Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Meatloaf delivers a zesty twist on classic comfort food. Ground beef seasoned with bold spices creates a satisfying main dish that brings family dinner excitement to new levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork or ground turkey (optional, for a mix)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream (optional, for added moisture)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) crushed tortilla chips (or breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) salsa
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) diced onion
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chopped cilantro (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) salsa
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, optional ground pork or turkey, zesty taco seasoning, crunchy crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, tangy salsa, finely diced onion, fresh chopped cilantro, eggs, creamy sour cream, salt, and pepper until ingredients are just integrated.
- Carefully mold the seasoned meat mixture into a uniform loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or press evenly into the greased loaf pan, ensuring consistent thickness.
- Generously spread additional salsa across the top of the meatloaf, creating a vibrant sauce layer, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese to create a melty, golden topping.
- Transfer the meatloaf to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey or pork.
- Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and serve with optional garnishes such as dollops of sour cream, fresh guacamole, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to enhance the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that still packs a flavor punch.
- Crush gluten-free tortilla chips to make this recipe completely gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.
- Add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or corn to boost nutrition and create a more complex flavor profile without changing the core recipe.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked meatloaf, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety with precise temperature control.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg