Loaded Peppery Meatloaf

Indulge in the hearty and flavorful delight that is the Loaded Peppery Meatloaf. This dish is a celebration of comfort food, where succulent ground pork meets an array of delectable ingredients to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. With a perfect balance of savory and spicy elements, this meatloaf is bound to become a family favorite. From the first bite to the last, you’ll relish the rich flavors and satisfying textures that make this dish an instant classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds ground pork
• 2 ounces bacon bits
• 1 cup crackers, crushed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 2 medium eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup tomato paste

Preparations:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, bacon bits, crushed crackers, minced garlic, chopped onion, finely chopped carrot, chopped bell pepper, and chopped jalapeno pepper.
2. Season the mixture with sea salt and ground black pepper to your taste preferences.
3. Add the fish sauce and beaten eggs to the mixture. These ingredients will enhance the depth of flavor and help bind the meatloaf together.
4. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.
5. Preheat your air fryer by selecting the “Air Fry” function and adjusting the temperature to 360 degrees F.
6. Grease a baking pan lightly to prevent sticking.
7. Press the mixed meatloaf into the prepared baking pan, shaping it into a uniform loaf.
8. When the air fryer is ready, place the baking pan with the meatloaf onto the cooking tray.
9. Air fry the pork meatloaf for approximately 35 minutes, allowing it to cook through and develop a savory crust.
10. After the initial cooking time, spread the tomato paste evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This step adds a layer of tangy richness to the dish.
11. To achieve a beautiful caramelized finish, switch to the “Broil” function and cook the meatloaf for an additional 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent over-browning.
12. Once cooked to perfection, remove the Loaded Peppery Meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest briefly before slicing.

Tips:

• For an extra layer of smokiness, consider using smoked bacon bits in the recipe.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by controlling the amount of jalapeno pepper used. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membrane before chopping.
• Serve the meatloaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 389
• Fat: 25.7g
• Carbs: 14.4g
• Protein: 25.6g
• Sugars: 5.5g
• Fiber: 2g

The Loaded Peppery Meatloaf is more than just a dish—it’s a culinary journey that tantalizes the senses and warms the heart. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a world of robust flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of savory ground pork, crispy bacon bits, and a medley of vegetables creates a symphony of taste that will leave you craving for more.

This dish is a testament to the creative possibilities that cooking offers. It showcases how a humble collection of ingredients, when thoughtfully combined and cooked with care, can result in a culinary masterpiece that brings joy to the table. The air fryer’s ability to achieve a perfectly caramelized finish adds an extra layer of appeal to the meatloaf, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Whether you’re sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, the Loaded Peppery Meatloaf is sure to be a hit. Its bold flavors, comforting qualities, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating such a delightful dish make it a true standout in your culinary repertoire.