meatloaf with bell peppers recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meatloaf with bell peppers recipe

Meatloaf with bell peppers is a classic comfort food dish that has been a staple in many American households for generations. I first discovered this recipe when I was in college, and it quickly became a favorite of mine. The combination of the rich, meaty flavor of the meatloaf paired with the sweetness of the bell peppers is absolutely irresistible.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit my family’s tastes, and it’s now a regular feature in our weekly meal rotation. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they always get excited when they see the finished product coming out of the oven. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy this recipe is to make and how versatile it is – we can serve it as a main course, or use leftovers for sandwiches or wraps.

The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, too – with lean ground beef, plenty of veggies, and minimal added sugars. My family and I just can’t get enough of this delicious meatloaf with bell peppers recipe!

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like holidays or potlucks. We’ve even served it at family gatherings and potlucks, where it’s always been a hit. Plus, with some minor adjustments to ingredients and cooking methods, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

So go ahead and give this amazing meatloaf with bell peppers recipe a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Meatloaf with Bell Peppers

4.9 from 1785 votes

A classic comfort food made with ground beef, bell peppers, and a tangy glaze. This meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 cup finely chopped bell peppers (mixed colors)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bell peppers, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
4Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined; do not overmix.
5Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it evenly into the pan, smoothing the top.
6Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
7While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
8After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top.
9Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
10Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 26g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and reduce the breadcrumbs to 3/4 cup. The bell peppers add moisture and sweetness; you can substitute with any color bell pepper or a mix.

This amazing meatloaf with bell peppers recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we can serve it as-is for a weeknight dinner or dress it up with additional toppings for special occasions.

And don’t even get me started on leftovers – we love using them to create delicious sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day! So why not give this incredible meatloaf with bell peppers recipe a try tonight?

Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf with Bell Peppers

Q: What type of meat is best for making meatloaf?

Ground beef is the most traditional choice for meatloaf, but you can also use ground turkey, pork, or even vegetarian options like tempeh or seitan.

Q: Can I use pre-made breadcrumbs instead of making my own?

Yes, you can definitely use store-bought breadcrumbs if you’re short on time – just be sure to check the ingredient list for added preservatives or sugars.

Q: How do I prevent my meatloaf from drying out?

Make sure to not overmix the mixture when combining it with your chosen seasonings and ingredients; also keep an eye on its internal temperature while baking.

Q: Can I substitute other types of vegetables for bell peppers?

Yes – some options include zucchini, carrots, onions, or even mushrooms.

Q: How do I store leftover meatloaf?

Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing; reheat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

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