Alton Brown Meatloaf Recipe

Alton Brown Meatloaf Recipe is made with chuck roast, sirloin roast, garlic-flavored croutons, vegetables, chipotle glaze, and spices like chili powder, thyme, and cayenne. This recipe creates a richly seasoned, moist meatloaf with a smoky, spicy glaze. It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to prepare and serves 6 to 8.

Alton Brown Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients

Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 canned chipotle in adobo sauce, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotles
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Meatloaf

• 3 cups garlic-flavored croutons
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped (1 1/3 cups)
• 1/2 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into large pieces
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and broken into a few large pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 18 ounces chuck roast, trimmed and cubed
• 18 ounces sirloin roast, cubed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 large egg

How To Make Alton Brown Meatloaf Recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325ºF and line a half sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together ketchup, tomato paste, chipotles, adobo sauce, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Set aside 1/4 cup for serving and reserve 3/4 cup for basting.
3. Make Crumb Mix: Pulse croutons with chili powder, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne until coarse. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
4. Chop Vegetables: Pulse onion, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic until finely chopped. Add to the bowl with the crumbs.
5. Grind the Meat: In batches, pulse chuck and sirloin until it resembles a coarse grind. Add to the mixing bowl.
6. Combine and Mix: Add salt and egg to the meat mixture and mix by hand until combined.
7. Form the Loaf: Pack into a loaf pan, then invert onto the parchment-lined sheet. Remove the pan and insert a temperature probe to 155°F.
8. Bake and Glaze: Bake for 15 minutes, then brush with 3/4 cup glaze. Return to oven and bake until internal temp reaches 155°F, about 45 minutes to 1 hour more.
9. Rest and Serve: Let rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve with the reserved glaze.

Recipe Tips

• Use a Food Processor: It ensures even chopping and grinding for consistent texture.
• Chill Meat Before Processing: Cold meat grinds more cleanly and safely.
• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the mixture can result in a dense loaf.
• Use a Probe Thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Let It Rest: Resting retains juices and improves slicing.

What To Serve With Meatloaf

This meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, mac and cheese, or a simple garden salad for a comforting, balanced meal.

How To Store Meatloaf

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Meatloaf Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 580mg

FAQs

Can I use pre-ground beef instead of grinding my own?
Yes, but grinding your own meat gives better texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have garlic croutons?
You can use plain or herb-flavored croutons and add extra garlic.

Can I skip the cocoa powder in the glaze?
It adds depth but can be omitted if preferred.

Is the chipotle glaze spicy?
It has a smoky heat; reduce chipotles if you prefer it milder.

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, shape and refrigerate the loaf, then bake when ready.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Crepes Recipe
• Alton Brown Green Bean Casserole Recipe
• Alton Brown Guacamole Recipe