Spicy Ketchup Meatloaf

 

This **Spicy Ketchup Meatloaf** recipe sounds hearty and flavorful! It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Here’s a quick recap of the recipe with some **tips**, **variations**, and **storage instructions** to help you make the most of it:

### **Spicy Ketchup Meatloaf Recipe**

#### **Ingredients**

– 350g ground beef

– 1 bunch of parsley

– 1 onion

– 20g breadcrumbs

– 1 pinch of nutmeg

– 3 tbsp spicy ketchup

– 1 egg

– 1 tsp salt

– Pepper to taste

#### **Instructions**

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat to 175°C (350°F).

2. **Prepare the Mixture**:

   – In a food processor, chop the parsley and onion.

   – Add the breadcrumbs and blend briefly.

3. **Season the Beef**:

   – In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper.

   – Add the spicy ketchup, egg, nutmeg, and the parsley-onion mixture. Mix well.

4. **Shape and Bake**:

   – Shape the mixture into a loaf or place it in a loaf pan.

   – Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

5. **Serve and Enjoy**:

   – Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

### **Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf**

1. **Choose the Right Ground Beef**:

   – Use ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20 or 85/15) for a juicier meatloaf.

2. **Don’t Overmix**:

   – Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.

3. **Check for Doneness**:

   – Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach **70°C (160°F)**.

4. **Let It Rest**:

   – Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.

5. **Add a Glaze**:

   – For extra flavor, brush the top of the meatloaf with additional spicy ketchup or a mix of ketchup and brown sugar before baking.

### **Variations**

1. **Cheesy Meatloaf**:

   – Add **½ cup shredded cheese** (like cheddar or mozzarella) to the mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.

2. **Vegetable-Packed Meatloaf**:

   – Add finely chopped veggies like **carrots**, **zucchini**, or **bell peppers** for extra nutrition.

3. **Spicy Meatloaf**:

   – Add **1 teaspoon chili powder**, **½ teaspoon cayenne pepper**, or **1 chopped jalapeño** for a spicy kick.

4. **Italian-Style Meatloaf**:

   – Replace the ketchup with **tomato sauce** and add **1 teaspoon Italian seasoning** or **dried oregano**.

5. **Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf**:

   – Substitute ground beef with **ground turkey** or **chicken** for a lighter option.

6. **Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf**:

   – Wrap the meatloaf in **bacon slices** before baking for a smoky, crispy topping.

7. **Gluten-Free Meatloaf**:

   – Use **gluten-free breadcrumbs** or **rolled oats** instead of regular breadcrumbs.

### **How to Store**

1. **Cooling Before Storing**:

   – Let the meatloaf cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.

2. **Refrigerating**:

   – Store in an **airtight container** or wrap tightly in **plastic wrap** or **aluminum foil**. It will keep in the fridge for **3-4 days**.

3. **Freezing**:

   – Wrap the meatloaf tightly in **plastic wrap** and then in **aluminum foil**. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for **up to 3 months**.

   – **Thawing**: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

4. **Reheating**:

   – **Oven**: Reheat slices at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

   – **Microwave**: Heat individual slices in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

### **Serving Suggestions**

– Serve with **mashed potatoes**, **roasted vegetables**, or a **fresh salad**.

– Pair with a side of **gravy** or **extra ketchup** for dipping.

– Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese on top for garnish.

This **Spicy Ketchup Meatloaf** is a comforting and versatile dish that’s sure to be a hit! Let me know if you’d like more tips or ideas. 😊