Creole Meat Loaf

Ground Chuck Meat Loaf Recipe with Creole Sauce

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creole Meat Loaf is a classic comfort food dish that is packed with flavor and easy to make. This recipe combines ground chuck with onions, milk, egg, dry mustard, and salt to create a moist and delicious meat loaf. The finishing touch is a flavorful Creole sauce that adds a spicy kick to the dish.

History

Creole Meat Loaf has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where meatloaf is a popular dish that has been passed down through generations. The addition of Creole sauce gives this recipe a unique twist and adds a touch of Louisiana flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground chuck
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup skim milk
1 beaten egg
0.5 tsp dry mustard
0.5 tsp salt
vegetable cooking spray
Creole Sauce

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients, except cooking spray and Creole sauce, stirring until well combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan measuring 8.5 x 4.5 x 3, which has been coated with cooking spray.
Bake the loaf at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Invert the meat loaf onto a serving platter and pour the Creole sauce over the top.
Slice the meat loaf into 6 pieces and serve.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or celery to the meat loaf mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground chuck for a lighter version of the dish.
Experiment with different seasonings in the Creole sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the ingredients for the meat loaf thoroughly to ensure that everything is well combined.

- Use a loaf pan that is the correct size to ensure that the meat loaf cooks evenly.

- Let the meat loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving platter to prevent it from falling apart.

- The Creole sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

Creole Meat Loaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground chuck.

- Regular mustard can be used in place of dry mustard.

- Whole milk can be used in place of skim milk.

Make Ahead Tips

The Creole sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. The meat loaf can also be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Creole Meat Loaf on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or sliced tomatoes for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Creole Meat Loaf pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Creole Meat Loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices of meat loaf on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creole Meat Loaf contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creole Meat Loaf contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creole Meat Loaf contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Creole Meat Loaf contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Creole Meat Loaf is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and milk.

Summary

Creole Meat Loaf is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Creole Meat Loaf is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With a flavorful meat loaf and a spicy Creole sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. The title alone, "Creole Meat Loaf," conjured up images of spicy, flavorful goodness. I had always been a fan of traditional meatloaf, but the thought of adding a Creole twist to it was simply irresistible.

I first came across the recipe for Creole Meat Loaf in an old cookbook that I stumbled upon at a yard sale. The book was tattered and weathered, its pages yellowed with age. As I flipped through the pages, searching for inspiration for my next culinary adventure, my eyes landed on the recipe that would change the way I made meatloaf forever.

The ingredients were simple enough - ground beef, onions, green bell peppers, garlic, Creole seasoning, breadcrumbs, and eggs. But it was the combination of these ingredients and the method of preparation that intrigued me. The recipe called for sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic until they were soft and fragrant before mixing them with the ground beef and other ingredients. This extra step promised to elevate the flavors and create a truly delicious meatloaf.

I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work in the kitchen. As I chopped and sautéed, the aromas of the vegetables mingling with the Creole seasoning filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I could already tell that this meatloaf was going to be something special.

Once everything was mixed together and formed into a loaf, I popped it into the oven and waited anxiously for it to cook. The smell that wafted from the oven as it baked was intoxicating - a heady blend of spices and savory goodness that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. The first bite was pure bliss - the meat was tender and juicy, the flavors perfectly balanced and harmonious. The Creole seasoning added just the right amount of heat and complexity, making each bite a delight for the taste buds.

I couldn't believe that I had gone so long without trying this recipe. It quickly became a favorite in my household, requested by family and friends alike whenever they came over for dinner. I was proud to have added this dish to my repertoire, thanks to that old cookbook and its magical recipe for Creole Meat Loaf.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches to make it truly my own. I have shared it with countless people, passing on the tradition of Creole Meat Loaf to the next generation of cooks.

But no matter how many times I make it, the magic of that first time I saw the recipe remains with me. It was a moment of serendipity, a chance encounter that changed the way I cooked and brought a new level of flavor and excitement to my kitchen.

I am grateful for that old cookbook and the recipe it contained, for it opened up a whole new world of culinary possibilities for me. And every time I make Creole Meat Loaf, I am reminded of that initial spark of inspiration that led me to create something truly special.