Spicy Meat Loaf

Spicy Meat Loaf Recipe from Guam with Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Beef, and More

Region / culture: Guam | Servings: - 8

Introduction

Spicy Meat Loaf is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hearty family meal. This recipe combines lean ground beef with a variety of spices and seasonings to create a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

History

Meatloaf has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated in Europe, where it was traditionally made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and flavors, including the addition of spicy ingredients like hot sauce.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 sweet onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 lb (1.36 kg) lean ground beef
3 tsp salt
3 tsp fresh ground pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup v-8 vegetable juice
0.75 cup fresh chopped parsley
2 tbsp hot sauce
0.33 cup ketchup

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onion for about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Transfer the onion and garlic to a large mixing bowl and add ground beef, salt, pepper, eggs, vegetable juice, parsley, and hot sauce.
Mix well and shape the mixture into a greased loaf pan (approximately 12 x 8 inches). Spread ketchup on top and bake for one hour.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf.

- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.

- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Meat Loaf with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- Worcestershire sauce can be used instead of hot sauce for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The meatloaf can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the meatloaf with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Spicy Meat Loaf with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

- Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 25% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains eggs

Summary

This Spicy Meat Loaf is a good source of protein and iron, but is high in fat and calories. It also contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates.

Summary

Spicy Meat Loaf is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With a blend of spices and seasonings, this meatloaf is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spicy Meat Loaf. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the words on them were clear and enticing.

As I scanned the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the tantalizing aroma of the dish in my mind. The combination of ground beef, spices, and vegetables seemed like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew I had to try it out for myself.

I set to work gathering all the necessary ingredients, making sure to measure everything out precisely. I chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers with care, savoring the familiar motions that had been handed down through generations of women in my family.

As I mixed the seasonings into the ground beef, I could feel the anticipation building. This wasn't just any ordinary meat loaf – this was a special recipe that had been passed down from my great grandmother, who had learned it from a friend who had traveled to exotic lands in search of new flavors.

The meat loaf took shape in my hands, the spicy aroma wafting through the kitchen and making my mouth water. I carefully placed it in the oven, setting the timer and waiting anxiously for it to cook to perfection.

When the timer finally went off, I pulled the meat loaf out of the oven and marveled at its golden brown crust. The spices had melded together beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I sliced into the meat loaf and served myself a generous portion, savoring each bite as if it were a treasure to be enjoyed slowly. The heat from the spices lingered on my tongue, warming me from the inside out.

As I ate, memories flooded back to me of all the women in my family who had come before me, each one adding their own touch to this timeless recipe. I could almost hear their voices whispering words of encouragement and approval as I savored each mouthful.

I knew then that this Spicy Meat Loaf would become a staple in my own repertoire of recipes. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to my past, a way to honor the women who had come before me and paved the way for my own culinary adventures.

And so, I continued to make the Spicy Meat Loaf for special occasions and family gatherings, sharing the recipe with anyone who asked. Each time I cooked it, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the gift of cooking that had been passed down to me through the generations.

As I sat back in my chair, satisfied and content, I knew that this recipe would continue to hold a special place in my heart for years to come. It wasn't just about the food – it was about the love and history that went into creating it. And that, to me, was the true essence of cooking.