Killer Meat Loaf
A hearty meat loaf packed with vegetables and spices, offering rich flavors and moist texture—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground chuck ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. sausage in bulk ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 3/4 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 c. finely chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 3 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. ketchup ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter in a pan, add chopped onions, green onions, carrots, celery, red pepper, green pepper, and garlic; cook until vegetables dry up.
- Let the cooked vegetable mixture cool and then chill in the refrigerator.
- In a bowl, combine spices, beaten eggs, ketchup, and half and half; blend well.
- Mix the cooled vegetable mixture, spice blend, ground meats, and crumbs together until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking pan.
- Place the baking pan into a larger pan with some water to create a water bath.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using different types of sausage or adding herbs like thyme or parsley. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner substitute. Make sure to sauté the vegetables until they're well-cooked to enhance their sweetness and depth. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the vegetable mixture in a food processor before combining.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Killer Meat Loaf with a side of buttery Herb Taters for a comforting meal. It also pairs well with a refreshing Corn Pudding Vegetable for a delicious contrast. You can top the meatloaf with extra ketchup or a barbecue sauce glaze before baking for added flavor. A side of cherry salad dessert is a great way to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave slices for a quick option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Killer Meat Loaf contains roughly 942 calories, with 25g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and calcium (85% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 28g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape it into a loaf and cover it tightly. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer. Each egg can be replaced with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana for a moist texture.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if the meatloaf is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. It should register at least 160°F (70°C) in the center. If you don't have a thermometer, make a small cut in the center; the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.
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).