Mexican Meatloaf
This easy dinner combines delicious Mexican flavors into a moist meatloaf with a cheesy top. It is weeknight friendly, taking only 10 minutes to prep. Make it with ground turkey or ground beef for a gluten-free, high-protein dinner! It can be made as a freezer meal and leftovers heat up well.
This easy dinner combines delicious Mexican flavors into a moist meatloaf with a cheesy top. It is weeknight friendly, taking only 10 minutes to prep. Make it with ground turkey or ground beef for a gluten-free, high-protein dinner! It can be made as a freezer meal and leftovers heat up well.
- 4 eggs
- 2 lbs hamburger no more than 12% fat or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped onions - optional
- 1 chopped bell pepper (your favorite color or 4 chop
- 2 packages of taco seasoning (or what you usually use for 2
- 2 cups of cookedmexican or white rice (not packed into t
- 3/4 cup salsa (i used pace brand)
- 1-2 cups shredded mexican cheese blend (or whatev
- Carbohydrate 2.933875 g
- Cholesterol 2.45 mg
- Fat 0.539 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 2.027375 g
- Saturated Fat 0.33565 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (175g)
- Sodium 64.3125 mg
- Sugar 2.933875 g
- Trans Fat 0.0275625 g
- Calories 24 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a loaf pan (9.25x5.25x2.75) with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Crumble the beef into a bowl. Add onion, pepper, taco seasoning, rice, and eggs.
- If desired, use food service gloves or spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray. Use your hands to mix the contents of the bowl just until combined but do not overmix or mash.
- Put the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing slightly to make the loaf flat on top. Spread the salsa over the top and bake in a preheated oven until it has reached 160 F, about 40-60 minutes.
- Scatter the cheese over the top and melt/brown the cheese under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite taco toppings: additional Mexican rice, flour or corn tortillas, chips, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, onions, tomatoes, olives, lettuce.
My Weeknight Mexican Meatloaf Miracle
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like climbing Mount Everest. But let me tell you, this Mexican Meatloaf recipe is my secret weapon. It’s so simple, so flavorful, and so satisfying that even my picky eaters clean their plates. And the best part? It takes just 10 minutes to prep! I can get that done even on my busiest days before heading off to work.
Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. This recipe is all about efficiency. I usually prep the meatloaf in the morning before work, stick it in the fridge, and then it's ready to go in the oven when I get home. It's incredibly versatile too. Sometimes, I use ground turkey for a leaner option, other times I opt for ground beef for a richer flavour. Both work perfectly. The taco seasoning is where you can really have some fun, experimenting with different blends and adding your own special touches. Don't be afraid to get creative!
The beauty of this dish extends beyond the ease of preparation. It’s also a fantastic freezer meal. I often make a double batch, storing one loaf for a quick dinner later in the week. The leftovers heat up beautifully. I’ll often slice some for my lunch the next day – it’s packed with protein and keeps me full and energized throughout my workday. And the cheesy, spicy topping? Pure heaven! The kids go crazy for it. It's the perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy, with a delicious cheesy melt.
Serving suggestions are endless, making it the ideal family meal. We love it with all the classic taco toppings: a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh onions and cilantro, some crunchy tortilla chips, and a side of our favourite guacamole. It’s a fiesta of flavours that everyone can enjoy. Even my husband, who’s usually a meatloaf skeptic, is a huge fan of this recipe. It's one of those meals where the entire family actually looks forward to dinner time.
This Mexican Meatloaf is more than just a dinner; it's a time-saver, a flavour-booster, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's my go-to recipe when I need a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that's quick to prepare and even quicker to clean up. So, give it a try, and let me know what you think. It just might become your new weeknight favourite, too!
Tips and Variations:
For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
Add some veggies: Finely diced zucchini or mushrooms add extra flavor and nutrients to the meatloaf.
Make it a casserole: Instead of using a loaf pan, bake the mixture in a larger, shallower baking dish for a casserole-style meal.
Customize your toppings: Get creative with your taco toppings! Try different cheeses, salsas, or even a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce.
Serve it with a side salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the meatloaf and adds a refreshing touch.
Meal prepping made easy: Prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Leftovers are a winner: This meatloaf tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Perfect for meal prepping or a quick and easy lunch.
