This spicy meatloaf is all about bold flavors and a juicy texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they matter:

Beef Filling:

• Lean ground beef: This forms the base of our meatloaf. Lean ground beef ensures the loaf isn’t greasy, while still delivering rich, meaty flavor.
• Bread crumbs: These absorb moisture from the meat, keeping the meatloaf moist and helping it bind together.
• Egg: Another binder, the egg helps ensure the meatloaf slices cleanly and holds its shape well.
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds a complex savory depth of flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
• Garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper: These essential spices season the meatloaf and bring out the beef’s natural savoriness.
• Smoked paprika: A touch of smoky paprika adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Chopped jalapeno: The star of the show! Diced jalapenos deliver bursts of heat throughout the meatloaf.

Sweet and Spicy Topping:

• Ketchup: The base of our glaze, ketchup adds tangy sweetness and a rich tomato flavor.
• Frank’s hot sauce: This provides a kick of heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce!
• Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat without adding liquid, keeping the glaze nice and thick.
• Baking soda: A surprising ingredient, baking soda reacts with the acidity in the ketchup to create a slight fizz, resulting in a lighter and fluffier glaze. This takes away some of the acidity from the ketchup, still keeping the tang, but without being such a bang.
• Brown sugar: This balances the heat from the hot sauce and jalapenos, creating a sweet and spicy harmony.

This spicy meatloaf recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some options to explore:

Meat Substitutions:

• Ground turkey: Swap lean ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option with a slightly different flavor profile. Seasonings may need slight adjustments.
• Ground chicken: For a milder option, use ground chicken. You may need to add a bit more fat, like a tablespoon of olive oil, to keep the meatloaf moist.

Spice Level Adjustments:

• Tame the heat: Omit the jalapenos or use less hot sauce.
• Bring the heat: For a fiery kick, add more diced jalapeno or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture. You could also try adding some sriracha.

Other Twists:

• Breadcrumbs: Don’t have breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even quinoa flakes as a substitute.
• Ketchup substitute: I highly recommend using ketchup, however, if you’re out of ketchup, try using tomato paste thinned with a little water. For a different flavor you could also try BBQ sauce.
• Sweetener swap: Substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a different flavor twist.

Adding Veggies:

• Bulk it up! Add finely chopped vegetables like shredded carrots, zucchini, onions, diced mushrooms or bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Remember: When making substitutions, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the chosen ingredients. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect spicy meatloaf combination!

This flavorful and satisfying spicy meatloaf deserves equally delicious sides! Here are some perfect pairings to complement your dish:

Classic Comforts:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing! Creamy mashed potatoes cool down the heat of the meatloaf and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes their edges for a delicious side. Consider options like broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or a colorful medley.
• Mac and Cheese: Who can resist a classic? Mac and cheese adds a creamy and cheesy element to the meal, creating a satisfying and indulgent pairing.

Lighter Options:

• Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A refreshing arugula salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the meatloaf and adds a welcome pop of green.
• Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cool and crisp counterpoint to the spicy meatloaf.
• Roasted Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory option that pairs well with the spicy meatloaf.

Elevating the Meal:

• Garlic Bread: Freshly baked garlic bread adds a touch of garlicky goodness and soaks up any delicious meatloaf juices on the plate.
• Cheesy Grits: Creamy and cheesy grits add a Southern twist and a luxurious element to the meal.
• Roasted Butternut Squash: Roasted butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the plate.

Don’t forget the carbs! Consider serving your spicy meatloaf with dinner rolls, crusty bread, or even rice to soak up the flavorful glaze and juices.

Tip: If you have leftover meatloaf, try repurposing it into delicious meatloaf sandwiches the next day!