Alternative to eggs for burgers and meatloaves?

Question

Dealing with milk and egg allergies in a partner, and wanted to make some classic dinners (he's never had them) but I'm not really sure what to use to bind meat together? Obviously a banana or applesauce won't match these.

I would prefer not to use egg replacer, partially due to the difficulty in finding one without egg and because we do try to eat clean.

Any suggestions for how to make burgers and meatloaves without eggs? I try just leaving them out, but they are more prone to falling apart.

missy.l · Accepted Answer

i just know when my mother makes meatballs and homemade hamburger patties, cornstarch always did the trick!

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1

yankeegirl · Answer

I've made meatloaf for years with no dairy. Its easier than you'd think.
The milk in meatloaf recipes simply functions as a moistener. Yes, the egg is to help bind it....but, water and breadcrumb do the same thing.
All you have to do is add something....ketchup, tomato sauce, Hunts meatloaf canned sauce, to keep it moist. Also, remember to use a higher ratio burger....85/15 is best. 
I wish I could give you measurements, but I cook like I was taught...by smell and feel. Here's my ingredient list....

1 1/2 lb Hamburger 
1/2 lb sausage (the kind in the meat case,, not the deli case, ground and unseasoned...sometimes called breakfast sausage)
1 med carrot, finely shredded
1 small pepper (I use yellow because they are sweeter), seeded and chopped
3 plum tomatoes, chopped (optional)
4-5 medium mushroom caps, peeled and chopped (optional)
seasoned breadcrumb (judgement call here....I'd say maybe 1/2 cup?)
lukewarm water (add a little at a time, turn it into the meat, until you see a sort of paste form on your hands. Not thick and rough, but semi-firm and smooth)
unseasoned tomato sauce. 1/3 of a regular sized can
spices to taste (I use celery seed, Janes Mixed-up Salt and Janes Mixed-up Pepper...these are two organic products, completely different from seasoned salt)

Crumble meats into large bowl. Mix meats, vegetables, tomato sauce and spices together by tossing lightly (the more you work the meat, the tougher your meatloaf will turn out). Add breadcrumb and water , turn until thoroughly mixed. 
Put into coated or nonstick baking pan. I don't use a loaf pan because i hate an unbrowned crust. Form into a loaf. Bake.

350 degree oven
approx 1 to 1 1/4 hours

Take meatloaf out of oven and pour off drippings. Turn broiler on low, and return meatloaf to oven to brown it off. 
I have a friend who uses this recipe, but makes a sort of glaze for hers by melting butter and brown sugar together and basting the top and sides of her meatloaf with it right before she brown it.

I'm sure there are tons of other recipes, but this one came from my dad, who used it in his restaurant as a lunch item.

Alternative to eggs for burgers and meatloaves?

3 Answers