Cajun Meatloaf
A Southern classic with a spicy Louisiana twist! This juicy meatloaf features the Cajun holy trinity of onions, celery, and bell peppers, all baked under a tangy, sweet-and-spicy glaze. It's comfort food with a kick.
For 8 servings
10 steps. 70 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat
- a.Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper (the 'holy trinity'). Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- a.Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 6 teaspoons (2 tablespoons) of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- 5
Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the bowl
- a.Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, patting it down into an even layer. If using a baking sheet, form the mixture into a rectangular loaf shape. Bake for 40 minutes.
- 7
While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze
- a.In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning until smooth.
- 8
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven
- a.If there is excess grease, carefully drain it off. Spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a tender meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Combine the ingredients gently with your hands until they just come together.
- 2Using a combination of ground beef and pork results in a more flavorful and moist meatloaf than using beef alone.
- 3Don't skip the resting step! It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and the loaf doesn't fall apart.
- 4For accurate cooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- 5If you don't have a loaf pan, you can free-form the mixture into a loaf shape on a foil-lined baking sheet. This can also help the sides brown more.
- 6To add more authentic flavor, consider adding a splash of your favorite Louisiana-style hot sauce to the meat mixture or the glaze.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds (chicharrones) for a low-carb, gluten-free binder.
Leaner OptionLeaner Option
Replace the ground pork with ground turkey or use a leaner ground beef (90/10), though this may result in a slightly less moist meatloaf.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meat mixture or the glaze for a subtle, smoky depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of ground beef and pork provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Ground meat is a significant source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells, and niacin (B3), which helps convert food into energy.
Contains Essential Minerals
This dish provides important minerals like iron, necessary for oxygen transport in the blood, and zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing.
Includes Nutrient-Rich Vegetables
The Cajun 'holy trinity' of onions, bell peppers, and celery adds dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants to the dish, contributing to digestive health and cellular protection.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this Cajun Meatloaf (approximately 1/8th of the loaf) contains an estimated 350-400 calories, depending on the fat content of the ground meat used.