This recipe begins with the Cajun trinity—equal parts of onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Keep this chopped mixture vacuum sealed and handy in the freezer. For more kick in your meatloaf, increase the cayenne or add a tablespoon of Tabasco™ Sauce. As this recipe makes 8 portions, half can be packaged in a Seal-a-Meal Bag and frozen until needed. Before leaving for work on a blustery day, defrost in the refrigerator and pop in the oven when you get home. Aromas of a fresh baked meatloaf will warm your home, just as if you have been cooking all day.
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup celery, finely chopped
3/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 whole bay leaves
2 eggs
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup prepared tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground paprika
1 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 pound Cajun or ground pork sausage
3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
canola oil nonstick cooking spray
Preheat the oven to 375º F. Coat a large oval or rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, green onion, garlic, and bay leaves and sauté until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Remove the bay leaves from the vegetables. To the egg mixture, add the meats, bread crumbs, and cooled vegetables, mixing thoroughly with a wooden spoon or your hands.
Form the mixture into a large oval and place in the baking dish. Place the pan on the middle rack in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, loosely cover and allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately or seal and freeze for another meal.
Serves 8 or makes 2 meals of 4 servings each.