African Meat Loaf
African Meat Loaf combines hearty ground meats with crunchy peanuts and sweet brown sugar, offering a savory-sweet flavor profile perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together beef, pork, cracker meal, eggs, chopped onion, salt, ground pepper, 1 1/4 cups of chopped peanuts, and brown sugar.
- Combine the remaining peanuts and brown sugar to make a mixture.
- Grease a 9-inch loaf pan heavily with Pam spray, then line the bottom and sides with the brown sugar mixture.
- Fill the lined loaf pan with the meat mixture.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Carefully turn out the meat loaf onto a platter, glazed side up.
- Serve hot, sliced.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or coriander into the meat mixture. You can substitute the ground pork with turkey for a leaner option. If you don’t have cracker meal, crushed breadcrumbs work well too. Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This meat loaf pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, serve it with mashed potatoes or rice. You can also try it with a side of Goulash Soup for a comforting combination. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of African Meat Loaf contains roughly 812 calories, with 18g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (133% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the African Meat Loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the meat loaf before or after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of chopped peanuts?
If you have a nut allergy, you can replace chopped peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You can also use a mixture of breadcrumbs and seeds for added texture without the nuts.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done?
The meat loaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the top should be browned and firm to the touch, and juices should run clear when cut.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).