How to make Meatloaf bond?
I just made meatloaf by mixing 90% ground beef with shredded cheddar cheese, milk, an egg, and oats. I cooked it on 350 degrees for 50 minutes. It tastes fine but the mixture is kind of mushy and losses its shape. How do I make the meatloaf bond together better?
- 1lb ground beef
- 2/3 cup cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cheese
- 1/2 cup oats
Best Answer
There are several factors, but the texture of meatloaf primarily depends on the ratio of binder, filler and meat.
In this case, your binder is the egg. Specifically, the protein in the egg white helps hold the meat proteins together.
The filler is the mixture of milk and oats. I've heard that toasted panko is more effective at absorbing milk, and also that cooking it can help. I haven't tried these options though, so I can't recommend them.
One thing I've done is replacing a portion of the beef with ground veal, which contains more collagen. This breaks down into gelatin in the oven, and gives the meat a silky texture without loosening it - allowing me to use less filler.
You can simulate this effect by using a small amount of powdered gelatin in your filler directly.
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How do you get meatloaf to stick together?
To help your meatloaf stay together add things in like eggs and bread crumbs because they are key ingredients that bind meat stick together.What is a good binder for meatloaf?
2. Choose a Binder- Breadcrumbs.
- Instant rice (uncooked)
- Cornflakes.
- Crackers or croutons, crushed.
- Fine bulgur (uncooked)
- Oats (quick cooking or regular)
- Instant potato flakes (use 1/2 cup)
- Quick-cooking barley (uncooked; use 1/2 cup)
Why does my meatloaf fall apart when I cut it?
If you pull your meatloaf out of the oven after an hour of baking and realize that it's basically a crumbly mess, you likely did one thing wrong \u2014 you didn't include enough of your binding ingredient.How to Make Easy Meatloaf
More answers regarding how to make Meatloaf bond?
Answer 2
Corn starch or potato starch work well binding ground mixtures. Don't use too much or you'll end up altering the texture
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