Name: Mexican Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs (680g) ground beef; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips; 1/2 cup milk; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3/4 cup salsa (plus extra for topping); 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend, divided; 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Mexican Meatloaf because it’s flavorful, simple to prepare, and anything but boring. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. The combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese gives the dish a savory, spicy taste that pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a crisp salad. Plus, leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Eggs
Breadcrumbs (or crushed tortilla chips)
Milk
Onion, finely diced
Garlic, minced
Salsa (plus extra for topping)
Diced green chilies
Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
Taco seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, garlic, taco seasoning, salsa, green chilies, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Fold in half of the shredded cheese.
Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape it by hand into a loaf on a lined baking sheet.
Spread a thin layer of salsa over the top of the meatloaf to form the glaze.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until melted.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
Use different meats: Try ground turkey, pork, or a beef/pork blend for a unique flavor.
Cheese lovers: Add more cheese inside the loaf or on top for extra gooeyness.
Low-carb option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Stuffed version: Add a layer of cheese or refried beans in the center before baking for a surprise filling.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave slices for 1–2 minutes or warm the loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. You can also freeze the meatloaf (whole or sliced) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Mexican Meatloaf?

Absolutely. You can freeze it baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or reheating.

What can I serve with Mexican Meatloaf?

It pairs perfectly with Spanish rice, refried beans, corn, or a fresh salad.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, store-bought seasoning works great, but you can also make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that still delivers plenty of flavor.

How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out?

Don’t overmix the meat and make sure to include enough moisture from the milk and salsa.

What kind of cheese is best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works perfectly for melty, rich flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, finely chopped bell peppers, corn, or grated zucchini can be added for extra texture and nutrition.

What type of salsa should I use?

Use your favorite — mild, medium, or hot — depending on your spice preference. Chunky salsa adds nice texture.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C).

Conclusion

Mexican Meatloaf is a flavorful, comforting twist on a classic dish. With its bold spices, melty cheese, and salsa glaze, it’s a delicious dinner that brings a little fiesta to your table. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves a bit of Southwest flair in their comfort food.

Mexican Meatloaf

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Mexican Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining seasoned ground beef, salsa, green chilies, and melty cheese for a juicy, zesty loaf topped with a tangy salsa glaze — perfect for adding a little fiesta to your dinner table.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, salsa, diced green chilies, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Fold in half of the shredded cheese.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
Spread a thin layer of salsa over the top to create the glaze.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Remove from oven, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
Use chunky salsa for extra texture.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for more spice.
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Leftovers make great sandwiches or taco fillings.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of loaf
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 145mg