It’s amazing what one ingredient can do! For example, in Pimento Pepper Meatloaf, the addition of slightly spicy and sweet pimiento peppers elevates the classic tender meat and savory vegetables to new heights. There’s a little heat, a little more sweetness from both the brown sugar glaze and the meat itself, and a little more dynamic flavor. All with one key addition! Certainly, Pimento Pepper Meatloaf will charm its way into your heart in an instant!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup ketchup, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
Step 3 –Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Step 4 –Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 5 –Add the bell pepper and the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are just tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 6 –Transfer the veggie mixture to a large bowl and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes.
Step 7 –Add the breadcrumbs, the milk, the Worcestershire sauce, the eggs, and 3 tablespoons of the ketchup to the onion mixture and stir to combine.
Step 8 –Add the beef, the pimientos, the parsley, the paprika, the salt, the cayenne, the garlic powder, the onion powder, and the black pepper and gently mix it together using a spatula or your clean hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 9 –Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the loaf pan and invert the pan onto the foil-lined baking sheet to release the meatloaf onto the baking sheet in the correct shape.
Step 10 –Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes.
Step 11 –Stir together the brown sugar, the dry mustard, and the remaining ketchup in a small bowl.
Step 12 –Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
Step 13 –Bake until the top forms a golden-brown crust, about 5 minutes.
Step 14 –Brush the meatloaf with the ketchup mixture and bake until a thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf reads 160 degrees F, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 15 –Transfer the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 16 –Slice and serve.
