a good meatloaf recipe?

Question

what do you put in your meatloaf? Mine is always kind of bland. I use worcester, ketchup, onion, green pepper, and bread crumbs. What kind of spices can I use to jazz it up? Also, what do you put on top of yours? Please don't tell me to look on allrecipes.com, I've tried that. I want GOOD recipes that people have used for years. Also, please don't tell me how GROSS you think meatloaf is, we like it!

Answer 1

Meatloaf is one of those things that's perfected only through the years. :p

First of all, I think you have a GREAT base recipe. I also use Worchestershire sauce, ketchup and green peppers, here are a bunch of other things I do to make a rockin meatloaf. :) I'm constantly pestered for this whenever I make it!

* Lipton onion soup mix, all the way! I used this for the first time a few years ago and couldn't go back to regular onions. Not only does this add a TON of pop, you won't be wasting tears on chopping onions. lol My favorite brand is Lipton onion soup mix.

* Instead of using bread crumbs, try Ritz crackers. The buttery flavor adds a different dimension to the meatloaf.

* Have you tried to put string cheese in the middle of the loaf? I actually add two! It adds a really nice surprise when you slice it. Kids and men looooove it. lol

* Topping: I'm in love with brown sugar, ketchup and about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. I put it on top before I pop it in the oven - it adds this glaze like no other. My sister, who also cooks a lot, uses this glaze but uses vinegar instead of lemon juice and puts her topping on 15-20 minutes before it's done. Also super yummy!

* I add a 1/4 teaspoon of ginger! It makes it slightly different from other meatloaves but it's not enough to overpower the flavor. It's like a "tease."

* I noticed that you didn't mention eggs. Do you add them? It really makes it nice and moist for me. (I use 2)

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

This recipe is from my mom , even though I have no idea why she put it in my cook book because meatloaf is not my thing lol, however I would be more thn happy to share it with you! Hope it turns out well!! ENJOY!!! Ingredients: 1 lb Chop Meat 1 to 2 Eggs Salt & Pepper 1 Onion Bread Crumbs - You Choose The Flavor !! Garlic Powder Oregano 1 Can Of Brown Gravy Optional 3 to 4 Potatoes Method: Pre-Heat Oven To Bake At 350 Mix Meat, Chopped Onions, S & P, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Eggs, & Bread Crumbs. Shape Into Loaf & Put Into A Casserloe Dish With A Touch Of Oil On The Bottom. Slice Potatoes (Leave Skin On) & Place Around Loaf In The Dish. Now Bake At 350 For About 45Min. *After The First 15Min Pour Brown Gravy Over Meat.* Note: You Can Add 1 To 2 Slices Of Moist Bread To Mix If You Want To In Addition To The Bread Crumbs.

Answer 3

I don't cook mine from a recipe anymore - I tend to make it a little different each time, but everyone always loves it...
I think the problem with a lot of meatloafs is that they are not very moist and flavorful.
One thing I do, that everyone is surprised at usually, is take red bell peppers, celery. carrots, onions and garlic and chop them fine in a food processer....saute them up in a little butter, let cool and then add to meatloaf...this makes it so flavorful and moist!
Also, set a broiler pan filled with hot water on the shelf below the meatloaf - this also helps keep it moist.

The original idea for this is from a recipe in the New Basics Cookbook - it's called the Market Street Meatloaf.

I am telling you - TRY this meatloaf. It is also a great cookbook with a ton of ideas for other stuff!
You may find yourself changing it a bit to suit your tastes, but i am telling you - it is the BEST.

Answer 4

Mexican Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 cup crushed Doritos
1 egg - beaten
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 1/2 cup shredded colby/jack cheese - divided
1 1/2 cup salsa - divided
1/2 can refried beans

Directions:
Combine first 4 ingredients, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and 1 cup of the salsa.

Form mixture into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan. Spread refried beans over the top of the meat loaf. Drizzle remaining salsa over top.

Bake in 400 degree F oven for 50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

Answer 5

I always add a can of cream of mushroom soup and a box of stove top chicken stuffing .Every once in awhile when I feel like something different I'll put a can of Rotel (tomatoes & green chilies) and about a half cup of Cheddar cheese and a half a cup of bread crumbs instead of the soup and stuffing,not matter what recipe you use add at least 1-2 eggs to hold it together.For topping I use uncooked bacon laid all across the top as it cooks the flavor of the bacon soaks into the meatloaf,barbecue sauce is also good.Hope this helps!!!

Answer 6

I've made a Taco flavored Meatloaf for well over five years now. It tastes very similar to a tamale. I can't remember where I got the idea and I just eyeball everything when I do make it. I use:

Ground beef (obviously)
Packet Taco seasoning
about half jar of salsa
about half a cup of sour cream
couple/few generous handfuls of grated cheddar
crushed corn chips

Mix it up and bake it like a regular ol' meatloaf. I top it with hot sauce or sour cream or guacamole. I usually put 'taco fixings' out with the meatloaf so everyone can top their own. I've not found a single person yet who doesn't like it.

~Morg~

Answer 7

Mixing up the meats by adding italian sausage helps. Also try using different types of bread/cracker crumbs.

Mine is usually 1/2 sausage 1/2 beef, I use fresh torn up sourdough bread. I dont like mine sweet so just add basil and tomato without ketchup .

Answer 8

Chicken Cordon Blue Meatloaf:

1½ hours 30 min prep
6-8 servings

2 lbs ground chicken
6-12 ounces Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 eggs
6 ounces smoked ham, sliced
4 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
6 ounces French-fried onions
3 cups parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon garlic salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. mix ground chicken, bread crumbs, eggs, 1 cup parmesan, minced garlic,garlic salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, mix well.
2. take half of meat mixture and put in bottom of large loaf pan. then we layer the middle. 1 cup parmesan cheese, 2 oz. gouda, 3 oz. ham, 3 oz. french fried onions. then repeat same layer agian.
3. top with remaining meat mixture and press around sides of pan to enclose the layers.
4. bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 1 hour. use meat thermometer if possible.

Answer 9

FAVORITE MEATLOAF
1 cup finely chopped onions (about 1 large)
1/4 cup KRAFT Light Zesty Italian Reduced Fat Dressing
2 lb. extra lean ground beef
3/4 cup ketchup, divided
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 cup water
2 egg whites
1/2 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Cook onions in dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 8 to 10 min. or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
COMBINE meat, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, the stuffing mix, water, egg whites and onions; mix well. Place meat mixture in 13x9-inch baking dish; shape into 10x5-inch oval loaf. Spread with remaining 1/2 cup ketchup.
BAKE 55 min. to 1 hour or until cooked through (160°F). Sprinkle with cheese; bake 2 min. or until cheese is melted.

If you want to jazz it up a bit try adding parsley, basil, rosemary or something along those lines.

My family absolutely LOVES this recipe

Answer 10

Use a spoon of dried Mixed Herbs or Rosemary, Thyme or others. Experiment.
I always add some curry powder. Not too much unless you want it curried which would be fine
You could also use a packet of Onion, Mushroom or Beef soup mix

Bon Appetito