Mexican Meatloaf

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: Infused with cumin, chili powder, and fresh herbs for a Mexican-inspired taste.

• Hearty and Satisfying: Combines ground meat with vegetables and spices for a balanced meal.

• Easy to Make: Simple prep and oven baking with minimal hands-on time.

• Family-Friendly: Appeals to all ages with familiar ingredients and comforting texture.

Ingredients

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

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (optional for heat)

• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, bell pepper, garlic, breadcrumbs, cilantro, eggs, milk, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

3. Shape and Place: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan.

4. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, ketchup, chipotle, and lime juice. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

5. Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 60 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Beans: Mix in black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.

• Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheese into the meat mixture or on top before baking.

• Spicy: Increase chipotle or add diced jalapeños to the mix.

• Vegetarian: Substitute meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatloaf slices for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and creates a leaner meatloaf.

How do I keep the meatloaf moist?

Avoid overmixing and use a combination of eggs and milk to retain moisture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and assemble the meatloaf the day before and bake when ready.

What sides go well with Mexican meatloaf?

Serve with rice, beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Can I make mini meatloaves?

Yes, divide the mixture into muffin tins and adjust cooking time.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying chipotle and chili powder amounts.

Can I omit the glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.

How do I know when it’s done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) inside.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, grated carrots or zucchini can be folded into the mixture.

How long does leftover meatloaf last?

Up to 4 days refrigerated and 3 months frozen.

Conclusion

Mexican Meatloaf is a tasty and hearty dish that brings exciting flavors to the traditional meatloaf. Easy to prepare and full of bold spices, it’s a perfect meal for families or weeknight dinners that satisfies both comfort food cravings and a desire for something different

Mexican Meatloaf

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Mexican Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, blending ground meat with Mexican spices, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tomato-based glaze for a hearty, satisfying family meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
   
   1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
   
   1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
   
   2 cloves garlic, minced
   
   1/2 cup breadcrumbs
   
   1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
   
   2 large eggs
   
   1/4 cup milk
   
   1 teaspoon cumin
   
   1 teaspoon chili powder
   
   1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
   
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   For the Glaze:
   1/2 cup tomato sauce
   
   2 tablespoons ketchup
   
   1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (optional for heat)
   
   1 teaspoon lime juice

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, bell pepper, garlic, breadcrumbs, cilantro, eggs, milk, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in prepared pan.
3. Mix tomato sauce, ketchup, chipotle, and lime juice in a small bowl. Spread glaze evenly over meatloaf.
4. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with favorite sides.

Notes

1. Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
2. Mix shredded cheese into the meat or on top before baking.
3. Adjust chipotle or add jalapeños for more spice.
4. Use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 110mg