Peppered Meat Loaf

INTRODUCTION

Peppered Meat Loaf is a comfort food that many people love. This hearty dish is warm, filling, and perfect for family dinners. With a mix of ground beef and spicy pork sausage, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of spices, onion, garlic, and a sweet topping of ketchup makes this meat loaf a favorite in many homes. Plus, it’s easy to make in a slow cooker, which saves time and effort in the kitchen.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Peppered Meat Loaf. First, it’s simple and straightforward. You don’t need advanced cooking skills to make it. Second, it’s a complete meal. When you serve it with potatoes and maybe some vegetables, you have everything on one plate. Third, it brings comfort. The taste and aroma of cooking meat loaf will remind you of home and family. Lastly, it’s versatile. You can change some ingredients or add sides to make it your own.

HOW TO MAKE Peppered Meat Loaf

Making Peppered Meat Loaf is easy. Just follow the clear steps and you will enjoy a delicious meal.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before you start, make sure you have these items:

• Slow cooker (6 or 7 quart)
• Heavy-duty foil
• Cooking spray
• Large mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Meat thermometer
• Platter for serving

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this tasty Peppered Meat Loaf, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 large baking potatoes, peeled and quartered lengthwise
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup crushed saltines
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned pepper
• 3 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound spicy bulk pork sausage
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 and a half teaspoons ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Now, let’s go through the steps to make this delicious Peppered Meat Loaf:

1. Cut three strips of heavy-duty foil that are each 25 by 3 inches long.
2. Crisscross the strips so they look like spokes of a wheel.
3. Place the foil strips in the bottom and up the sides of a 6 or 7 quart slow cooker.
4. Coat the foil strips with cooking spray.
5. Place the quartered potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker.
6. In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients: beaten eggs, chopped onion, tomato sauce, crushed saltines, ketchup, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and seasoned pepper.
7. Add the ground beef and spicy pork sausage to the bowl.
8. Mix all the ingredients together lightly but thoroughly.
9. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf.
10. Carefully transfer the meat loaf to the slow cooker on top of the potatoes.
11. In a separate bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: 1 cup ketchup, brown sugar, ground mustard, and ground nutmeg.
12. Pour the sauce mixture over the meat loaf.
13. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 to 6 and a half hours.
14. Use a meat thermometer to check that the meat loaf reaches at least 160 degrees. The potatoes should also be tender.
15. Using the foil strips as handles, carefully remove the meat loaf from the slow cooker. Place it on a platter.

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HOW TO SERVE Peppered Meat Loaf

Peppered Meat Loaf is best served hot. Slice the meat loaf into thick pieces and place them on plates. Serve the potatoes on the side. You can also add a green vegetable, such as green beans or broccoli, for extra color and nutrition. Don’t forget to spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the meat loaf and potatoes for added flavor!

STORAGE & FREEZING : Peppered Meat Loaf

You can store leftover Peppered Meat Loaf in the refrigerator. Just place it in an airtight container and it will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the sliced meat loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It will be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some ideas for serving Peppered Meat Loaf:

• Pair it with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic meal.
• Serve with a side salad to add freshness.
• Enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Add a dollop of sour cream on the potatoes for creaminess.
• Make meat loaf sandwiches with the leftovers for lunch the next day.

VARIATIONS

You can change Peppered Meat Loaf to fit your taste. Here are some variations you can try:

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add different spices, like Italian seasoning or chili powder, for a new flavor.
• Mix in shredded cheese to the meat mixture for extra richness.
• Instead of ketchup for the topping, try barbecue sauce for a different taste.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra veggies.

FAQs

1. Can I use leaner meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Just be aware that leaner meats might make the meat loaf a bit drier.

2. Can I cook Peppered Meat Loaf in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour. Use a loaf pan and check with a thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.

3. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can skip it or use soy sauce as a substitute. It will still add flavor to the meat loaf.

4. Can I add vegetables to the meat loaf?
Absolutely! Chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added for more texture and nutrition.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Peppered Meat Loaf

You can prepare Peppered Meat Loaf ahead of time. Here are some tips:

• Mix the meat loaf ingredients and shape it into a loaf. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• You can also freeze the raw meat loaf. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just pour it over the meat loaf when you are ready to cook.

With these tips, you can enjoy the comfort of Peppered Meat Loaf whenever you like!

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