This Mexican meatloaf adds a fun twist to the classic dish with zesty flavors! It features ground beef mixed with spices, cheese, and topped with a tasty tomato sauce.
I love making this for dinner—it’s easy and always a hit! Plus, the leftovers are perfect for sandwiches the next day. Who doesn’t enjoy a meatloaf sandwich? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I often use 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken works well too.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs give nice texture, but you can use crushed tortilla chips for a fun crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Cheese: Cheddar is great for melting, but feel free to switch it up with Monterey Jack or even queso fresco for a Mexican twist.
Spices: The ground cumin and chili powder create depth. If you want less spice, skip the cayenne or use mild paprika instead. For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños!
Glaze: Tomato sauce is classic, but mixing in salsa can add flavor. Swap brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness.
How Can I Get My Meatloaf to Hold Its Shape?
Keeping the meatloaf from falling apart can be tricky, but with a few steps, you’ll nail it.
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Handle the meat mixture gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Molding it tightly in the loaf pan helps it hold shape while cooking.
- Be sure to let it rest after baking—this allows juices to redistribute and keeps it from crumbling when you slice.
How to Make Delicious Mexican Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for stuffing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1 tbsp chili sauce or hot sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Time Needed:
This Mexican meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 1 hour to bake, plus 10 minutes for resting. So, in about 1 hour and 25 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
In a large bowl, take the breadcrumbs and soak them in milk until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes. This will keep your meatloaf moist and delicious!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the ground beef, chopped onion, optional bell pepper, minced garlic, egg, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you like it spicy), chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and some salt and pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the meatloaf tender!
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Divide your meat mixture into two parts. Press one portion evenly into the bottom of the loaf pan. This will form the base for your cheesy surprise!
5. Add Cheese:
Now, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over this first layer of meat, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Yummy melted cheese awaits!
6. Seal it Up:
Cover the cheese with the second portion of the meat mixture and press down gently to seal everything in. This keeps the cheese nice and gooey inside!
7. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce or ketchup, chili sauce, cumin, and brown sugar to create a tasty glaze. This will give your meatloaf a flavorful topping.
8. Glaze and Bake:
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before placing it in the oven.
9. Check for Doneness:
Bake your meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
10. Rest and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep the cheese melted and gooey when you slice into it.
11. Enjoy:
Garnish with some fresh chopped cilantro if you like and serve warm! This juicy, flavorful Mexican meatloaf, with its cheesy center and spicy tomato glaze, is perfect alongside a fresh side salad or Mexican rice. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. Just ensure to keep the moisture level up; you might consider adding a little extra milk or a tablespoon of olive oil for flavor and juiciness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Meatloaf?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Definitely! You can substitute the ground beef with a meat substitute like lentils, black beans, or even a store-bought veggie ground. Just adjust the spices to your taste, and you can still enjoy that delicious flavor!
