Description
Mexican Taco Meatloaf blends hearty ground beef with classic southwestern spices for a delicious dinner twist. Home cooks can enjoy this flavorful fusion dish that brings comfort and zest to family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds (0.9 kg) ground beef, 80% lean
Vegetables and Base:
- 1 1/2 cups corn tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 (10 ounces) can Rotel tomatoes
- 4 ounces (113 grams) canned corn, drained
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup red taco sauce (mild or medium), optional
- 2 tablespoons cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with crushed tortilla chips, diced onion, chopped bell pepper, whisked eggs, Rotel tomatoes, corn kernels, and taco seasoning until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheese, gently mixing to maintain the meat’s tender texture.
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Carefully transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan, sculpting it into a compact loaf shape with a slight indentation around the edges to capture excess fat.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, ensuring the meat begins to develop a golden exterior.
- Remove from oven and generously drizzle red taco sauce over the surface, then sprinkle remaining cheese evenly across the top.
- Return to oven and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71C) and cheese melts completely.
- Extract from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor.
- Slice carefully and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap tortilla chips for gluten-free alternatives like crushed corn chips or almond flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option that maintains the zesty Mexican flavor profile.
- Dice vegetables finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks disrupting the meatloaf’s texture during baking.
- Add a splash of lime juice or sprinkle extra taco seasoning to boost the Mexican-inspired taste and enhance overall seasoning depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg