Meatloaf with Vegetables and Red Pepper BBQ Sauce

Name: Meatloaf with Vegetables and Red Pepper BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef (lean); 1 cup bread crumbs; 1 cup milk; 2 eggs (beaten); 1 onion (finely chopped); 1 carrot (grated); 1 celery stalk (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 red bell peppers (roasted and peeled); 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika

90 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Meatloaf with Vegetables and Red Pepper BBQ Sauce

Enjoy a hearty meatloaf loaded with vegetables and topped with a tangy red pepper BBQ sauce.

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Total

90 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Meatloaf is a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This version incorporates a variety of vegetables, making it nutritious and delicious. The accompanying red pepper BBQ sauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savoury meatloaf perfectly. The combination of beef and vegetables creates a moist and flavourful loaf that everyone will love. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients

Servings

Meatloaf

Red Pepper BBQ Sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

Finely chop the onion, celery, and mince the garlic. Grate the carrot and set aside.

Pro tip: Use a food processor for quick and even chopping.

Mix Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, beaten eggs, chopped vegetables, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Pro tip: Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.

Prepare BBQ Sauce

While the meatloaf bakes, blend roasted red peppers until smooth. In a saucepan, combine blended peppers, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste.

Glaze the Meatloaf

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread half of the BBQ sauce over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.

Pro tip: For a thicker glaze, apply another layer after 5 minutes.

Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining BBQ sauce on the side.

Pro tip: Resting helps retain the juices, making it more flavourful.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Ensure vegetables are finely chopped for even cooking.</li><li>Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.</li><li>Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for best texture.</li><li>Customize the BBQ sauce with your favourite spices.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. The BBQ sauce also pairs well with roasted vegetables or can be used as a dipping sauce for bread. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meatloaf can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.