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Sausage and Peppers Meatloaf

Savor the Comfort of Sausage and Peppers Meatloaf Tonight

Enjoy a slice of Sausage and Peppers Meatloaf, a comforting Italian dish that blends flavors and nostalgia.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 1 lb Mild Italian sausage Substitution: Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers Substitution: Gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 large Eggs Ensure they are beaten before adding.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Green bell pepper Substitution: Jalapeños for heat.
  • 1 cup Red bell pepper You can use all green or yellow if preferred.
  • 1 large Yellow onion Shallots are a milder alternative.
For the Sauces
  • 1 cup Marinara sauce Substitution: BBQ sauce for a different taste.
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Thai chili sauce Can be omitted for less sweetness.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Loaf Pan
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sausage and Peppers Meatloaf
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
  2. In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add diced green and red bell peppers along with chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the marinara sauce and sweet Thai chili sauce into the sautéed vegetables. Allow this blend to simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the sausage from its casings and place it into a large mixing bowl. Break it apart slightly.
  5. Crush the Ritz crackers inside a Ziploc bag until fine crumbs. Add these to the mixing bowl with the sausage and mix well.
  6. Beat your eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the sausage mixture, combining thoroughly.
  7. Fold in one cup of the sautéed vegetable mixture into the sausage blend, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Transfer the meat mixture into your lined loaf pan, shaping it gently. Smooth out the top.
  9. Spoon the remaining sautéed vegetable mixture generously over the top of the meatloaf.
  10. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes, checking with a meat thermometer.
  11. Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If your meatloaf ends up dry, mix in more marinara sauce before baking. You can prepare the mixture 1-3 days in advance.

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