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Why add milk to meatloaf: improves moisture, texture, and helps bind ingredients for better consistency.

Classic Meatloaf with Milk for Perfect Texture

This classic meatloaf recipe uses milk to create a tender, moist texture. Learn how milk enhances flavor, binds ingredients, and elevates your meatloaf to perfection.

  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork or turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • ½ cup milk (or almond/oat milk for non-dairy)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Soak breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until fully absorbed.
  3. Mix ingredients: Add the ground beef, ground pork or turkey, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently mix until combined.
  4. Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
  5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  6. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • For lactose-free or vegan options, substitute milk with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
  • To add a glaze, brush the top with a mix of ketchup and brown sugar during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Use lean ground meat for a healthier version.
  • Author: Elian Cove
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: Milk in meatloaf, classic meatloaf, tender meatloaf, moist meatloaf recipe