A rose is a rose by any other name…
I know, I know. A brick of meat, a meat loaf. What if we called hamburgers meat wheels. Would you pass up on those delicious patties of goodness? I think not. Admittedly, while spot on in the description, the marketing team could have finessed the naming to be a bit more appealing. Nevertheless, you should definitely give meatloaf with chili sauce, a distant cousin of the meat wheel, a chance.
Pssst… If you like this, try these…
Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe, Purple Mashed Potatoes… yes purple and oh so good, Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese
Meatloaf is a quintessential comfort food. A dish made for the winter season. Plus, meatloaf requires heating up the oven, which can make for a warm, toasty house… an unintentional, but delicious, consequence.
What will make meatloaf just that much better? Chili sauce! Made with kitchen basics, it’s likely that you already have ninety percent of the ingredients required. If you already appreciate meatloaf, I hope this one meets your expectations. Likewise, if this dish is new to you, I hope it brings you that warm fuzzy feeling and a smile.
What You Need to Make Meatloaf with Chili Sauce
- Ground Beef – For this meatloaf I use 85% lean ground beef. Fat matters and can change the texture of the meatloaf, making it soft or firm.
- Crackers – The type of crackers used does make a difference. The flavor will come through, so I recommend a buttery cracker like Ritz or, traditionally, I’ve used a saltine cracker. Crushed pretzels might be delish too.
- Eggs – Eggs work with the crackers to fuse this brick of meat together and keep it moist.
- Flavor Fillers – Salt, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, fresh garlic, and white onions all play their part in creating a tasty loaf. Remember, add more of what you like and reduce those you don’t.
- Ketchup and Chili Sauce – You’ll want ketchup in the mix to help bind the meat. I love, love the flavor of thick, tacky, baked ketchup on top, and adding chili sauce brings the flavor up a notch.
How To Make Meat Loaf with Chili Sauce
Making meatloaf is super simple. Gather all your ingredients into a large mixing bowl, then get in there with both hands to combine. Your hands will do a far better job of folding in all the ingredients than a spoon.
I invested in large metal mixing bowls, and this is one of the best additions to my kitchen tool kit. Large bowls allows mixing without worrying about spilling over and then the mix can be transferred to a smaller bowl, or in this case bread pan.
Meatloaf and Brownies?
Yep. It takes a mother to love a face like that. It ain’t pretty, but this is what your meatloaf should look like after baking and before you top it with the chili ketchup sauce. Be sure to pack the ground meat mixture in to build a dense loaf.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. After baking for 45 minutes, top with the sauce and bake for another 15 minutes. The baked sauce has always been my hands-down favorite part…and just like a brownie, I go for the corners first.
Tips, Tricks, & FAQs
- Side Dishes. I typically serve meat loaf with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted veggies.
- How to Store Leftover Meatloaf? Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for 3-4 days and will reheat well in the microwave.
- Meatloaf Sandwiches. Another way to enjoy leftovers is to make cold meatloaf sandwiches. Cold meatloaf should slice well and can be served between two slices of soft, white bread.
- 2 lb meatloaf cooking time? For this recipe I really recommend baking for the full 45 minutes. Use a baking thermometer to test the internal temp of the meat. 160 degrees is the target.
Meatloaf with Chili Sauce
Equipment
- cutting board
- garlic press
- 9×5 loaf pan cooking temp and time are based on glass pan
- knife
- large mixing bowl
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh garlic
- 1/2 cup white onion finely chopped
- 1 cup crushed cracker crumbs (buttery cracker)
- 2 lbs 85% lean ground beef
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees
- Onions and garlic: Finely chop onions and press garlic, add to mixing bowl.1/2 cup white onion finely chopped, 3/4 teaspoon fresh garlic
- Crackers: Crush the crackers and measure 1 cup, add to mixing bowl.1 cup crushed cracker crumbs (buttery cracker)
- Combine: Add all other ingredients (except the chili sauce and 1/4 cup ketchup) to the mixing bowl. Mix all ingredients until well incorporated. Get in there with your hands, they are the best tools!2 lbs 85% lean ground beef, 2 whole eggs, 2 teaspoons sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/3 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Into the pan it goes: Place meat mix in the bread pan. Be sure to push the meat firmly in to remove all air pockets. You want to create a solid brick that won't fall apart. When done, smooth out the top and place the pan in the oven.
- Topping: Mix the chili sauce and 1/4 cup ketchup in a bowl.1/4 cup chili sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup
- Bake: Bake for 45 minutes.
- Chili Topping: Spoon the chili ketchup mix over the top of the meatloaf and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Check the temp: Loaf should be firm when pressed and internal temperature should be 160 degrees. Juices will run clear and pool around the sides. If desired, spoon out grease.
- Rest: Allow the loaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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