Fiery Tex-Mex Cheesy Meatloaf
This Fiery Tex-Mex Cheesy Meatloaf is a tantalizing twist on the classic comfort food infused with robust flavors and a kick of heat. Packed with seasoned beef and pork, spicy jalapeños, zesty salsa, creamy refried beans, and melty cheddar cheese, it's a deliciously unique dish that will awaken your taste buds. The meatloaf is topped with an extra layer of cheese that gets bubbly and golden in the oven. Serve it over a bed of crisp shredded lettuce and finish with dollops of sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor. Perfect for family dinners or when entertaining friends, this meatloaf will surely become a new favorite at your table!
N/A
Servings
353
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
minced onion
1 cup (None)
garlic cloves, minced
3 (None)
jalapeño pepper, minced
1 (None)
seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup (None)
eggs
2 (Beaten)
salsa
1/4 cup (Hot or mild, as preferred)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (None)
refried beans
1 cup (None)
black olives, chopped
1/4 cup (None)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon (None)
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (None)
ground pork
1/2 lb (None)
cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2 cup (Cut into small dice)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (None)
salsa
to taste (For serving)
sour cream
to taste (For serving)
shredded cheese
to taste (For serving)
jalapeño
to taste (For serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced onion, garlic, and jalapeño until they are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the seasoned bread crumbs until evenly mixed.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then add in the salsa, chili powder, refried beans, chopped black olives, salt, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
Gently add the lean ground beef, ground pork, and cubed cheddar cheese to the mixture. Using your hands, mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5
Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a lined or greased baking pan.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven until melted and bubbly.
7
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest covered with foil for 15 minutes before slicing.
8
To serve, place slices on a bed of shredded lettuce and top with additional salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapeño slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
22g
Carbs
29g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Tex-Mex Cheesy Meatloaf?
It is a bold twist on traditional meatloaf that incorporates Mexican-inspired ingredients like salsa, jalapeños, refried beans, and cheddar cheese.
What proteins are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground pork.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the meatloaf.
How do I prepare the vegetable base?
Sauté the minced onion, garlic, and jalapeño in olive oil for about 5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
What ingredients are used as binders?
Two beaten eggs and 1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs are used to bind the meatloaf ingredients together.
Does this meatloaf contain beans?
Yes, it includes 1 cup of refried beans mixed directly into the meat mixture.
How much cheese is included in the meatloaf?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cubed cheddar cheese inside the loaf and another 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar for the topping.
How long should I bake the meatloaf?
Bake the meatloaf for 55-60 minutes in total.
What internal temperature signifies the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
When should I add the cheese topping?
Add the shredded cheddar cheese in the last 5 minutes of the cooking time until it is melted and bubbly.
How long should the meatloaf rest after baking?
Let the meatloaf rest covered with foil for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure it stays juicy.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving of this meatloaf contains approximately 353 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 29 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 20 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Are there olives in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped black olives for added flavor.
What spices provide the heat in this meatloaf?
The heat comes from one minced jalapeño, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How do I serve this meatloaf Tex-Mex style?
Serve slices over a bed of shredded lettuce and top with extra salsa, sour cream, and jalapeño slices.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro, and you can garnish with additional cilantro or parsley.
What type of salsa should I use?
You can use hot or mild salsa depending on your personal spice preference.
Is the onion cooked before adding it to the meat?
Yes, the minced onion is sautéed with garlic and jalapeño before being mixed with the bread crumbs and meat.
How much garlic does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What size should the cheddar cheese cubes be?
The cheddar cheese should be cut into a small dice or small cubes.
How should I mix the meat to avoid a tough texture?
Using your hands, mix the meat and other ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
What kind of baking pan should I use?
Use a lined or greased baking pan to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is there olive oil in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables.
What category of food does this fall into?
This is considered a Tex-Mex comfort food dish, specifically a meatloaf.
Can I use extra toppings for serving?
Yes, you can add extra shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños to taste when serving.
How much minced onion is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of minced onion.