This **Spicy Ketchup Meatloaf** recipe sounds hearty and flavorful! It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Here’s a quick recap of the recipe with some **tips**, **variations**, and **storage instructions** to help you make the most of it:
### **Spicy Ketchup Meatloaf Recipe**
Ingredients
– 350g ground beef
– 1 bunch of parsley
– 1 onion
– 20g breadcrumbs
– 1 pinch of nutmeg
– 3 tbsp spicy ketchup
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp salt
– Pepper to taste
Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat to 175°C (350°F).
2. **Prepare the Mixture**:
– In a food processor, chop the parsley and onion.
– Add the breadcrumbs and blend briefly.
3. **Season the Beef**:
– In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
– Add the spicy ketchup, egg, nutmeg, and the parsley-onion mixture. Mix well.
4. **Shape and Bake**:
– Shape the mixture into a loaf or place it in a loaf pan.
– Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.
5. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
### **Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf**
1. **Choose the Right Ground Beef**:
– Use ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20 or 85/15) for a juicier meatloaf.
2. **Don’t Overmix**:
– Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
3. **Check for Doneness**:
– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach **70°C (160°F)**.
4. **Let It Rest**:
– Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
5. **Add a Glaze**:
– For extra flavor, brush the top of the meatloaf with additional spicy ketchup or a mix of ketchup and brown sugar before baking.
### **Variations**
1. **Cheesy Meatloaf**:
– Add **½ cup shredded cheese** (like cheddar or mozzarella) to the mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.
2. **Vegetable-Packed Meatloaf**:
– Add finely chopped veggies like **carrots**, **zucchini**, or **bell peppers** for extra nutrition.
3. **Spicy Meatloaf**:
– Add **1 teaspoon chili powder**, **½ teaspoon cayenne pepper**, or **1 chopped jalapeño** for a spicy kick.
4. **Italian-Style Meatloaf**:
– Replace the ketchup with **tomato sauce** and add **1 teaspoon Italian seasoning** or **dried oregano**.
5. **Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf**:
– Substitute ground beef with **ground turkey** or **chicken** for a lighter option.
6. **Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf**:
– Wrap the meatloaf in **bacon slices** before baking for a smoky, crispy topping.
7. **Gluten-Free Meatloaf**:
– Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or **rolled oats instead of regular breadcrumbs.
**How to Store**
1. **Cooling Before Storing**:
– Let the meatloaf cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
2. **Refrigerating**:
– Store in an **airtight container** or wrap tightly in **plastic wrap** or **aluminum foil**. It will keep in the fridge for **3-4 days**.
3. **Freezing**:
– Wrap the meatloaf tightly in **plastic wrap** and then in **aluminum foil**. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for **up to 3 months**.
– **Thawing**: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
4. **Reheating**:
– **Oven**: Reheat slices at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
– **Microwave**: Heat individual slices in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
### **Serving Suggestions**
– Serve with **mashed potatoes**, **roasted vegetables**, or a **fresh salad**.
– Pair with a side of **gravy** or **extra ketchup** for dipping.
– Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese on top for garnish.
This **Spicy Ketchup Meatloaf** is a comforting and versatile dish that’s sure to be a hit! Let me know if you’d like more tips or ideas. 
