Holy Meatloaf!

The inspiration for this meatloaf is Cajun Meatloaf that I got from http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/

I have never made a meatloaf before. I don't like meatloaf. The entire idea turns me off. But I love meat and ketchup...but yeah, not meatloaf. Fabulous husband likes meatloaf. Go figure. I've mentioned making it from time to time, I searched recipes and then I found this recipe. And I still couldn't make myself do it. Then, I decided, ya know what, just do it. Stop being a sissy.


Perhaps I should have cut the recipe in half. Or a third... because if I didn't like it too bad I'd be eating meatloaf forever.

Doesn't really look so appealing, I know. BUT...

It was AMAZING. I mean like really to die for. Yes, I just said meatloaf was to die for. I pretty much followed the recipe exact. Making only a few changes I've noted below. But I feel I must caution you as no one did me. There are only two of us... this was enough to feed a family of 30 on Thanksgiving. I mean it was ridiculous. But that's what happens when you use 3 pounds of meat.

Ingredients
3 whole Bell Peppers (2 If They're Large)
2 whole Medium Onions
1 bunch Celery (5-6 Ribs)
8 cloves (to 10 Cloves) Of Garlic
6 Tablespoons Butter
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire (Was out - used A1 Steak Sauce)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Optional: A Few Shakes Of Hot Sauce
2 cups Ketchup, Divided
½ cups Whole Milk
1 cup (to 2 Cups) Breadcrumbs
2 pounds Of Lean Ground Beef (92% Lean)
1 pound Ground Pork (Couldn't get any so I used sweet sausage)
3 whole Eggs
2 Tablespoons Honey

Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Chop all of the fresh vegetables (peppers, onions, celery) into a small dice and mince the garlic. Over medium-high heat, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Once butter begins to start browning, add the diced vegetables and garlic. Add about 1 teaspoon salt.

After these have cooked for a few minutes add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon nutmeg and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. If you like it hot, add a couple shakes of your favorite hot sauce. Next add about ½ cup of ketchup. Continue cooking and stirring for a few more minutes. Remove from heat.

After allowing the mixture to cool for a couple of minutes, add about ½ cup of milk. Stir until combined. Next add at least 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Continue adding breadcrumbs and stirring until mixture is a nice, thick paste.

In a large mixing bowl place the ground beef and pork. Whisk 3 eggs and add to the meat. After allowing the pasty vegetable mixture to cool down a bit, begin incorporating it into the meat. Keep working all of the Cajun-Vegetable mix into the meat until all is blended well.
Spray a sheet pan with some non-stick cooking spray. Next, using your hands, form your meat mixture into a loaf on the sheet pan. Make the loaf around 6-8 inches wide and about 1 ½ inches thick.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together ¾ cup of ketchup with about 2 tablespoons honey. Slather this sauce over the whole meatloaf.

Place in a 400 degree oven for about 40 minutes.

NOTES: Really easy to make, but a lot of prep. BUT Very VERY VERY good. I can't even say how much I loved this. And it's a good thing because we ate it for 3 meals and some is frozen. So, who wants to come over for meatloaf?