Salsa-Infused Savory Meatloaf
This Salsa-Infused Savory Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic dish, bursting with vibrant flavors thanks to the addition of zesty salsa. Perfect for batch cooking, this hearty meatloaf is a family favorite that not only delights your taste buds fresh out of the oven but also tastes even better when reheated the next day. Whether you're preparing meals for the month ahead or just looking for a comforting dinner option, this easy-to-make meatloaf is versatile and satisfying. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal, and enjoy the warm, comforting aromas filling your kitchen. Cooking this during your meal prep will set you up for success, as it's freezer-friendly and easy to reheat whenever you need a delicious dinner in a hurry.
5
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (none)
cracker crumbs or oatmeal
3/4 cup (none)
onion
1 small (diced)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
dry onion soup mix
1/2 package (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salsa
3/4 cup (none)
brown sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
ketchup
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs (or oatmeal), diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, dry onion soup mix, egg, garlic, black pepper, salsa, brown sugar, and chili powder.
3
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well blended. You can use your hands or a spoon.
4
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it gently to form an even loaf.
5
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) and is almost cooked through.
6
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread ketchup on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the ketchup is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
7
For Once A Month Cooking (OAMC) preparation, follow steps 1 and 2 to assemble the meatloaf. Bake it until it is fully cooked. To store, let it cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze until needed.
8
When ready to eat, defrost the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator. Top with ketchup and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling.
9
Alternatively, if baking from frozen, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, then add ketchup and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes or until bubbling.
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
16
Carbs
14
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salsa-Infused Savory Meatloaf?
It is a delightful twist on a classic dish, featuring vibrant flavors from zesty salsa and a hearty texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 5 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 200 calories in each serving.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What can I use instead of cracker crumbs?
You can use oatmeal as a substitute for cracker crumbs.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the meatloaf?
The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ground beef.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for batch cooking and freezer-friendly.
How long is the initial baking time?
The meatloaf is initially baked for about 45 minutes.
When should the ketchup topping be added?
Apply the ketchup after the initial 45 minutes of baking, once the loaf is almost cooked through.
How much salsa is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of salsa.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 14 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving has 16 grams of carbohydrates.
How should I store the meatloaf for long-term freezing?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
How do I defrost the meatloaf?
Defrost the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator.
How long do I reheat a defrosted meatloaf?
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling.
Can I bake this meatloaf directly from frozen?
Yes, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, then add ketchup and bake for 30 more minutes.
What type of onion soup mix is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 package of dry onion soup mix.
How much garlic should I add?
Use 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What kind of sweetener is in the meat mixture?
One teaspoon of brown sugar is used.
What spices provide the heat?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What size onion is required?
One small diced onion is needed.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is required.
How do I mix the ingredients?
You can mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon.
What happens to the ketchup during the final bake?
It becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Is an egg necessary for this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to help bind the ingredients.
What type of pan should I use?
A standard loaf pan is recommended for shaping the mixture.
How much ketchup is used for the topping?
Two tablespoons of ketchup are spread on top.