Firecracker Meatloaf

A little something from the Love Abounds pantry. This meatloaf is made with my Firecracker Sweet n' Spicy Rub found here. YUMMY. 

 It's got a little heat and the yummy topping makes a crust that is slightly caramelized from the sugar in the rub. You can also use Original Sweet N' Spicy Rub.

Firecracker Meatloaf 

3 pounds of meat- a combination of any of these beef- lean, pork, turkey, veal
6 minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
2 large bell peppers finely chopped
2 stalks of celery finely chopped
6 tablespoons butter
4-6 tablespoons Firecracker Sweet N' Spicy Rub divided
1/2 cup milk
4 eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs- I use plain
about 2 cups ketchup

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat the butter in a skillet. Add garlic, onion and bell pepper. Sweat the veggies and cook until soft. Add 2-3 tablespoons of Firecracker rub. Cook until fragrant. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 cup ketchup stir to cool down a bit. Stir in milk. Add breadcrumbs a little at a time until you get a thick paste. Let mixture cool a little.
In a large bowl lightly beat the eggs, add meats and vegetable/breadcrumb mixture. Mix until combined but don't over work the meat- no one likes tough meat :-).
Place mixture on a lightly greased jelly roll pan and form a loaf. Mix remaining ketchup and 3 tablespoons Firecracker rub. Pour over the top of the loaf. Cook for 45 minutes or until done, test with a meat thermometer.