what's the secret to a moist and juicy meatloaf?

Add wet ingredients ~ Eggs, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce not only keep meatloaf juicy, they add delicious flavor. Use raw onion and celery ~ Including finely chopped raw onion and celery in the recipe also adds to the juiciness of the meatloaf. Don't overmix the ingredients ~ Overzealous mixing leads to a tough, dry meatloaf. Just don't do it.

how do you keep a meatloaf from falling apart?

To keep your meatloaf from falling apart, use a combination of ground meats (beef, pork and veal), use binders including eggs and breadcrumbs. Also, let the meatloaf cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it.

how do you know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a digital thermometer to check for when the meatloaf is perfectly cooked. An internal temperature of 160 degrees F in the center of the meatloaf is what you are after.

how do you store meatloaf?

Meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It'll stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I love these meal prep containers for storage. To freeze meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tuck it into a resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Microwave at 60% power for 1 to 2 minutes. Or bake covered in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Mom's Meatloaf ~ Simply the Best Recipe

Name: Mom's Meatloaf ~ Simply the Best Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds meatloaf mix (a combination of ground beef, pork and veal); 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 cup finely chopped onion; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 1 cup ketchup, divided; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Description

Mom's Meatloaf is simply the best! This classic recipe has only a few ingredients and is so easy to make. It's the most delicious, tender and juicy meatloaf.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 pounds meatloaf mix (a combination of ground beef, pork and veal)
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Fold the foil edges up about an inch to catch the grease from the meatloaf.
In a large bowl, add the meatloaf mix, eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, onion, celery, 3/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt and pepper. Gently combine the ingredients.
Form a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a digital thermometer registers 160 degrees F when inserted in the center of the meatloaf.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

Use a combination of 3 ground meats - beef, pork and veal - to give Mom's Meatloaf its delicious rich flavor. This "meatloaf mix" is available in many grocery store meat departments.
Finely chop the onion and celery and add them raw along with the other ingredients. The vegetables cook along with the rest of the ingredients making the meatloaf tender and juicy.
Use your hands to mix the ingredients. But go gently as you don't want to compact the ingredients as it will result in a dense tough meatloaf.
Skip the pan and make a free form loaf on a rimmed baking sheet. With more exposed surface area, the meatloaf will get nice and caramelized.
Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Fold up the edges of the foil about an inch or so to catch the grease from the meatloaf.
Use a digital thermometer to check for when the meatloaf is perfectly cooked. An internal temperature of 16o F in the center of the meatloaf is what you are after.
Allow about 10 minutes of cooling time so the meatloaf doesn't fall apart when cutting it.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: entrée
Method: bake in oven
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8.1 g
Sodium: 951 mg
Fat: 19.4 g
Saturated Fat: 7.6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 0.8 g
Protein: 24.5 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg