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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and thoroughly blend ground beef with crushed tortilla chips, creating a robust southwestern-inspired base for the meatloaf.
- Incorporate finely diced onion, bell pepper, whisked eggs, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and sweet corn into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning generously throughout the blend, massaging spices into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
- Fold in a portion of shredded cheese, gently mixing to maintain a light, tender texture without overworking the meat.
- Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining with parchment paper, which will facilitate easy removal and cleanup.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the meatloaf and generously drizzle red taco sauce across the surface, then sprinkle remaining cheese to create a melted, golden topping.
- Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish.
- 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