Cajun Meatloaf- AKA the best and only meatloaf I make now

When you think of meatloaf sometimes you think of plain, dry meat, but the Pioneer Woman has transformed the regular stereotype of meatloaf.  Her recipe calls for 3lbs of meat, I portioned it out smaller and used 2 lbs and it made 2 loaves.  So click here for the original recipe (great for freezing and leftovers).

One thing that I love about the recipe is the use of vegetables. I actually feel somewhat healthy eating this. Those peppers look so fun to me. Have you ever been to California Pizza Kitchen and seen their wall art of Vegetables? I LOVE them and wish I could steal them off their walls. Okay on to the recipe.
          Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Bell Peppers (I used a red and half a green)
• Medium Onion
• 1 bunch Celery (I used 4 Ribs)
• 4 cloves Of Garlic
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• Optional: A Few Shakes Of Hot Sauce
• 1 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 cups Milk
• 1 cup (to 2 Cups) Breadcrumbs
• 1 pound Of Lean Ground Beef (92% Lean)
• 1 pound Ground Pork
• 2 whole Eggs
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• Extra Ketchup for Topping

Chop all of the fresh vegetables (peppers, onions, celery) into a small dice and mince the garlic.  Over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter.  This takes the longest time so if you are in a rush you can do most of this ahead of time.

Once butter begins to start browning, add the diced vegetables and garlic.  Add about 1 teaspoon salt.
After these have cooked for a few minutes add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon nutmeg and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.  If you like it hot, add a couple shakes of your favorite hot sauce (I left this out).  Next add about 1/4 cup of ketchup.  Continue cooking and stirring for a few more minutes.  Remove from heat.  Don't the colors look magnificent in the pan, am I the only weird one that thinks so?

After allowing the mixture to cool for a couple of minutes, add about 1/4 cup of milk.  Stir until combined.  Next add at least 1 cup of breadcrumbs.  Continue adding breadcrumbs and stirring until mixture is a nice, thick paste.

In a large mixing bowl place the ground beef and pork.  Whisk 2 eggs and add to the meat.  After allowing the pasty vegetable mixture to cool down a bit, begin incorporating it into the meat.  Keep working all of the Cajun-Vegetable mix into the meat until all is blended well.  Spray meatloaf pans with cooking spray and put the meat mixture evenly between the 2 pans (I had plenty for 2).  You can also form yours right on a baking sheet (Pioneer Woman does that) or I sometimes make meatballs from this.  In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together 1/2 cup of ketchup with about 2 tablespoons honey. Slather this sauce over the whole meatloaf. Place in a 400 degree oven for about 40 minutes.

I know this doesn't look that appetizing, but it really is great. It has just the right amount of spice, but not too much. Hope you enjoy!