Meatloaf Recipe Creole
Savor bold Louisiana flavors with this meatloaf recipe Creole—juicy, spicy, and easy to make! A perfect Southern-style comfort meal. Try it now!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and moisture
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- ½ cup finely diced onion yellow or white
- ½ cup diced bell pepper green or red for a pop of color
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg helps bind the meatloaf together
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, umami-rich flavor
- ½ cup tomato sauce used in the mixture and as a topping
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning homemade or store-bought
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust based on your Creole seasoning’s salt content
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a slight tang
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar balances the spices and enhances caramelization
For the Creole Glaze:
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce or more if you love heat!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder meatloaf reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed crackers.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: This recipe is naturally dairy-free but always check ingredient labels to be sure.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 👉 Tip: If you prefer a crispier exterior, shape the meatloaf free-form on a baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables for Extra Flavor
- In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing with the meat.
- 🔥 Why sauté first? Cooking the veggies beforehand enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor, preventing a raw, crunchy texture inside the meatloaf.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- ✔️ Ground beef
- ✔️ Sautéed vegetables
- ✔️ Breadcrumbs
- ✔️ Egg
- ✔️ Worcestershire sauce
- ✔️ Tomato sauce
- ✔️ Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper
- ✔️ Dijon mustard and brown sugar
- Gently mix everything using your hands or a spoon until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Step 4: Shape & Bake the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan or baking sheet.
- Shape it into a loaf, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- ⌛ Timing Tip: Meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 5: Make the Creole Glaze
- While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together:
- ✔️ Tomato sauce
- ✔️ Brown sugar
- ✔️ Worcestershire sauce
- ✔️ Hot sauce
- After 40 minutes, brush the glaze generously over the meatloaf and bake for another 15 minutes until caramelized.
Notes
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
✔️ Calories: 380 kcal✔️ Total Fat: 22g
✔️ Saturated Fat: 8g
✔️ Protein: 28g
✔️ Carbohydrates: 18g
✔️ Fiber: 2g
✔️ Sugar: 6g
✔️ Cholesterol: 110mg
✔️ Sodium: 680mg (Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)