Cajun Meat Loaf
Instructions:
This spicy meat loaf is for those who like a bit of kick in their comfort food. 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped 1 large onion (12 ounces), chopped 1 large stalk celery, chopped 1 small green pepper, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed with garlic press 2 pounds ground meat for meat loaf (beef, pork, and veal) 2 large eggs 1 cup fresh bread crumbs (about 2 slices bread) 1â„2 cup plus 2 tablespoons ketchup 1â„4 cup milk 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1â„2 teaspoon dried thyme 1â„2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1â„2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) 1â„2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Makes 8 main-dish servings. Prep: 20 minutes Bake: 1 hour 15 minutes
- In nonstick 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, celery, and green pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, combine ground meat, eggs, bread crumbs, 1â„2 cup ketchup, milk, Worcestershire, salt, cumin, thyme, nutmeg, ground red pepper, black pepper, and cooked vegetable mixture just until well blended but not overmixed.
- In 13" by 9" baking pan, shape meat mixture into 10" by 5" loaf, pressing firmly. Brush remaining 2 tablespoons ketchup on top of loaf. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes to set juices for easier slicing.