one of a kind:

1. Use a Leaner Meat

A leaner cut of meat makes for a tasty and plump meatloaf. Ground sirloin is ideal. It won’t shrink as much as a fattier cut, and you also don’t risk the end product coming out greasy. The generally accepted proportion is 80% meat to 20% fat, but you can go even leaner than that.

2. Consider an Alternate Type of Meat

Ground beef provides the firm yet juicy texture preferred for meatloaf. However, there are various options to adapt it to your preference. Meatloaf can be made from ground lamb, pork, turkey, veal, or poultry. Some recipes even combine different types of meat. Vegetarians don’t have to use meat, as numerous variations use chickpeas, lentils, or a mix of finely chopped veggies.

3. Stuff It With Potatoes

Meatloaf is often served with a side of mashed potatoes. Why not combine them for a unique creation? Stuffing your mashed potatoes inside the meatloaf gives it a creamy texture. This also doesn’t limit the meat you can use, as any will compliment the texture of mashed potatoes.

4. Add a Hard-Boiled Egg

Some people put an egg on top of their meatloaf, but there’s no rule that you can’t put the egg inside it. Form your meatloaf mixture into a rectangle, peel three hard-boiled eggs, and place them in the center. Roll the end of the loaf over the eggs (it helps to place the mixture on a plastic wrap to hold the meatloaf together). Your loaf is now ready to bake, and each slice will look and taste unique!

5. Give It Texture

Onions, peppers, carrots, and other vegetables give meatloaf a classic flavor while adding moisture. However, make sure these ingredients are finely chopped. You’ll get the crunch, but not big chunks that can ruin the texture and cause the loaf to break apart. You can add milk to seasoned breadcrumbs to create a rich texture. This is an effective binder and helps evenly distribute moisture.

6. Don’t Forget the Spice

Spices aren’t a staple of most meatloaf recipes, but you don’t have to limit yourself to salt and pepper. Minced garlic, thyme, parsley, basil, paprika, and other choices from your spice rack can give your recipe a unique character. 

7. Give It a Mexican Touch

Tomato sauce or tomato paste is often added to meatloaf. To expand on this idea, you can use salsa, which has many flavor-enhancing ingredients. While you’re at it, why not add the beans of your choice and some corn? Some taco seasoning can add the finishing touches. But we’re not done yet. Place your meatloaf slices in tortillas, and you have taco meatloaf!

8. Be Creative with Sauce

Many meatloaf recipes include ketchup, which is a delicious addition. It can be combined with brown sugar and vinegar to make a nice glaze. A Worcestershire sauce or a mixture containing it can add a savory flavor.

However, if you like a barbecue meat flavor, you can add barbecue sauce inside the mixture or on top (or both). It can be store-bought or homemade. Hot sauce lovers can add Buffalo sauce to give their meatloaf a Buffalo wing kick.

9. Use Tzatziki Sauce

A sugary, ketchup-like glaze is common. If you prefer meatloaf with a more tangy, garlicky taste, you can use tzatziki sauce. The cucumber, fresh herbs, yogurt, lemon juice, and other ingredients in the sauce give your meatloaf a tangy and cool touch.

10. Stuff It with Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a tasty addition to meatloaf. Portabello or shiitake mushrooms are well-suited for adding flavor, moisture, and texture to the meat. How you prepare them is up to you. The meatloaf can be filled with mushroom chunks or they can be finely chopped.

11. Go with the Cheese

Traditionally, meatloaf isn’t cheesy, but there’s no reason you can’t satisfy your craving for cheese and have great meatloaf. Cheddar or pepper jack adds a distinct kick, but you can also try blue cheese or string cheese. Here’s a way to transform your meatloaf into something unique!

12. Wrap It In a Pastry

We touched on the idea of meatloaf in tortillas. Why not take your meatloaf recipe to new heights by making pastry-wrapped meatloaf? The wrapping not only adds a great texture. It also holds the moisture inside, so your meatloaf is juicy and flavorful. A phyllo dough or puff pastry works great if this is the route you want to take.

Find Great Meatloaf and Other Recipes from Gelson’s

Gelson’s is committed to ensuring you have access to delicious, healthy foods. We meet our customers’ needs for grocery shopping throughout the Los Angeles area and beyond. From prepared meals-to-go to our catering services to a wide range of resources, our business has grown to cover a wide range of culinary essentials.

Our team has also put together fine recipes so you can enjoy flavorful, nutritious meals. Feel free to use our tips to make one of them your own. Whether you’re looking for a meatloaf recipe idea or other great recipes, continue browsing. You can also shop for ingredients and ready-made meals online or at one of our stores.

Sources: 
Taste of Home:  12 Secret Ingredients Grandma Used in Her Meatloaf
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