Easy homemade Meatloaf with Cajun seasoning

There are different recipes for a classic meatloaf varying in the type of meat used and also the topping.

This is a quick and easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients that even your 9 year old can make independently. ( of course with some adult super vision)

What makes this meatloaf recipe full of flavour is the addition of homemade cajun spice seasoning.

It is so easy to make spice blends at home. The freshness of the blends are packed with flavour and does good to your health too.  Here are some homemade seasoning recipes for you to try making at home.

What Are The Ingredients For Meatloaf

There are different ways on how to spice up your meatloaf.

For this meatloaf recipe I have used homemade Cajun seasoning.

Below is a snap shot of all the ingredients you will need to make it at home.

You will need:

FRESH AND PANTRY ITEMS

⇒Mince meat – 500 gms

⇒Onion, chopped – 1

⇒Garlic, minced – 3 pods

⇒Breadcrumbs – 3/4 cup

⇒Egg – 1

⇒BBQ sauce – 1/2 cup

⇒Mustard sauce – 2-3 tbsp

⇒Salt to taste

SPICES NEEDED

⇒Cajun spice seasoning – 2 tsp

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

⇒If you wish you can add chopped leeks and/or finely grated carrots for a vegetable fix.

SUBSTITUTE INGREDIENTS

⇒Substitute Cajun spice with taco seasoning , cumin or any seasoning of your choice.

More cooking tips and suggestions to make this baked meatloaf recipe is shared in the FAQ section below

Step by Step Recipe With Images

Follow the simple steps below on how to make the best homemade meatloaf :

STEP 1 

Add all the ingredients required to make meatloaf in a large bowl and mix well without over-mixing.

STEP 2

In another bowl add BBQ sauce and mustard sauce for making the meatloaf topping.

STEP 3

Layer the meatloaf mixture in a tin without stuffing too much or pressing it down.

STEP 4 

Spread the glace evenly over the mince meat. Cover with silver foil and bake on 180 degrees for first 40 minutes.

Add another layer  of glace if you like your meatloaf to be saucy and bake without the cover for the remaining 40 minutes.

STEP 5 

Serve juicy, moist homemade meatloaf with your choice of vegetables or side.

Cooking Tips & FAQ’s

Below are few tips that will help you make this recipe at home. There are few questions as well that may come to your mind, but please do leave a comment below or send me a message if you have any other questions. I will reply ASAP.

How to prevent meatloaf from becoming too dry ?

Do not over mix the mince , this will lead to lose of moisture and make the meatloaf dry.

Do not press down the mince in the tin or pack in too much. 

I have shared all the tips top make juicy moist meatloaf in the section below

Can I substitute Cajun Spice with any other seasoning?

Of course, Cajun spice gives this dish a spicy kick. You can use use any meatloaf seasoning such as cumin powder, taco seasoning, or shop bought meatloaf seasoning of your choice for added flavour.

This is a spicy meatloaf recipe, there are different spices to add to meatloaf if you wish to enhance the flavour.

How do I stop the topping sauce from drying?

Add another layer of the mustard and BBQ glace midway through baking for a saucy topping. This way your sauce will be stick to the meat and keep it moist as well. 

What can I serve meatloaf with?

I have served this meatloaf with roasted asparagus. You can chop vegetables of your choice such as carrots, mushroom, cauliflower, beans, root vegetables etc into large chunks and add it to a sheet pan tray midway while baking the meatloaf. 

You can also serve meatloaf with boiled or steamed veges such as peas, cauliflower, broccoli, beans etc. 

Another option is to serve it along with a creamy side such as mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, creamed spinach or carrots and swede mash. 

Are there any other tips to make the a healthy meatloaf ?

Follow the easy tips below to make a tasty healthy meatloaf:

1. Use a hand blender to chop the onions faster.
2. If you wish you can saute the onion in oil or butter before adding to the mince.
3. Add finely chopped vegetables with the mince for added nutrients. ( see healthy option notes below)

Note – Cooking with mince meat is one of the easiest and quickest meal you can make. Try this English version of meatloaf, spicy corned beef hash recipe 

How To Make Meatloaf Moist

If you have made meatloaf at home and wonder why it comes out dry, then following these simple tricks will guarantee a moist delicious best homemade meatloaf for your family to enjoy.

Choose the right mince

In the ideal world, its the higher fat mince that makes a meatloaf moist. A mix of pork and beef mince makes a moist meatloaf.

However, if you like to watch the calories then you can swap fatty mince with lean beef mince or turkey or chicken mince.

Add additional moisture

If you use lean mince, add extra liquid to your mince mix. This could be 2-3 tablespoon of milk, sauce, or even broth.

Do not over mix and pack

When working with meat, it is tempting to press it from top. In doing so you loose the moisture trapped inside.

You will get a nice moist juicy meatloaf, if you lightly mix the ingredients ideally with your hands and do not pack it into the tin.

Use a moist meatloaf topping

Different recipe suggest different types of topping for meatloaf. Some use breadcrumbs, oats, different types of sauce or even bacon wrapped meatloaf.

I always recommend using a topping. It keeps the moisture in.

If possible soak dry topping such as breadcrumbs in milk or broth before adding it. This is prevent it from absorbing the moisture from the meatloaf while baking.

Cover the top while baking

Covering the top of the baking tin with silver foil also helps to ensure moist meatloaf. You can bake with the cover for first 40 minutes and remove it for the rest of the baking time.

Tips For Low Carb Healthy Meatloaf Option

If its calories you are watching then these simple swaps and additions to a classic meatloaf recipe will help.

1. Use lean mince beef for cooking,  and add additional moisture to the mince. (see how to make moist meatloaf tip above)
2. Add additional chopped vegetables such as leek, peppers (capsicum), peas and beans with the mince.
3. Swap a sweet meatloaf topping for breadcrumbs soaked in broth.
4. You can also use sugar free BBQ sauce or ketchup.
5. For vegetarian low carb option swap mincemeat with soya mince and follow the same recipe.