Cajun Meat Loaf

Ingredients:

·        2 tablespoons butter

·        ½ large onion, chopped

·        ½ cup chopped red bell pepper

·        1 large carrot

·        2 stalks celery, chopped

·        1 teaspoon salt

·        ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

·        ½ teaspoon dried thyme

·        ½ teaspoon ground pepper

·        ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

·        1 pound ground beef (or ground dark turkey *)

·        1 egg, beaten

·        ½ cup fine dry breadcrumbs

·        ½ cup ketchup

·        1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.       In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, red bell pepper, carrot, celery, salt, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, ground pepper, and ground cumin.

3.       Cook until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes.

4.       In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or dark turkey), beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup of ketchup. Blend in the sauteed vegetables, reserving ¼ cup of ketchup for later use.

5.       Form the meat mixture into a loaf about 1 ¾ inches thick and 5 inches wide in a baking dish.

6.       Bake the meatloaf for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

7.       After the initial bake, spread the top of the meatloaf with the reserved ¼ cup of ketchup.

8.       Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until cooked through. Adjust the baking time if using ground turkey (cook for less time).

9.       Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

*Note: Adjust cooking time if using ground dark turkey to prevent overcooking.