Some people like to put onions in their meatloaf, others do not.
If you are one of those people who does not like onions, or if you are out of onions, what can you use as an onion substitute in meatloaf?
There are many different substitutes that you can use depending on what you have available.
Here are some substitutes that you can try.
Read more: What To Do With Leftover Beef Stroganoff?
What’s the best onion substitute in meatloaf?
In my experience, the best onion substitute in meatloaf is either green onions or chives.
They have a mild flavor that does not overpower the meatloaf, and they are very easy to find.
If you do not have either of those on hand, you can try using minced garlic or diced tomatoes.
Both of those add a lot of flavor to the meatloaf, and they are very easy to find.
Whichever substitute you choose, just make sure that it is something that you will enjoy eating.
You do not want the substitution to overpower the taste of the meatloaf.
Onion powder and dried onion flakes are also good substitutes for fresh onions.
They have a very strong flavor, so you will only need to use a small amount.
To replace, use one teaspoon of onion powder or two teaspoons of dried onion flakes for every fresh onion that is called for in the recipe.
If you are looking for something a little different, you can try using apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
They both have a strong flavor, but they are also very tasty.
Just make sure that you like the taste of the vinegar that you choose because it will be pretty strong in the meatloaf.
These are just a few of the many substitutes that you can use for onions in meatloaf.
experiment with different flavors to find the one that you like best.
Just make sure that whatever substitute you choose, is something that you will enjoy.
A simple meatloaf recipe using chives
Here is a simple recipe for meatloaf that uses chives as a substitute for onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, garlic, and chives.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Mix well.
- Press mixture into a loaf shape on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until cooked through.
This is a really easy recipe that you can customize to your own liking.
If you want a stronger onion flavor, you can use more chives.
If you prefer something a little milder, try using fewer chives.
You can also add in other ingredients like diced onions or chopped green peppers if you want.
Play around with the recipe until you find one that you like best.
Does meatloaf need onion?
No, meatloaf does not need onion.
You can leave the onion out of the recipe completely if you do not like onions or if you are out of onions.
There are many different substitutes that you can use depending on what you have available, like the ones I’ve shared above.
Can you use onion powder instead of onions in meatloaf?
Yes, you can use onion powder instead of onions in meatloaf.
Just use one teaspoon of onion powder for every fresh onion that is called for in the recipe. (source)
Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
Milk is used in meatloaf to help keep it moist.
It also helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the meatloaf a softer texture.
If you do not have milk on hand, you can substitute it with water or beef broth.
Can I use onion soup mix in meatloaf?
Yes, you can use onion soup mix in meatloaf.
Just use one package for every two cups of onions that are called for in the recipe.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for adding the soup mix to the meatloaf.
Can you add celery to the meatloaf?
Yes, you can add celery to the meatloaf.
Just use one stalk of celery for every cup of onions that are called for in the recipe.
Chop the celery into small pieces before adding it to the mixture.
Can you add carrots to the meatloaf?
Yes, you can add carrots to the meatloaf.
Just use one carrot for every two cups of onions that are called for in the recipe.
Shred the carrot into small pieces before adding it to the mixture.
Do you bake meatloaf covered or uncovered?
It is best to bake meatloaf covered.
This will help to keep the moisture in the meatloaf and will prevent it from drying out.
You can cover the meatloaf with foil or with a lid if your baking dish has one. (source)
What temperature do you bake meatloaf at?
The recommended temperature to bake meatloaf is 350 degrees F.
However, you can bake it at any temperature between 325 and 375 degrees F.
Just be sure to cook it until it is fully cooked through.
Can you substitute red onion for yellow in meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute red onion for yellow in meatloaf.
Just use one cup of chopped red onion for every two cups of chopped yellow onion that are called for in the recipe.
Can you put raw onion in meatloaf?
You should not put raw onion in the meatloaf.
Raw onion has a strong flavor and it can overpower the other flavors in the meatloaf.
It is best to sauté the onion before adding it to the mixture.
This will soften the onion and will remove some of the strong flavors.
What is the best binder for meatloaf?
The best binders for meatloaf are eggs and bread crumbs.
Eggs help to hold the ingredients together and give the meatloaf a softer texture.
Bread crumbs help to absorb the moisture from the meatloaf and will help to keep it from being too dry.
Why does my meatloaf fall apart when I cut it?
There are several reasons why your meatloaf may fall apart when you cut it.
One reason may be that the ingredients were not properly combined.
Make sure to mix the ingredients together well before putting them in the baking dish.
Another reason may be that the meatloaf was overcooked.
Be sure to cook it until it is fully cooked through.
If it is still pink in the center, it is not done. (source)
Should I drain the grease from my meatloaf?
You should not drain the grease from your meatloaf.
The grease will help to keep the meatloaf moist and will prevent it from drying out.
You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil to the mixture to help with this.
What makes a meatloaf mushy?
A meatloaf can become mushy if it is overcooked.
Cook the meatloaf until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Another reason for a mushy meatloaf maybe that too much liquid was added to the mixture.
Be sure to add only enough liquid to combine the ingredients and do not add too much.
What can I put on top of meatloaf instead of ketchup?
You can put a variety of different toppings on your meatloaf instead of ketchup.
Some ideas include:
- BBQ sauce
- Horseradish sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Mexican sauce
- Mustard sauce
- Mayo
- Ketchup
Can I add bell pepper to the meatloaf?
Yes, you can add bell pepper to the meatloaf.
Just use one bell pepper for every two cups of onions that are called for in the recipe.
Chop the bell pepper into small pieces before adding it to the mixture.
Conclusion
There are many different substitutes that you can use for onions in meatloaf, depending on what you have available.
Here are a few of the most popular substitutes: green onions, chives, garlic, diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar.
All of these substitutes add flavor to the meatloaf and are easy to find.
If you don’t like any of those options, you can try using onion powder or dried onion flakes.
Just make sure that whatever substitute you choose is something that you will enjoy eating.