Delicious Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf – Spicy and Smoky
Are you tired of the same old boring meatloaf recipe? Do you crave some spicy and exotic flavors in your comfort food? Then look no further, my friends, as I present to you my Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf recipe!
This recipe is perfect for those who want to add a little Caribbean flair to their dinner table. With a blend of traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and other bold seasonings, this meatloaf is sure to awaken your taste buds.
Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also made with lean ground beef, finely diced bell peppers and onions, and spring onions for added crunch. The result is a juicy and tender meatloaf that’s not too heavy on the stomach.
Many people may be intimidated by the idea of making Jamaican jerk seasoning from scratch, but fear not – I’ve included an easy-to-follow recipe in this article so you can make it at home without any fuss.
So if you’re looking for a new spin on classic meatloaf, I strongly suggest giving this Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf recipe a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of plain and boring meatloaf recipes? Spice up your dinner with a Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean!
This recipe packs a punch with its blend of spices, including Jamaican Jerk seasoning, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Not only do these ingredients give the meatloaf a mouth-watering taste, but they also provide health benefits such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity.
But what truly makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can use lean ground beef or swap it for ground pork for a different texture. You can also add zucchini or bell peppers to sneak in some extra veggies, or even turn it into individual jerk meatballs for a fantastic appetizer.
For those following certain diets like paleo, don’t worry – this recipe can accommodate you too! By using coconut amino instead of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce and swapping breadcrumbs with almond flour, it’s transformed into a paleo-friendly option.
So why choose this recipe over traditional meatloaf? The answer is simple: It’s a delicious twist on a classic comfort food that brings exotic flair to your dinner table. With just one bite you’ll be transported to the vibrant Caribbean islands. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 stalk of spring onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp. Jamaican jerk seasoning (you can use store bought or make your own)
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp ginger
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Optional:
– Finely chopped scotch bonnet peppers for extra heat
Note: this recipe serves about four people.
The Recipe How-To
For this recipe, we will be combining two beloved comfort foods, meatloaf and Jamaican jerk seasoning. This Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf Recipe is sure to leave your taste buds dancing with flavors of the Caribbean.
Ingredients
To make this Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf Recipe at home, grab these ingredients from the store:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Preparation
Let’s begin making the Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf with a preheat oven of 375F/190C.
In a large bowl, combine the minced lean beef, onion, red bell pepper and garlic.
Add the egg, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar into the bowl. Mix all these ingredients using a clever spoon or your hands.
Then add in the Jamaican jerk seasoning, garlic powder and breadcrumbs to this mix until everything is well incorporated. Place this mixture into a prepared loaf pan and press down firmly.
Let your meatloaf bake in preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160F/71C.
Once it is fully cooked through, take meatloaf out of the oven and let it cool on for about 10 minutes before slicing, serving and enjoying!
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips and trick to make sure you get the perfect results for this Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf Recipe:
- Use a lean ground beef to prevent the dish from getting greasy.
- Chop your onions and peppers finely so that they blend well into the meat mixture.
- Add breadcrumbs into the mixture little by little until you get the desired consistency. Too much can make your meatloaf too dry.
- Don’t forget to let your meatloaf rest before serving so that it stays moist.
Conclusion
This recipe is perfect for those who want to try an unconventional twist on traditional American comfort food. The Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf Recipe is a perfect winter warmer – flavorful, filling and easy to make with just one bowl!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up with your Jerk Meatloaf recipe? Here are few creative substitutions and variations to try:
– Ground Pork: This flavorful meat is a great substitute for lean beef. You can use it in place of ground beef or mix it up for a more diverse flavor.
– Zucchini: If you are looking to add some vegetables, zucchini is an excellent substitute for red bell pepper. It adds a nice crunch and adds some color to your dish.
– Green Onions: You can replace spring onions with green onions for a milder taste. They work well in marinades and blend in nicely with Jamaican jerk seasoning.
– Coconut Bread: Serve the Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf with sliced coconut bread instead of sliced bread. It pairs great with the spices and complements the Caribbean theme very well.
– Jerk Chicken Drumsticks: Instead of a jerk meatloaf, why not try making jerk chicken drumsticks? Marinate them in your jerk sauce and bake them until cooked perfectly.
– Jerk Marinade: Looking to add more spice to your Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf? Add more Jerk seasoning or try using different flavors like garlic, onion powder, or ginger cinnamon nutmeg seasoning blend.
Remember, these substitutes will give you another dimension of the same meal, while keeping the homey Jamaican vibe intact. So experiment and see what works perfectly for you!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf is cooked and rested, it’s time to enjoy this delicious meal. I recommend slicing the Jerk Meatloaf thickly, as the meat holds together well and gives you a satisfying bite. The caramelized exterior of the Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf gives way to tender meat under each slice.
Pairing the Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf with a starch makes for a complete meal. I suggest serving it with some classic mashed potatoes or some steaming hot white rice as both are great options to balance out the bold flavor of the meatloaf. You can also pair this dish with some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions to add a pop of color and freshness.
To make things more interesting, you can consider serving Jamaican-style coco bread on the side in place of traditional bread rolls. This not only adds an original island twist but also helps scoop up every last bit of meatloaf and sauce from your plate.
Finally, consider spicing up the dish further with fresh green onions, chopped cilantro or thyme leaves for garnish. These herbs not only bring out the Jamaican flavor more but also add an extra pop of color on the plate.
Overall, this meal is perfect for any casual dinner or special occasion, and it is flexible enough to be paired with many sides to create endless options for your taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You don’t always have the time or energy to make a fresh dish every night, which is why I love having a recipe that can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed. This Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf can easily be made ahead of time and reheated throughout the week for several meaty and flavorful dinners.
To make-ahead, follow the recipe as directed, but stop before baking. Instead, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, just unwrap and place in a prepared loaf pan, then bake according to the recipe’s instructions.
When reheating, place the pieces of the cooked meatloaf into an oven-safe dish with cover or a microwave-safe plate covered with plastic wrap. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through if using an oven safe dish. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power level. Just make sure to check it often so it doesn’t overcook and become dry.
If you end up with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze any leftover cooked meatloaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
By making this Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf ahead of time and reheating as needed, you’ll have a quick and easy dinner option that’s still packed with robust flavors!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best flavors and texture when making Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf, follow these simple tips.
Firstly, use lean ground beef or a mixture of lean beef and ground pork as your protein base. The meat should be finely minced to ensure even cooking and distribution of spices. You can also swap out the meat entirely for ground chicken or turkey or use a combination of different meats.
Next, create your spice blend by combining your favorite Jamaican jerk seasoning with additional spices like onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix these spices well in a bowl before adding them to your meat mixture. This ensures that the spices are well-distributed and enhance the flavor of the meatloaf.
When mixing the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl, be sure not to overmix. Overmixing creates a dense meatloaf that often lacks texture and flavor. Instead, use a clever spoon to gently incorporate all ingredients just until they are combined.
For added texture and nutrition, add finely diced zucchini or bell peppers to your meat mixture. This will not only add nutritional value but also moistness to the meatloaf.
When baking the Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf in the oven, make sure to place it in a preheated oven set at 350°F for about an hour. As each oven is different, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer instead of relying on visual cues ensures that it is fully cooked through and safe to eat. When taking it out of the oven, let it rest for at least ten minutes before slicing into it; this allows the juices to redistribute so that they do not spill out when cutting.
Lastly, while this recipe is outstanding on its own, you can pair it with coco bread to enjoy Jamaican style meal. Drizzle some jerk sauce or marinade over chicken drumsticks if you would like more protein on this comforting meal.
By following these tips above you can enjoy a juicy flavorful Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf straight from home easy!
FAQ
As a culinary explorer, it is important to anticipate questions from readers about the Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf Recipe. After trying out the recipe, there could be some points that may be unclear or difficult to execute. It is crucial to address these common inquiries and provide solutions in this FAQ section.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
When preparing meat, it’s important to remember that adding moisture is crucial for a juicy end result. To achieve this, make sure to add wet seasonings like eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, barbecue sauce, or a blend of them throughout the cooking process. Not only do these ingredients enhance flavor and texture, but they also ensure that the meat retains its moisture. So don’t skip out on the wet seasonings!
What is Jamaican jerk seasoning made of?
Jerk Seasoning owes its unique flavor profile to a combination of robust ingredients including cayenne pepper, allspice, and thyme. Additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg add depth to this savory blend.
What is Jamaican jerk sauce made of?
If you’re in the mood for a flavorful and spicy seasoning for your meats, then jerk marinade or sauce might be just what you need. The primary ingredients for this seasoning are allspice, onions, garlic, and hot Scotch bonnet peppers. To round out the flavor, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and thyme are also commonly added. This mixture of spices can also be used as a Jamaican jerk seasoning dry rub.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
There’s a common dilemma that meatloaf enthusiasts often face: the meat mixture falls apart while cooking. One reason for this is the lack of binding agents such as eggs and breadcrumbs, which are crucial for holding the meatloaf together. These ingredients work in tandem to keep the mixture cohesive while it heats up.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and spicy flavors. With the perfect combination of ingredients like Jamaican jerk seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and bell peppers, this meatloaf is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with different sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables or even coco bread for a true Jamaican experience.
By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily make this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a showstopping centerpiece for your next family gathering, this recipe has got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Gather all the ingredients and get cooking! Trust me, once you take that first bite of the juicy and flavorful Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf, you’ll be hooked!
Jamaican Jerk Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb minced lean beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons caribbean jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 1 stalk spring onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients.
- On a lightly greased baking sheet mould into a long loaf shape.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.