Southern Comfort: How to Make Cajun Meatloaf with Cajun Gravy
Spice up dinner with Cajun meatloaf with Cajun gravy! A bold, juicy meatloaf smothered in rich, flavorful gravy. Easy, hearty, and delicious!
Ingredients
- For the Cajun Meatloaf:
- Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork or ground turkey for a leaner option
- Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onions chopped
- Binders & Seasonings:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce optional, adjust to spice preference
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning more if you prefer extra heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, adjust for spice level
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cajun Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour for the roux
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional, for added heat
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery (Cajun holy trinity) and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
- Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the cooled vegetable mixture. Gently combine the ingredients without overmixing.
- Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Step 4: Make the Cajun Gravy
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux turns light brown (about 2-3 minutes).
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup chicken broth to avoid lumps.
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Let the gravy simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Step 5: Serve
- Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle with the Cajun gravy and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, cornbread, or steamed greens.
Notes
Recipe Notes for Cajun Meatloaf with Cajun Gravy
✅ Adjusting Spice Levels – If you prefer a milder meatloaf, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. For extra heat, add more cayenne or diced jalapeños. ✅ Meat Variations – A beef and pork mix gives the best flavor and juiciness, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. ✅ Binding Ingredients – Using breadcrumbs and eggs helps hold the meatloaf together. If you prefer a low-carb option, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. ✅ Make-Ahead & Storage –- Prep Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.