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Cajun Meatloaf Pioneer Woman plated with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy

Cajun Meatloaf Pioneer Woman

Aida
Try Pioneer Woman’s Cajun Meatloaf recipe for a spicy, savory twist on a classic comfort food. Bold flavors that everyone will love
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground sausage optional, for extra flavor
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper finely chopped (green or red for a bit more color)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adjust based on spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1/2 cup ketchup or a mixture of ketchup and mustard for more tang
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare the Baking Dish:
  • Lightly grease a baking sheet or a 9x5-inch loaf pan to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
  • Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground sausage.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, milk, and egg, and mix gently until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Add the Vegetables and Spices:
  • Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic.
  • Season the mixture with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  • Shape the Meatloaf:
  • Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf shape, ensuring it’s even and smooth on top.
  • Prepare the Glaze:
  • In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a small dash of Cajun seasoning for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Brush the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
  • Bake:
  • Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The top should be browned and caramelized.
  • Rest the Meatloaf:
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes it easier to cut.
  • Serve:
  • Slice the meatloaf and serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

1. Meat Choice:

  • The original recipe calls for ground beef, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or a mixture of beef and pork for a leaner option. Keep in mind that the fat content will change depending on the meat you use.

2. Cajun Seasoning:

  • The key to the Cajun flavor is the Cajun seasoning. If you don’t have store-bought Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

3. Topping:

  • The recipe often includes a tangy topping made of ketchup and brown sugar. You can substitute the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile, or add a touch of hot sauce for extra heat.

4. Moisture:

  • To keep the meatloaf moist, the recipe uses breadcrumbs and milk. You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option, or swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to make it gluten-free.

5. Bake Time and Temperature:

  • Baking at 350°F (175°C) is typical, but always check that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey, ensuring it's fully cooked.

6. Resting Time:

  • Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicier and easier-to-cut loaf.

7. Make-Ahead:

  • This meatloaf can be made ahead of time. You can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked meatloaf for up to 3 months and bake it directly from the freezer (just add extra time in the oven).