Andouille sausage and complex seasonings enliven this ground beef meatloaf. The oven temperature is raised during the last 35 minutes of baking for a little surface crunch.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage, casings removed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
PREPARATION:
In a small bowl, combine the bay leaves, salt, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, ground white pepper, cumin, and nutmeg; set aside.
Melt the butter or margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, green onions, garlic, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and reserved seasoning mix. Saute until mixture starts sticking to the bottom of the pan, about 6 minutes. Stir in the milk and ketchup; continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove vegetable mixture from heat, and allow to cool to room temperature. Place the beef and sausage in an ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish. Add the eggs, the vegetable mixture, and the bread crumbs. Remove the bay leaves. Mix well by hand, and form into a loaf about 1 1/2 inches high.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 minutes. Then raise heat to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and bake for another 35 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.