Description

A juicy, spicy meatloaf infused with taco seasoning, creamy Pepper Jack cheese, and zesty salsa, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese (about 100 g)
1/2 cup salsa (120 ml)
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup breadcrumbs (80 g), plain or Italian seasoned
1/4 cup milk (60 ml)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: jalapeño, seeded and diced (for extra heat)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, taco seasoning, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined.
Stir in the breadcrumbs and milk. Adjust moisture by adding more breadcrumbs or milk if needed.
Fold in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and salsa carefully to distribute evenly.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan and shape into a loaf, leaving space at the edges for heat circulation. Alternatively, shape free-form on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Optional: Spoon additional salsa on top for extra moisture and flavor.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Slice and serve, garnished with fresh cilantro or extra salsa if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a tough texture. Salsa and milk keep the meatloaf moist. Let the meatloaf rest after baking to retain juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Optional jalapeño adds extra heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate
Calories: 320
Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 10
Fiber: 1
Protein: 28

Keywords: meatloaf, taco seasoning, Pepper Jack cheese, salsa, easy dinner, weeknight meal, spicy meatloaf, comfort food