Caribbean Meatloaf Recipe That Brings Island Flavors to Your Table

Why Make This Recipe

Caribbean Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic dish. It blends the comforting texture of meatloaf with vibrant island flavors. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, bringing a taste of the Caribbean to your table. It’s easy to make and offers a fantastic way to enjoy the savory goodness of ground beef, spiced up with a kick of heat from the scotch bonnet pepper.

How to Make Caribbean Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (900 g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (150 g)
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped (75 g)
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (35 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon browning sauce (like Grace or Kitchen Bouquet)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (50 g)
• 1/4 cup milk (60 mL)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2 g)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper, minced (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup ketchup (60 mL) for glaze
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12 g)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (15 mL)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (15 mL)

Directions:

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, browning sauce, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and optional ketchup. Mix until everything is just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
4. While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a bowl to make the glaze.
5. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the glaze on top, and return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

How to Serve Caribbean Meatloaf

Caribbean Meatloaf is best served warm. You can pair it with rice and peas, fried plantains, or a fresh salad. It also tastes great with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or coleslaw. Feel free to share it with family and friends for a hearty meal.

How to Store Caribbean Meatloaf

To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely. Then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice the meatloaf and place it in an airtight container in the freezer. It will last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Caribbean Meatloaf

• Make sure not to overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or less scotch bonnet pepper according to your taste.
• You can add other vegetables such as carrots or corn for added texture and flavor.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Variation

If you want to try a different flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also experiment with different spices or herbs, like oregano or cilantro, to give it a unique Caribbean touch.

FAQs

Can I make Caribbean Meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

What can I use if I can’t find scotch bonnet peppers?
You can substitute scotch bonnet peppers with jalapeños or habanero peppers, but be mindful of the heat level as they can vary.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is done when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this for accuracy.

Caribbean Meatloaf

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• Author: jurgentukur
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A delicious twist on classic meatloaf, this Caribbean Meatloaf is packed with vibrant island flavors and offers a comforting texture that your family will love.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (900 g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (150 g)
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped (75 g)
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (35 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon browning sauce
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (50 g)
• 1/4 cup milk (60 mL)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2 g)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper, minced (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup ketchup (60 mL) for glaze
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12 g)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (15 mL)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (15 mL)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, browning sauce, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and optional ketchup. Mix until fully combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
4. While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a bowl to make the glaze.
5. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the glaze on top, and return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating diced vegetables like carrots or corn. Adjust the level of scotch bonnet pepper to suit your heat preference!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Caribbean