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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatloaf

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There are some common mistakes people make which can mess with the final results. The good news is that once you are aware of these mistakes you’ll be aware of what it takes to make that perfect meatloaf recipe Rachel Ray herself would make.

Pick the Right Meat

Meatloaf begins with the meat and far too often people look for lean cuts to use. The problem with lean meat is that there isn’t enough fat content to create a juicy meatloaf. Your results will be a meatloaf that is dry, lacking in flavor, and usually seems quite flat. It’s best to use beef as it contains the highest amount of fat.

Don’t Forget the Veggies

Yes, it is called “meatloaf” but vegetables also play an important role in the recipe. Vegetables help to add flavor, moisture, and substance to your meatloaf. There are all kinds of different ones you can use depending on how much flavor you want to come through. Typical vegetables are onions, carrots, and celery. If you don’t want to be aware of the vegetables in the meatloaf, just opt to finely dice them. They will end up being unrecognizable.

Pre-Soak Your Bread

The majority of meatloaf recipes call for breadcrumbs. A great idea is to make your own out of stale bread that has been pre-soaked. All you have to do is break up the pieces of bread and soak them in a bit of milk. You want them to get really mushy before you use them. This will add more moisture to your meatloaf rather than suck it out of the meat.

Properly Season the Meat

Meatloaf isn’t the recipe to be holding back on where flavor is concerned. Without seasoning you are in for a very bland result. While you don’t want a heavy hand when you season, you certainly don’t want to go light on it. A good place to start is with salt and pepper and from there you can get creative. Pick a variety of spices and herbs that you enjoy and add them in. Not only will this add flavor, it will create that incredible aroma in your house.

Don’t Cut Right Into It

The last tip has to do with letting the meat rest. When you take the meatloaf out of the oven it’s important to resist the urge to cut into it right away. All the juices will come running out if you don’t let it rest. Give it about 10-15 minutes before you cut it up.

Tasty Meatloaf Will Be Yours

By following these simple tips you’re sure to have some very tasty meatloaf coming your way, and don’t be afraid to get creative where flavors are concerned.

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