Cajun Meatloaf Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with this succulent Cajun Meatloaf recipe. Bursting with a harmonious blend of spices and vegetables, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with a side of rice, allowing the flavors to shine. Follow this recipe to create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 328.2 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp margarine
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp fresh coarse ground black pepper
Instructions:
- In a nonstick 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the carrots, onion, celery, and green pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of ketchup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, ground cumin, thyme, ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and the cooked vegetables. Mix until well blended, but avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and shape it into a 10 x 5-inch loaf, pressing firmly.
- Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup evenly on top of the loaf.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Allow the meatloaf to stand for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps to set the juices and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cajun Meatloaf with a side of fluffy rice to complement its robust flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a vibrant touch.
- Enjoy alongside your favorite steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Recipe Notes:
- To add a kick of heat, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either cold or reheated.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding diced tomatoes or jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd or to have leftovers for later meals.
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 328.2 kcal
- Fat: 15.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.3 g
- Cholesterol: 125.1 mg
- Sodium: 1035.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.7 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Sugar: 7.3 g
- Protein: 27.2 g
Embrace the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with this delectable meatloaf recipe, perfect for any night of the week. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!
