Are you tired of boring, bland meatloaf that puts your family to sleep? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner table with this mind-blowing Blackened Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy! This isn't just another recipe - it's a culinary transformation that turns ordinary ground beef into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Imagine a perfectly seasoned, crispy-edged meatloaf smothered in rich, tangy tomato gravy that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is your secret weapon to becoming a kitchen hero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of blackening seasoning. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the blackening seasoning already contains salt, so adjust accordingly.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf form. Make sure to pack it gently but firmly to hold its shape during baking.
- Chop 1 onion finely and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will add flavor and moisture as it cooks.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the tomato gravy. In a medium saucepan, pour in 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce and heat it over medium heat.
- Add any additional seasonings you desire to the tomato sauce, such as garlic powder, oregano, or basil, to enhance the flavor of the gravy.
- Simmer the tomato sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more moist and flavorful.
- Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve it on plates. Spoon the warm tomato gravy generously over each slice.
- Enjoy your Blackened Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy, a delicious and satisfying meal that makes great use of leftovers!
Tips
- Don't overwork the meat mixture - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out the meatloaf.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
- For extra flavor, try using a homemade blackening seasoning blend.
- If the tomato gravy is too thick, thin it with a little water or beef broth.
- Leftover meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches the next day - pro tip!
- For a crispy top, broil the meatloaf for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 100mg