Cajun Meat Loaf
A flavorful Cajun-inspired meatloaf with bold spices, tender ground beef, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering, this dish combines smoky cayenne, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce for a spicy, savory experience that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1/4 stick butter ⓘ
- 1/2 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, pepper, and ground cumin to the skillet.
- Cook the vegetables until tender, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with ground beef, beaten egg, dry bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. To enhance the flavor, try incorporating some chopped parsley or green onions into the meatloaf. Make sure to let it rest after baking to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
Cajun meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of collard greens for a comforting meal. Consider serving it with a drizzle of extra ketchup or a spicy remoulade for added flavor. For a complete dish, complement it with Bounty Rice or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the meatloaf.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cajun meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and place it in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover and microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Meat Loaf contains roughly 822 calories, with 19g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2741mg per serving (119% 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 make Cajun meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute. These alternatives will help bind the meatloaf while adding their own unique taste. Just adjust the quantity based on the texture you desire.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to determine if your meatloaf is cooked through is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (71°C) when fully cooked. Additionally, the meatloaf should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
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).