Spicy Meatloaf Recipe

Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, a cozy kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of spices, and me, channeling my inner culinary artist, crafting what might just be the most epic spicy meatloaf known to humankind.

I enjoy preparing dishes that deliver serious flavor, and my Spicy Meatloaf does just that. It has a steadfast foundation of 1 and 1/2 pounds of ground beef, which makes it both flavorful and substantial.

Chopped very fine, an onion and some garlic mingle with the blistering hot sauce in the meat mixture. To fend off the heat, there’s a little milk; to keep things tender, there are some bread crumbs.

If you’re looking for a meatloaf with a lot of personality, this is it.

Spicy Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein and iron, adds savory flavor.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides structure, binding ingredients together.
• Milk: Adds moisture, enriching texture.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor with a strong, pungent aroma.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and savory notes.
• Hot Sauce: Provides heat and spice to the dish.
• Parsley: Adds freshness, color, and nutrients.

Spicy Meatloaf Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 and 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make this Spicy Meatloaf Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and give a loaf pan a light coating of grease.

2. In a big mixing basin, thoroughly blend the bread crumbs and milk. Allow them to marinate for a few moments.

3. Mix the ground beef with the egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and chopped parsley in a bowl.

4. Combine the ingredients in a bowl using your hands while being careful not to overmix. Why? Because too much mixing leads to too much gluten development, and you want a tender meatloaf, yes?

5. Pour the blend into the loaf pan you have readied, and press it down gently to take the form of a loaf.

6. If you want something a little more saucy, spread a layer of ketchup and hot sauce (half and half) on top.

7. Put the loaf pan in the oven heated to the appropriate temperature and bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is completely cooked and the inside temperature measures 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes in the pan so the juices can redistribute.

9. Transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board with care, slice it, and serve.

10. If you wish, top with more chopped parsley, and savor your delectable spicy meatloaf with any kind of sides that you like.

Spicy Meatloaf Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Loaf pan
3. Mixing bowl (large)
4. Mixing bowl (medium)
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Mixing spoon
10. Garlic press or mincer
11. Meat thermometer
12. Rubber spatula or spoon for spreading
13. Oven mitts
14. Cooling rack

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?Yes, it is acceptable to use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef in this recipe. The flavor and texture will be different, which is a good thing!
• Q: How can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?A: Replace with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Q: Is there a substitute for milk in this recipe?You can replace milk with any of the following:

  – Beef broth
  – Almond milk
  – Soy milk

• Q: Can the spice level be adjusted?A: Yes. Decrease the hot sauce and cayenne pepper for a milder flavor, or increase them for a more heated result.
• Q: How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?A: Be careful not to bake it too long, and you might want to slather on some ketchup before baking to keep the moisture in.
• Q: Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance?A: Yes, the mixture can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.

Spicy Meatloaf Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
Crushed crackers or oats may be used instead of bread crumbs.
Milk: Use almond milk or beef broth for varied flavors or dietary restrictions.
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as substitutes for Worcestershire Sauce.
An alternative to ketchup can be prepared by mixing tomato paste with vinegar and a little bit of sugar.

Pro Tips

1. For extra moisture and flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of beef broth or melted butter to the meat mixture. This can help maintain juiciness during baking.

2. To enhance the flavor profile, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until soft before mixing them with the rest of the ingredients. This step can bring out a richer, deeper flavor in your meatloaf.

3. For a more robust texture, use a mixture of ground meats, such as half ground beef and half ground pork or veal. This combination can add more depth and complexity to the meatloaf.

4. Allow the mixed ingredients to rest for about 10 minutes before pressing them into the loaf pan. This resting time enables the flavors to meld and can help the bread crumbs fully absorb the moisture, resulting in a more cohesive loaf.

5. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, or incorporating finely chopped cooked bacon into the mixture. This can give the meatloaf a delightful smoky twist.