Million Dollar Meatloaf
+4 photos

Million Dollar Meatloaf

6 servings
Pepper jelly is the star of this million dollar meatloaf. It provides sweetness and a hint of heat for a meatloaf unlike any you've ever had.

Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • crushed buttery crackers

    such as ritz; 4 oz.

    1 ½ c
  • evaporated milk
    ⅝ c
  • worcestershire sauce
    1 ½ tbsp.
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp.
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp.
  • eggs
    2 large
  • garlic cloves

    grated on a microplane

    2
  • sweet onion

    grated on the large holes of a box grater, 7 oz.

    1 medium
  • 85% lean ground beef
    2 lb.
  • ketchup
    ⅝ c
  • pepper jelly
    3 tbsp.

Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with foil; coat foil with cooking spray.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Form meatloaf: Stir together cracker crumbs, evaporated milk, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, eggs, garlic, and onion in a large bowl. Add beef to bowl; mix well (with hands) to combine. Turn beef mixture out onto prepared pan and shape into a 9 x 4-inch freeform loaf.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Bake meatloaf: Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together ketchup and pepper jelly in a medium bowl.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Brush on ketchup mixture: Remove meatloaf from oven (leave oven on). At this point, you can pat away drippings and cooked proteins from around the meatloaf. Spread ketchup mixture over meatloaf and return to oven. Bake until a thermometer inserted in center registers 165°F, about 30 minutes. Remove meatloaf from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Cut into 12 slices.

    Step 4
Million Dollar Meatloaf
+4

Million Dollar Meatloaf

75 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a meatloaf that's anything but ordinary? This Million Dollar Meatloaf redefines a classic comfort food, turning it into an exciting entree that will have everyone asking for your secret. It’s an elevated take on a familiar dish, designed to impress.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the starring ingredient: pepper jelly. It’s the ingenious touch that infuses the meatloaf with a captivating balance of sweetness and a subtle hint of heat. This unique glaze, combined with the rich texture from buttery crackers and evaporated milk, delivers a flavor profile far beyond typical meatloaf recipes.

When you slice into this Million Dollar Meatloaf, you'll find a moist, tender interior with a wonderfully flavorful crust. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic sweet onion and garlic, and the unexpected brightness from Worcestershire sauce creates a depth of flavor that's both comforting and gourmet. The pepper jelly topping caramelizes beautifully, adding a glistening finish and a layer of intriguing complexity to each bite. This hearty entree is designed to satisfy, yielding 6 generous servings of pure culinary delight.

Customization & Variations

While the pepper jelly is a highlight, you can explore slight variations. If you prefer less heat, opt for a milder pepper jelly, or for an extra kick, choose a spicier variety. For a different texture, consider blending in a small amount of ground pork or veal with the 85% lean ground beef. If buttery crackers aren't on hand, a similar mild cracker or even panko breadcrumbs could work, though you'll miss some of that signature richness.

Serve this impressive meatloaf as the centerpiece of a satisfying family dinner or a cozy gathering. It pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, making for a truly memorable meal.

Frequently Asked Questions