Description
Succulent Mexican Taco Meatloaf blends zesty spices with hearty ground beef, creating a flavor-packed dinner sensation. Families craving comfort with a spicy twist will devour this crowd-pleasing dish that brings southwest excitement to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
Cheese Ingredient:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix ground beef with zesty taco seasoning, crispy breadcrumbs, and a binding egg in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Fold in shredded cheese, chunky salsa, diced onions, and colorful bell peppers, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the meat mixture.
- Delicately sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile, gently incorporating the seasonings without overworking the meat.
- Carefully mold the seasoned meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, taking care to maintain consistent thickness for even cooking.
- Transfer the formed loaf into a well-greased loaf pan, smoothing the top to create an attractive presentation.
- Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing the meatloaf to roast for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe cooking point.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
- Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and serve alongside extra vibrant salsa for an additional burst of Mexican-inspired flavor.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the flavor profile exciting.
- Add extra heat by mixing in diced jalapeños or using a spicy salsa to elevate the meatloaf’s flavor intensity.
- Create a gluten-free version by replacing breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free tortilla chips or almond flour for binding.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or queso fresco to customize the meatloaf’s cheesy richness and add complexity to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg