Onion and pepper-stuffed meatloaf is a delightful twist on a traditional dinner favorite. This mouth-watering recipe is not only packed full of flavor but it's also brimming with vibrant veggies. Adding a stuffing of onion and bell peppers adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the hearty meatloaf.
Most of these ingredients will likely be in your kitchen already. However, you might need to check for Montreal steak seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. They're both found in the condiment aisle of the supermarket, and they add a unique flavor that makes this dish stand out.
Ingredients for Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor when cooked.
Peppers: Green, red, and yellow bell peppers add color and a slightly sweet, slightly bitter flavor.
Ground beef: Forms the base of the meatloaf.
Tomato sauce: Adds moisture and tangy flavor.
Saltine crackers: Act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
Egg: Works as a binder.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a savory, tangy taste.
Chicken stock: Adds moisture and flavor.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies.
Montreal steak seasoning: Adds a robust flavor to the meat.
Garlic: Adds a savory kick.
Ground black pepper: Adds heat.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess.
One reader, Ellene Matlock says:
This onion and pepper-stuffed meatloaf recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The meatloaf turned out juicy and flavorful, and the peppers and onions added a delightful crunch. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meatloaf game!
Techniques Required for Making Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cutting the vegetables: Slice ¾ of the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into thin slices. Dice the remaining ¼ of the onion and peppers.
Mixing the meatloaf: Combine the ground beef, diced onion and peppers, tomato sauce, crushed crackers, brown sugar, egg, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, olive oil, steak seasoning, garlic, and pepper in a bowl until well-combined.
Layering the meatloaf: Spread half of the beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top the meat with the sliced onion and peppers, leaving a 1-inch border. Then spread the remaining beef mixture over the vegetables, tucking in the sides to seal the vegetables in the center of the meatloaf.
Baking the meatloaf: Bake in the oven for about 1 hour until no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F.
Serving: Serve warm and enjoy!
How To Make Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf
To update a classic dish, this stuffed meatloaf is packed full of tender beef and bell peppers! It’s coated in a rich ketchup sauce for a delectable meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cooking spray
- 1onion
- 1green bell pepper
- 1red bell pepper
- 1yellow bell pepper
- 2½lbsground beef
- 15oztomato sauce
- 12saltine crackers,crushed
- ¼cupbrown sugar
- 1egg,beaten
- 2tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 2tbspchicken stock
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1tbspMontréal steak seasoning
- 1garlic clove,minced
- ground black pepper,to taste
- ¼cupketchup,or as needed
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
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Cut ¾ each of onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into thin slices. Dice the remaining ¼ of onion and peppers.
-
Mix the ground beef, diced onion and peppers, tomato sauce, crushed crackers, brown sugar, egg, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, olive oil, steak seasoning, garlic, and pepper together in a bowl until well-combined.
-
Spread half of the beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top the meat with sliced onion and peppers, leaving a 1-inch border.
-
Spread the remaining beef mixture over vegetables, tucking in sides to seal vegetables in the center of the meatloaf. Pour ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
-
Bake in the oven for about 1 hour until no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F.
-
Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 483.42kcal
- Fat: 33.07g
- Saturated Fat: 11.55g
- Trans Fat: 1.68g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.54g
- Carbohydrates: 19.22g
- Fiber: 2.28g
- Sugar: 10.10g
- Protein: 27.10g
- Cholesterol: 120.75mg
- Sodium: 514.39mg
- Calcium: 65.16mg
- Potassium: 765.97mg
- Iron: 4.46mg
- Vitamin A: 57.47µg
- Vitamin C: 79.27mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf
When preparing your meatloaf, it's important to not overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough loaf. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until they are just mixed together. This will ensure your meatloaf remains tender and juicy. Additionally, when layering the vegetables and meat, make sure to evenly distribute them for a consistent flavor and texture throughout.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Meatloaf Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and dice all the vegetables and measure out the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and mix the meatloaf ingredients for efficient preparation.
Bake in muffin tins: Portion the meatloaf mixture into muffin tins for individual servings, reducing the overall cooking time.
Cook in advance: Prepare the meatloaf a day ahead and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld and simplifying the cooking process on the day of serving.
Multitask: While the meatloaf is baking, use the time to prepare a side dish or salad to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
green bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor and can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers in this recipe.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar flavor profile to red bell peppers and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers have a slightly more bitter flavor compared to yellow bell peppers, but they can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and can be used as a healthier substitute in this recipe.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a chunkier texture and a fresher taste to the dish.
saltine crackers - Substitute with breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for saltine crackers to bind the meatloaf mixture and add texture.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and substitute for brown sugar in this recipe.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs in this recipe.
Worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce to add a savory and umami flavor to the meatloaf.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock to add flavor to the meatloaf mixture.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a similar mild flavor and high smoke point for cooking.
Montréal steak seasoning - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute for Montréal steak seasoning, providing a blend of herbs and spices to flavor the meatloaf.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient alternative with a milder flavor.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be used as a substitute for ketchup, providing a more concentrated tomato flavor to the meatloaf mixture.
Presentation Ideas for Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf
Elevate the meatloaf: Gently shape the meatloaf into a perfect rectangular shape, ensuring it is compact and uniform in size.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and thyme over the top of the meatloaf to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create a colorful pepper medley: Sauté the thinly sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers in a skillet until they are slightly caramelized and arrange them on top of the meatloaf for a vibrant and visually appealing presentation.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the serving platter using a balsamic reduction to add a touch of elegance and depth of flavor to the dish.
Serve on a bed of wilted spinach: Present the meatloaf on a bed of sautéed spinach to add a touch of sophistication and to complement the flavors of the dish.
Accompany with truffle mashed potatoes: Serve a quenelle of creamy truffle mashed potatoes alongside the meatloaf to add a luxurious and indulgent element to the dish.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a delicate touch by garnishing the plate with edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies for a visually stunning and elegant presentation.
Create a drizzle design with ketchup: Use a squeeze bottle to create an artistic drizzle of ketchup on the plate, adding a modern and artistic element to the presentation.
Serve on a wooden serving board: For a rustic and charming presentation, serve the meatloaf on a wooden serving board, adding a touch of warmth and homeliness to the dish.
Accompany with a side of roasted root vegetables: Serve the meatloaf with a side of beautifully roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and beets, for a visually striking and wholesome presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Stuffed Meatloaf
- Cooking spray: Used to prevent food from sticking to baking dishes and pans.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: Essential for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Baking dish: Used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing the meatloaf mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Spatula: Helps in spreading and smoothing the meatloaf mixture in the baking dish.
- Instant-read thermometer: Used to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it is fully cooked.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf
Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the meatloaf soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped meatloaf in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen meatloaf will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated meatloaf, unwrap it and place it in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat frozen meatloaf, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, unwrap it and place it in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
For individual portions, slice the cooled meatloaf and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. To reheat, unwrap the desired number of slices and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the plate with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Cover the meatloaf with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
Alternatively, you can reheat the meatloaf in a skillet on the stovetop. Slice the meatloaf into 1-inch thick pieces and place them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy method, place a slice of leftover meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help keep the meatloaf moist during reheating.
If you have a lot of leftover meatloaf, consider repurposing it into a new dish. Crumble the meatloaf and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed peppers. You can also slice the meatloaf and use it as a topping for a hearty sandwich or salad.
To add extra moisture and flavor to your reheated meatloaf, brush it with a mixture of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar before reheating. This will create a delicious glaze that will help keep the meatloaf moist and tasty.
Interesting Trivia About Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf
The meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has been a staple in American cuisine for decades. It is believed to have originated in Germany and is a dish that has been passed down through generations. Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be customized with various fillings and seasonings, making it a popular choice for home cooks. It is often served with mashed potatoes and gravy, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Meatloaf is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs, reducing food waste. Its simplicity and delicious flavors have made it a beloved dish in many households.
Is Making Stuffed Meatloaf at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this onion and pepper-stuffed meatloaf recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your location. Ground beef, bell peppers, and onions are generally affordable, making this a budget-friendly option. However, the use of multiple bell peppers and ground beef might increase the overall cost. Considering the nutritional value and the potential for leftovers, this recipe could be rated 7/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a reasonable choice for a family meal.
Is This Meatloaf Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for onion and pepper-stuffed meatloaf is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The main ingredient is a large amount of ground beef (2.5 lbs), which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- The recipe includes added sugar in the form of brown sugar and ketchup, increasing the overall sugar content.
- Saltine crackers are used as a filler, which are made from refined flour and provide little nutritional value.
- The recipe calls for cooking spray and olive oil, adding extra fat to the dish.
However, the inclusion of onions and bell peppers does provide some beneficial nutrients, such as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace some of the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or rolled oats instead of saltine crackers to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and ketchup, or use a sugar-free ketchup alternative to lower the added sugar content.
- Instead of cooking spray and olive oil, use a small amount of heart-healthy oil, such as avocado oil, or line the baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the recipe by adding more onions, bell peppers, or other nutrient-dense vegetables like carrots or mushrooms.
- Serve the meatloaf with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal and provide additional nutrients.
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Meatloaf Recipe
The onion and pepper-stuffed meatloaf recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of colorful bell peppers adds a vibrant flavor and texture to the meatloaf, while the addition of brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce brings a perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor. The use of Montreal steak seasoning and garlic infuses the meatloaf with a rich, savory taste. The presentation of the sliced peppers and onions nestled within the meatloaf is visually appealing and adds a pop of color. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying take on traditional meatloaf.
Enhance Your Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy This Meatloaf
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf
Why trust this Onion and Pepper-Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful and hearty meal. The combination of ground beef, bell peppers, and onions creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and Montreal steak seasoning elevates the taste to a whole new level. The use of tomato sauce and ketchup adds a rich and tangy element. The careful layering of ingredients ensures that every bite is bursting with savory goodness. Trust in this recipe for a satisfying and delicious meatloaf experience.
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