Learning how to make meatloaf from scratch is a wonderful dinner idea that is perfect dinner option that is tasty and easy.

How to Make Meatloaf from Scratch Video

HOW TO SAVE BIG MONEY ON GRASS-FED Beef

What does grass feed mean, it simply means animals that are fed grass up until they were butchered. 

Buying Grass Fed Meat has many benefits and nutrient than conventional such as higher in protein, iron zinc, lower in fat, improves digestion, and improves hair, skin and nails to name a few.  

Most meat in the USA is factory farmed and animals are raised under cruel circumstances. 

Look for meat that is USDA stamp to assure it is inspected and approved. The animal’s health is unnatural and breeding ground for disease.  Saving on grass-fed beef can be hard to achieve but, with careful planning you can save tons of money a year.

First, buying larger cuts of meat is the way to go.  I usually purchase whole hams, roast, and chicken and beef.  I will either cook the whole large cut or divide into smaller portions into freezer bags.

Second, think about planning one -two meals a week that are meatless.  have tons of recipes on meatless meals.

Next, living in the Mid west I can get large cuts of meat that is organic and affordable by contacting my local farms and arranging to buy a pig, cow, chickens, etc.  Once I buy the animal it is butchered and then processed.  You can head over to a size called www.eatwild.com for local butchers in your area. 

Buying meat on sale is key!  Look at you local supermarket ads and determine what is a great low price for your area and once the grass fed meat is on sale it is time to stock up.

Finally, look at big box stores such as Costco for grass fed meat.  Costco has very affordable grass-fed beef, chicken, pork, etc.

SELECTING GROUND BEEF FOR MAKING MEATLOAF FROM SCRATCH

Selecting your beef, you should look at the marbling throughout the meat, the age, texture and color.

Learning and looking for marbling of the meat will take time but, ideally you will determine it by the meat grade such as prime, choice and select.

When I buy at the supermarket; “Choice” is usually the only option!

Select is a lower grade meat because it available and affordable. “Prime” is a premium cut and can be purchase, often found in high end restaurants.

It is hard to find “Prime” at many grocery store and mostly sold at restaurants.

However, I have found “Prime” cuts of meat at specialty grocery store.

The color of meat is good to know because that is determined by the amount of protein an animal is given and the muscle mass.

If beef is exposed to oxygen the color of meat will be dark verses meat that has been tightly package it will have a duller color in the shade of red. Package meat will lack oxygen therefore, sometimes causing a light red color. Once expose to the element’s meat by change color slightly.

When buying meat at the grocery store for this crock pot roast make sure it is cold and free from tears. Smell the meat for freshness and the look at the sell by date.

If meat has a foul odor do not buy and bring to the butcher’s attention.

Look at affordable ground beef by the cost per serving rather than by pound.

A lot of times the fat and bone are added to the weight determining the price per pound.

When selecting a cut of beef for this meatloaf from scratch recipe I buy fresh, and grass fed and that will serve around three to four people per pound.

Using a Thermometer to Determine if you Meatloaf from Scratch is Done

There are so many types of thermometers that are on the market to check for doneness of your meat on the market. When using a meat thermometer insert either prior to cooking and or during the process. Make sure your thermometer is oven safe if using during cooking time. If you are using your thermometer at the end of cooking insure and leave for at least thrifty seconds before reading the temperature. For a meatloaf you will want your thermometer to read at least 170 degrees before pulling out of the Oven.

How to Make Meatloaf Seasoning from Scratch

Creating a combination of varies spices will vamp your meatloaf. Make your meatloaf seasoning months before and store in a glass jar with an airtight lid. If you make your seasoning for your meatloaf ahead of time; measure out 2 1/4-2 1/2 teaspoons for the recipe.

Another option is making your seasoning for your meatloaf the day of preparing the meatloaf from scratch.

How to Make Meatloaf from Scratch Recipe

If you love Barbeque Sauce and meatloaf then you will love this meatloaf, omit the ketchup and add Barbeque Sauce for a yummy, delicious dinner.  Finish the meal with hearty mashed potatoes and veggie such as broccoli or green beans!

Ingredients

• 1 pound of grass-fed ground round
• ½ cup of your favorite Barbeque sauce; try to find a brand with little sugar
• ½ cup of diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves of chopped garlic
• 1 farm fresh egg; lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup of dry, crushed breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon of dried parsley
• Olive oil for coating loaf pan

First, in a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of Barbeque sauce, diced onion, chopped garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper.  

Next, stir mixture well and then coat a loaf pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.   Now, place meatloaf mixture in the loaf pan and smooth out till flat.

Spread remaining Barbeque sauce on top of meatloaf from scratch using a spatula.  

Finally, Bake at 375 degrees for about twenty-five minutes.   

Bon Appetite!

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