Classic Spicy Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Classic Spicy Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup finely chopped onion; 0.5 cup finely chopped green onions; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 1 rib celery, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 0.66666668653488 cup ketchup, divided; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons salt; 1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1.5 pounds ground beef; 0.75 pound spicy ground pork sausage; 1 cup bread crumbs; 0.33333334326744 cup minced fresh parsley; 2 large eggs, slightly beaten

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6 servings.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped onion
cup finely chopped green onions
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
cup ketchup, divided
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 pounds ground beef
pound spicy ground pork sausage
1 cup bread crumbs
cup minced fresh parsley
2 large eggs, slightly beaten

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Step 2: In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, green onions, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables become fragrant.

Step 3: Cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrot is tender.

Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 more minute, or until the mixture is heated through.

Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, vegetable mixture, bread crumbs, parsley, and eggs. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a rectangular baking pan with sides about 2 inches high.

Step 7: Spread the remaining 1/3 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 8: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer should read at least 160F (70C) when inserted into the center of the loaf.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 532
Total Fat: 33g (42% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 13g (66% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 173mg (58% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1691mg (74% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 26g (10% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 10g
Protein: 33g (65% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 15mg (16% Daily Value)
Calcium: 97mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron: 5mg (25% Daily Value)
Potassium: 676mg (14% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin

Meatloaf has long been a comfort food staple in the United States. Its history dates back to the early 19th century when it was first introduced as a way to use up leftover meat and make it stretch further. Early recipes often included breadcrumbs, eggs, and some form of seasoning, creating a cohesive, flavorful dish. Over the years, variations of meatloaf have emerged, with regional tweaks and different meat blends. The "spicy" twist to the classic meatloaf has gained popularity as people increasingly seek bolder, zesty flavors in traditional dishes.

Regional Variations

While the basic structure of meatloaf remains consistent, regional variations often influence the ingredients and seasoning. In the American South, for example, barbecue sauce is a common addition, either as an ingredient or as a topping, giving the dish a smoky, tangy flavor. In the Northeast, where Italian-American cuisine is prevalent, some recipes include Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs for a different spin. The spicy version, like the one in this recipe, is more common in the Southwest, where the use of hot sausages, chili sauces, and even jalapeos can create a satisfying, fiery punch to the dish.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While meatloaf is often compared to other ground meat dishes like meatballs and meat patties, there are notable differences. Meatloaf is typically made by combining ground meatssuch as beef, pork, and sometimes vealinto a loaf shape, whereas meatballs are formed into small, round portions. The loaf is often baked in a pan, which allows the flavors to meld and the texture to remain firm, making it perfect for slicing. Unlike hamburgers, which are cooked quickly on a grill, meatloaf is baked slowly, which helps retain moisture and creates a dense, hearty meal. The "spicy" element in this recipe, through the use of hot sausage and seasonings, makes it stand out even more from its milder counterparts.

Where It Is Usually Served

Classic spicy meatloaf is a beloved dish served in homes across the United States, especially in family-oriented, casual settings. It's commonly served as a hearty weeknight dinner alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad. Many families also enjoy it as a lunch the next day, often in the form of a meatloaf sandwich. It is particularly popular in the Midwest and Southern states, where its a comfort food that's easy to prepare and versatile enough to be served with a variety of side dishes.

Interesting Facts

1. Meatloaf is often associated with budget-friendly cooking, as it allows you to stretch a small amount of meat into a filling meal. 2. The word "meatloaf" first appeared in a cookbook in the 18th century, although the concept of ground meat shaped into a loaf has been around for much longer. 3. The combination of beef and sausage in meatloaf adds a delightful balance of flavors: the beef provides the rich, hearty base, while the sausage adds a flavorful kick. 4. This dish is known for its versatility. You can swap ingredients such as ground turkey for beef or even add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to change the texture and flavor. 5. Leftover meatloaf is a treat in itself, often enjoyed in a sandwich form with ketchup, mustard, and pickles, making it one of the most loved leftover dishes!

FAQ about Classic Spicy Meatloaf Recipe

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Yes, meatloaf freezes well. To freeze, wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, making the meatloaf even tastier.

Yes, the recipe is flexible. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork sausage. If you want to make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats instead of regular breadcrumbs.

If your meatloaf turns out dry, it could be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the mixture. To prevent this, ensure you're using a mix of lean meat and sausage, which helps retain moisture. Adding extra vegetables or a bit more ketchup or Worcestershire sauce can also help.

You can adjust the spiciness by choosing a milder or spicier sausage. Additionally, adding hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili powder to the meat mixture will increase the heat. Start with small amounts and taste to adjust the heat level.

Yes, you can use a variety of sausages in this recipe, such as Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even chicken sausage. The spiciness and flavor profile will vary depending on the sausage you choose, so adjust seasonings as needed.

If your meatloaf is falling apart, it could be due to too much moisture or not enough binding ingredients. Make sure you are using the correct amount of breadcrumbs and eggs, which help bind the mixture together. Also, ensure the loaf is not overmixed, which can result in a crumbly texture.

Yes, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even oats for regular breadcrumbs. Different breadcrumbs will provide slightly different textures, but all will work well in this recipe.

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also makes great sandwiches for leftovers, especially when served with mustard or cheese.

Comments

Ronald Harris

05/30/2025 10:13:22 AM

Updated Review: This meatloaf recipe is hands down the best I've ever tried! I made some tweaks to suit my family's preferences, such as omitting celery and carrots and using celery salt instead of regular salt. I also swapped breadcrumbs for oatmeal soaked in milk and added mustard to the meat mixture before brushing with BBQ sauce. The result was absolutely fantastic! I've now made this meatloaf at least 5 times in the past few months, and it continues to impress me every time. I've used cheap pork sausage and even ground chicken, and the dish still turns out amazing. I always use low-sugar ketchup, which doesn't affect the flavor at all. I've even tried using ground pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb option, and it was still incredibly tasty. I don't think I'll ever need to search for another meatloaf recipe – this one is a definite winner!

Sandra Rivera

01/17/2024 04:16:11 AM

This dish was amazing! I used 1lb of chuck and 1lb of ground pork, and swapped chili sauce for ketchup. I baked it on a flat sheet pan with the edges of the foil turned up, allowing most of the fat to run to the edges. I also added a mix of panko and quick oats as a bread substitute. The flavor was fantastic, and the recipe turned out great.

Victoria Brown

10/15/2024 12:51:11 AM

Spicy Meatloaf with a Twist! I skipped the carrots and celery, opting for Italian seasoned bread crumbs and a brushed BBQ sauce topping instead. This new version of meatloaf has completely won me over - I can't imagine going back to the traditional recipe. I accidentally made too much mixture initially, but I turned the extra into BBQ meatballs the following day, which were just as delicious. Highly recommend!

Andrew Garcia

11/04/2022 07:33:00 PM

Best meatloaf I've ever had! I didn't have spicy pork, so I used Jimmy Dean's pork and added a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Oh my goodness, I will make this recipe again and again, it's just that good. I had it for dinner with rolls, greens, and mashed potatoes. The next day, I enjoyed it for breakfast with eggs and mashed meatloaf. And for lunch, I had a meatloaf sandwich with cheese and mustard. Meatloaf heaven, absolutely delicious!

Dennis Nguyen

12/08/2023 03:51:58 AM

Rewritten review: Typically, I stick to recipes as written when trying them for the first time. However, when looking for a meatloaf recipe, I improvised based on what ingredients I had available. I omitted carrots and celery, as I prefer a simpler meatloaf. Using a premade meatloaf mix of beef, pork, and veal, along with yellow onions instead of green ones, I also substituted garlic powder for fresh garlic. Surprisingly, I discovered my breadcrumbs were Parmesan flavored, which made me apprehensive about the outcome. To my delight, the meatloaf turned out absolutely delicious! I want to give a big shoutout to Angela for providing a versatile base recipe that allows for modifications while still resulting in a fantastic dish.

John Harris

06/18/2023 10:47:13 AM

I have a sensitivity to beef, so I made some substitutions for this recipe. Instead of beef, I used a pound of bison and a pound of ground pork. I also added 3/4 cup each of red and green bell peppers, 3/4 cup of extra onion (because you can never have too much onion), and 1 cup of cremini mushrooms. I followed the rest of the recipe as directed. I made the mistake of adding salt and pepper at the beginning of sautéing the vegetables, which resulted in more moisture than the 1 cup of bread crumbs could absorb. In an attempt to fix this, I added an extra cup of bread crumbs, but unfortunately, it didn't quite work out. The additional ingredients mellowed out the flavors of the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, and overshadowed the umami taste I was aiming for. The final dish was still edible but ended up being looser and moister than I would have preferred.

Jessica Campbell

08/07/2024 02:42:20 PM

My favorite meatloaf recipe.

Christopher Torres

04/10/2024 04:34:32 AM

Excellent recipe. This is my favorite meatloaf recipe.

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Classic Spicy Meatloaf Recipe