Description
This Caribbean Meatloaf is a bold twist on a classic comfort dish. Infused with fresh thyme, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, and finished with a tangy-sweet glaze, it’s hearty, flavorful, and full of island flair. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, this easy Caribbean-inspired recipe will impress family and guests alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (900 g)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (150 g)
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped (75 g)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (35 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon browning sauce (like Grace or Kitchen Bouquet)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (50 g)
- 1/4 cup milk (60 mL)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2 g)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper, minced (or to taste)
For the Caribbean Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup (60 mL)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12 g)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (15 mL)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (15 mL)
Instructions
- Preheat: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Base: In a bowl, combine beef, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet, browning sauce, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and optional ketchup. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to the loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: While baking, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a bowl.
- Glaze & Finish: After 45 minutes, remove loaf, spread glaze on top, and return to oven for 10–15 minutes. Cook until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest & Slice: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adjust spice by reducing or omitting scotch bonnet pepper.
- Browning sauce adds authentic flavor—substitute soy or Worcestershire if unavailable.
- Don’t overmix meat to avoid dense texture.
- Always let the loaf rest before slicing for juicier results.
- Try glaze variations like pineapple sauce for a tropical twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Caribbean Meatloaf, Island Meatloaf Recipe, Meatloaf with Caribbean Glaze, Spicy Meatloaf, Sweet and Savory Meatloaf