Description
Mexican Taco Meatloaf blends classic comfort food with zesty southwestern flavors. Spicy ground beef, peppers, and cheese create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (227 grams) ground pork
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapenos
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, taco seasoning, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Carefully mold the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Transfer the meatloaf to a lightly greased baking dish, creating a smooth, rounded surface.
- Generously spread salsa across the entire top of the meatloaf, covering it completely with a vibrant layer of sauce.
- Place the baking dish in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and develop rich flavors.
- After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf and immediately sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, letting the cheese melt and become golden and bubbly.
- Once removed from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and settle.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced jalapenos for added color and zest.
- Slice and serve the meatloaf while still warm, enjoying the melted cheese and vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef and pork to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier meatloaf texture.
- Add extra kick by mixing different pepper varieties like chipotle or ancho chili powder into the taco seasoning for deeper flavor complexity.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional bread crumbs for low-carb dieters.
- Prepare extra meatloaf mixture and freeze in portions for quick future meals, which saves time and provides convenient make-ahead options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg