Gather around the table for a cozy, comforting feast with this Cajun Maple Meatloaf Skillet Bake! This hearty, flavor-packed dish is a modern twist on a classic meatloaf, featuring a juicy, spice-kissed ground beef blend baked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet and smothered in a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze. Get ready for a meal that’s sure to bring everyone together with its irresistible aromas and satisfying, homestyle goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Maple Meatloaf Skillet Bake With Smoky Bbq Glaze
This Cajun Maple Meatloaf Skillet Bake is a cozy, comforting dish that’s bursting with bold, craveable flavors. The Cajun-inspired seasoning blend lends a zesty kick, while the maple and smoky BBQ glaze add a sweet-and-savory balance that’s simply irresistible. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, this meatloaf comes out tender, juicy, and beautifully golden brown on top. It’s a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a new weeknight staple in your home.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple list of ingredients that come together to create an absolutely mouthwatering Cajun Maple Meatloaf. You’ll need ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Cajun seasoning, maple syrup, BBQ sauce, and a few other pantry staples.
- 2 lbs – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs
- 1/2 cup – Milk
- 2 tbsp – Cajun seasoning
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken (for a leaner protein option)
- Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs (for a wheat-free version)
How to Make Cajun Maple Meatloaf Skillet Bake With Smoky Bbq Glaze
This Cajun Maple Meatloaf Skillet Bake comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Press the meatloaf mixture into the prepared skillet, forming it into an even round or loaf shape. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven until it’s cooked through, about 45-55 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the smoky BBQ glaze by mixing together 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Once the meatloaf is done, spoon the glaze over the top, making sure to cover it evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Topping: Top the meatloaf with crispy onions or bacon bits before baking for a little extra crunch.
- Spice Blend Swap: Swap out the Cajun seasoning for your favorite spice blend, like Southwestern or Italian seasoning.
- Veggie-Packed: Add in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or other veggies for a heartier meal.
- Homemade Sauce: Make your own smoky-sweet BBQ sauce to use in place of the store-bought version.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheated in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead: The meatloaf mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This Cajun Maple Meatloaf Skillet Bake is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein, complex carbs, and essential nutrients to fuel your body and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the meatloaf
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Simply shape it into the skillet and follow the baking instructions when you’re ready to cook.
Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Absolutely! Baked and cooled meatloaf can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
What side dishes pair well with this meatloaf?
This Cajun Maple Meatloaf Skillet Bake goes beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef if you prefer. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. It should also be cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.
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Cajun Maple Meatloaf Skillet Bake With Smoky BBQ Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty, flavorful meatloaf baked with Cajun spices and topped with a smoky BBQ glaze. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and eggs until well combined.
3. Add maple syrup, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and milk to the meat mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Transfer the meat mixture into a skillet and shape into a loaf.
5. Spread BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For added flavor, you can top the meatloaf with extra maple syrup before serving.
Feel free to customize the veggies according to your preference or what you have on hand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: meatloaf, Cajun, BBQ, comfort food