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Cajun Comfort
Cajun Meatloaf
A Cajun meatloaf with the holy trinity, smoky seasoning, and a tangy glaze baked until juicy.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
15
min
Active Time
70
min
Total Time
6
SERVINGS
Oven
METHOD
Why It Works
Sautéing the trinity first keeps the loaf moist and packs in flavor. A tangy glaze caramelizes on top as it bakes.
Ingredients
Sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
Protein
• 2 lb ground beef
• 2 large eggs
Breading
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
How to Make It
1
Heat the oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan.
2
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook onion, bell pepper, and celery 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Let cool.
3
Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and the cooled trinity.
4
Form into a loaf on the sheet pan.
5
Stir the ketchup and Worcestershire together and brush over the top.
6
Bake 50 to 55 minutes until it reaches 160°F.
7
Rest 10 minutes, top with green onions, then slice and serve.
How to Make It
1
Heat the oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan.
2
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook onion, bell pepper, and celery 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Let cool.
3
Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and the cooled trinity.
4
Form into a loaf on the sheet pan.
5
Stir the ketchup and Worcestershire together and brush over the top.
6
Bake 50 to 55 minutes until it reaches 160°F.
7
Rest 10 minutes, top with green onions, then slice and serve.
Ingredients
Sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
Protein
• 2 lb ground beef
• 2 large eggs
Breading
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Store up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warm.
Swaps
No regular breadcrumbs? Use the same amount of panko; the meatloaf may be slightly lighter and coarser.
Avo's Tip
Cook the trinity before mixing it in — raw onion and pepper can make the loaf watery.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
Beef or a blend?
All beef works; a beef-and-pork blend adds extra richness.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Shape it, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What should I serve it with?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or smothered green beans.
Quick Fixes
Loaf dense: mix just until combined, don't overwork it.
Dry loaf: don't overbake; pull it at 160°F.
Want more heat: add cayenne or hot sauce to the glaze.
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