Mouthwatering Creole Meatloaf Recipe for Weekend Dinner
Are you tired of traditional meatloaf recipes that are full of gluten and dairy? Then you’ve come to the right place. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I’m always exploring new ways to make delicious and healthy meals. Today, I present to you my mouth-watering recipe for creole meatloaf that is both gluten-free and dairy-free.
Meatloaf is a classic dish that has been loved by many for years. However, making it healthy can be quite a challenge. That’s where my recipe comes in – it’s jam-packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition.
In this recipe, we’ll be combining ground beef with cooked rice, onion, celery, bell pepper, thyme, egg, and our secret creole seasoning mix. The blend is then gently pressed into a 9×5 inch loaf pan before being baked until golden brown.
Trust me when I say that the aroma of this creole meatloaf while it’s cooking is enough to make your mouth water. And the taste? It’s simply out of this world.
So whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner fix or a hearty meal to serve at family gatherings or events, my gluten-free creole meatloaf won’t disappoint. Stick around for the next sections as I guide you through all the necessary steps to make this savory dish right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same bland meatloaf recipe? Look no further! This Creole meatloaf recipe will surely add some excitement to your mealtime routine. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also healthy and gluten-free, perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
This meatloaf is made with lean ground beef and combined with cooked rice, onion, celery, bell pepper, thyme, and egg. These ingredients come together to create a perfectly moist and flavorful dish that will leave your taste buds dancing.
The creole seasoning adds a unique kick of flavor that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The tomato sauce used in this recipe enriches the flavor profile of the meatloaf, ensuring a savory and delectable experience.
This recipe is versatile as well – it can be customized to fit different dietary needs. For those following a keto or paleo diet, simply swap out the cooked rice for cauliflower rice. Additionally, for those who are dairy-free, substitute the creole sauce with a tomato-based alternative.
It’s not just about taste; this recipe packs in some impressive nutritional benefits too. The lean ground beef provides ample protein while the vegetables offer fiber and vitamins. Best of all, it’s gluten-free!
In conclusion, this Creole meatloaf recipe offers a fresh twist on traditional meatloaf while still being healthy and gluten-free. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will surely impress your guests and delight your taste buds. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
In order to make this delicious Creole Meatloaf, you’ll need to gather the following list of ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 1 rib of celery
- 1/2 of a green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free ketchup
Make sure you read through the recipe instructions thoroughly to ensure you have all of the necessary ingredients on hand. Don’t forget to double-check your pantry for any additional spices or herbs you may need. Once you have everything gathered, it’s time to start creating your perfectly seasoned, gluten-free Creole Meatloaf.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Gluten-free Creole Meatloaf that will impress your guests:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of lean ground beef with 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 1 celery stalk (finely chopped), and 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped). Add ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of thyme, and 1 beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. With wet hands, shape the meat into a loaf shape.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the meatloaf for around 45 minutes or until fully cooked.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce Topping
While the meatloaf is baking, make the tomato sauce topping. In a small saucepan, heat up 1 cup of tomato sauce over medium heat until it starts simmering. Add in 2 tablespoons of ketchup and continue stirring until well combined.
Step 5: Glaze the Meatloaf
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from oven and pour off any excess fat. Brush or spoon the tomato sauce mixture over the meatloaf.
Optional Step: Add Cheese
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the glazed meatloaf and let it melt in preheated oven until bubbly and golden.
Serve hot with your preferred side dishes and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
You might be wondering if there are any substitutions or variations you can make to this creole meatloaf recipe. The answer is YES! Here are some ideas to try:
– Ground turkey: If you prefer a lighter meat, try using ground turkey instead of beef. It will still be just as satisfying and flavorful, but with less fat.
– Cajun seasoning: Instead of creole seasoning, try using cajun seasoning for a different twist. This will add some extra heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
– Gluten-free breadcrumbs: If you want to make the recipe gluten-free, substitute regular bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well and won’t affect the taste.
– Homemade tomato gravy: Instead of using store-bought tomato sauce or ketchup, make your own tomato gravy from scratch. You can easily find recipes online or experiment with your own spice combinations.
– Dairy-free option: If you’re lactose intolerant or just avoiding dairy, simply omit the milk and use a plant-based milk like soy or almond instead. You won’t even be able to tell the difference!
– Vegetable additions: Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this recipe. Some ideas include mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients and see what works best for your personal taste preferences.
Serving and Pairing
Once your gluten-free creole meatloaf is hot and ready out of the oven, it’s time to serve it up and pair it with some tasty sides. This savory dish goes well with a wide range of complementary flavors.
One classic side that pairs well with this meatloaf is mashed potatoes, which can be mixed with the delicious tomato gravy made from scratch. The creamy texture of the potatoes contrasts perfectly with the crispy and moist consistency of the meatloaf.
Another option is pairing it with a green salad or roasted vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli. These options add a healthy touch to your meal while also providing a light and refreshing balance to the meaty tastes.
The excellent taste of this dish also goes well with a glass of red wine. A Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon intensifies the flavor experience with any herbaceous, rich spices, such as thyme and paprika seasoning present in the recipe.
Remember to consider your dietary preferences when choosing sides and drinks to accompany this delectable, gluten-free creole meatloaf. Regardless of what you choose; Prepare for an unforgettable, heartwarming meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve mastered this delicious gluten-free Creole meatloaf recipe, you’ll undoubtedly want to make it again and again. The good news is that you can make it ahead of time and store leftovers for later.
To make ahead, prepare the meatloaf mixture as directed in step 4 and cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and allow the meat mixture to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before following the baking instructions in step 5.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat the meatloaf, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the loaf with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Another option is to freeze your leftover meatloaf: simply wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before storing in an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen meatloaf, transfer it from the container to a baking dish and follow the reheating instructions mentioned above, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
With these tips for make-ahead preparation, storing and reheating, you can easily enjoy this delicious gluten-free Creole meatloaf any day of the week without having to start from scratch every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Once you have all the ingredients for this gluten-free Creole meatloaf recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you achieve a perfect and delicious result. Follow these guidelines to ensure your meaty masterpiece comes out just right!
Firstly, when combining the meat, rice, onion, celery, bell pepper, salt, thyme, egg, and breadcrumbs together, be gentle so that you don’t overwork the ingredients. Overworking can make the meatloaf dense.
Secondly, consider using lean ground beef for this recipe. It will result in a healthier and less greasy meatloaf. Furr Meatloaf is an excellent option if you want to eliminate fat altogether.
Thirdly, let the loaf rest for five minutes before slicing it. This will help it keep its shape and stay firm after it comes out of the oven.
Fourthly, for added flavor and moisture, use creole sauce instead of tomato ketchup or gravy. You can find ready-made creole-style pork meatloaf or make your own comeback crema with corn syrup and Worcestershire sauce.
Fifthly, feel free to experiment with variations of vegetables or seasoning blends as well. Consider adding finely chopped garlic or Southern-cooking classic onion rings to the mix.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to pair your gluten-free meatloaf with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies or salad depending on your preference. This recipe is very versatile in means of pairing possibilities.
With these tips, you’re sure to create a tasty Creole Meatloaf that everyone will enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make a delicious Creole Meatloaf, here are some frequently asked questions with their answers. These will help you troubleshoot and avoid common mistakes while making the dish. Read on to find out more!
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
Similar to how breadcrumbs and milk function, eggs are also employed as a cohesive element to keep the meatloaf from falling apart.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
When it comes to making a delicious meatloaf, the fat content of the meat is an important consideration. Choosing leaner meats can result in a dry and unpleasant texture. Therefore, it is recommended to use high-fat meat, at least 15 percent, for an all-beef meatloaf. However, for a meatloaf made with leaner beef or turkey, it is advisable to incorporate ground pork and/or veal to maintain a moist and tender meatloaf.
What is a good binder for meatloaf?
A key element that contributes to the delicious texture of meatloaf is the binder. It is important for the meat to stick together and provide a filling meal. Arturo, a food expert, suggests using a panade, which includes a blend of milk, eggs and breadcrumbs. Incorporating this mixture into the meat will help it bind together and maintain moisture.
Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
When making meatloaf, milk is a common ingredient that serves the purpose of moistening the bread crumbs which are then added to the meat mixture. However, for individuals who prefer not to use milk, there are alternative options such as low sodium beef or chicken stock, water, or non-dairy milk substitutes that can be used instead.
Bottom Line
All in all, this Creole Meatloaf (Gluten-Free) recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you are gluten-free, keto, paleo, or just looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option, this meatloaf will never disappoint you. With its tender texture and delightful flavors of creole seasoning and tomato sauce, it’s the perfect meal for any day of the week.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and create your own variations of this amazing recipe. Share your experience in the comments section below and let us know how you enjoyed it. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Creole Meatloaf (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 egg
- 1 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce (with basil and garlic) or (8 ounce) can tomato sauce and 1 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Combine meat, rice, onion, celery, bell pepper, salt, thyme and egg. Add 1/2 can of tomato sauce.
- Blend and pat gently into 9 X 5 loaf pan.
- Bake 45 mins - 1 hour.
- Pour off grease.
- Top with remaining 1 1/2 cans tomato sauce (or 1/2 can sauce and ketchup).
- Cook 10 more minutes or until sauce is heated.