Creole Meatloaf
A Southern comfort classic with a spicy kick! This juicy meatloaf features the 'Holy Trinity' of Creole cooking and a tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It's a flavorful twist on a family favorite.
For 6 servings
10 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat
- a.Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'Holy Trinity'). Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant
- a.Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes.
- 4
While the vegetables cool, prepare the glaze
- a.In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Creole mustard, and hot sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- 5
Step 5
- a.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Add the cooled vegetable mixture.
- 6
Gently mix all ingredients with your hands until just combined
- a.Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently shape it into an even loaf.
- 7
Bake for 40 minutes
- a.After 40 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. If there is excessive grease, carefully drain it from the pan.
- 8
Spread half of the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf
- a.Return it to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Remove from the oven again, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and bake for a final 10 minutes. The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized, and the internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.
- 10
Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing
- a.This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful slice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest meatloaf, use a combination of ground beef and pork. The fat from the pork adds significant moisture and flavor.
- 2Do not overmix the meat mixture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid a tough, dense texture.
- 3Allowing the sautéed vegetables to cool is a crucial step. Adding hot vegetables to raw meat can start to cook the fat prematurely, affecting the final texture.
- 4A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness without overcooking and drying out the meatloaf.
- 5For a crustier exterior, you can bake the meatloaf free-form on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead of in a loaf pan.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Substitute the ground pork with ground veal for a more delicate flavor, or use all ground beef if preferred.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture and a finely chopped jalapeño to the vegetable sauté for an extra kick.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also certified gluten-free.
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.
High in Protein
The combination of ground beef and pork provides a high-quality source of complete protein, essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Red meat is an excellent source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells, and niacin (B3), which supports energy metabolism.
Source of Heme Iron
This dish provides heme iron, a form of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body than the non-heme iron found in plants. Iron is vital for transporting oxygen in the blood and preventing anemia.
Contains Antioxidants
The 'Holy Trinity' of onion, bell pepper, and celery, along with garlic, provides various antioxidants like quercetin and vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Creole Meatloaf contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the exact fat content of the ground meat used and serving size.