Spicy & Hearty Taco Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food takes an exciting twist with this delicious taco meatloaf that blends classic American dishes with zesty Mexican flavors.

Ground beef mingles with bold spices and crunchy toppings for a mouthwatering meal.

The robust seasoning creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will delight everyone at the dinner table.

Packed with protein and easy to prepare, this recipe offers a quick solution for busy weeknight dinners.

Melted cheese and crushed tortilla chips add a delightful crunch to every savory bite.

Prepare to fall in love with a new family favorite that brings excitement to traditional meatloaf.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it reaches the same internal temperature for safe consumption.

• What if I don't have Rotel tomatoes?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes and green chiles or use regular diced tomatoes with a pinch of jalapeño for similar flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use corn tortilla chips or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular tortilla chips.

• How spicy is this meatloaf?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. Choose mild versions if you prefer less heat, or add extra seasoning for more kick.

Why Taco Meatloaf Is a Game-Changer

• Spice Up Dinner: Transform boring meatloaf into a zesty, Mexican-inspired dish that'll make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Easily assemble this one-pan wonder that satisfies picky eaters and hungry adults with minimal kitchen effort.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Blend protein-rich ground beef with colorful vegetables and cheese for a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Swap ingredients or add personal twists to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for home cooks who love experimenting.

What You Need for Taco Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that serves as the star of this southwest-inspired dish.

• Tortilla Chips, Corn: Crispy additions that bring a fun southwest crunch.

• Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend that gives the meatloaf its signature taco taste.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Spicy tomatoes that add moisture and kick.

• Eggs: Helps hold the meatloaf together with rich binding power.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide depth and color.

• Red Taco Sauce: A tangy sauce that adds extra flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty goodness that creates a golden, gooey top.

• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs for bright garnish.

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and clean-up.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste.

How to Bake the Perfect Taco Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for the flavor explosion about to happen.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Masterpiece

• Ground beef
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Whisked eggs
• Rotel tomatoes
• Corn kernels
• Taco seasoning
• Shredded cheese

Gently fold everything together until just combined – don’t overmix or you’ll make the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Shape and Prepare

Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Slide the meaty mixture into the pan, sculpting it into a perfect loaf.

Create a small channel around the edges to help drain excess fat.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Pop the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes.

Your kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Pull the meatloaf out and drizzle red taco sauce over the top.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese for a gorgeous melty finish.

Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors.

Slice and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Taco Meatloaf Tips for Flavor and Texture

• Pat tortilla chips and veggies dry before mixing to prevent a soggy meatloaf texture.
• Adjust taco seasoning quantity or switch to mild/hot versions for personal heat preference.
• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat to maintain a tender, moist meatloaf.
• Choose meat with 80/20 fat content for optimal flavor and juiciness without excess greasiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked results.

Save and Reheat Your Taco Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

What Goes Well with Taco Meatloaf

• Spice Up with Margaritas: Blend zesty lime margaritas to complement the taco meatloaf's bold Mexican-inspired flavors, cutting through the richness with tangy citrus notes.
• Pair with Fresh Salsa: Serve homemade fresh salsa alongside the meatloaf, adding bright, chunky tomato and pepper elements that enhance the dish's southwestern profile.
• Cool Down with Creamy Guacamole: Dollop smooth, creamy guacamole on the side to balance the meatloaf's spicy seasoning and provide a rich, cooling counterpoint to the warm meat.
• Match with Mexican Lager: Select a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona to refresh the palate and echo the taco-inspired ingredients in the meatloaf.

New Styles of Taco Meatloaf to Try

• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Replace tortilla chips with gluten-free corn chips or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use a certified gluten-free taco seasoning blend.
• Lean Protein Power: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option. Reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
• Veggie-Loaded Version: Mix in black beans, quinoa, or finely chopped mushrooms to boost vegetable content and create a more nutritious meal. Add extra spices to maintain flavor intensity.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Use crushed pork rinds instead of tortilla chips. Replace corn with diced zucchini and use a low-carb taco seasoning. Top with extra cheese for added fat content.

Taco Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Meatloaf brings zesty southwestern flavors to classic comfort food. Spicy ground beef mingled with aromatic seasonings creates a mouthwatering dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef, 80% lean
• 2 large eggs, whisked

Vegetables and Chips:

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) corn tortilla chips, crushed
• 4 ounces (113 grams) canned corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can rotel tomatoes

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 packet taco seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) red taco sauce (mild or medium), optional
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cilantro or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and thoroughly blend ground beef with crushed tortilla chips, creating a robust southwestern-inspired base for the meatloaf.
2. Incorporate finely diced onion, bell pepper, whisked eggs, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and sweet corn into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning generously throughout the blend, massaging spices into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
4. Fold in a portion of shredded cheese, gently mixing to maintain a light, tender texture without overworking the meat.
5. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining with parchment paper, which will facilitate easy removal and cleanup.
6. Carefully transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the prepared pan, sculpting a slightly elevated center and creating shallow channels around the edges to allow excess fat to drain during cooking.
7. Place the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F oven, allowing it to roast for approximately 50 minutes until the meat begins to pull away from the pan edges.
8. Remove the meatloaf and generously drizzle red taco sauce across the surface, then sprinkle remaining cheese to create a melted, golden topping.
9. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish.
11. Slice and serve, revealing a moist, flavorful southwestern-style meatloaf with a crispy, cheesy exterior.

Notes

• Swap tortilla chips with gluten-free alternatives like crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mix ingredients lightly to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture – overmixing can make the dish rubbery and compact.
• For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, which reduces fat content while maintaining the zesty taco flavor profile.
• Add extra moisture by incorporating a splash of salsa or a dollop of sour cream into the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg