Delicious and Easy Mexican Meatloaf Recipe
Do you ever find yourself craving savory, comforting meatloaf but wanting to spice things up a bit? Well, have no fear, because I have the perfect solution: Mexican Meatloaf! This recipe combines all the classic ingredients of traditional meatloaf with the bold and flavorful spices of Mexican cuisine.
With this recipe, you’ll get the hearty and filling qualities of a classic meatloaf with the added excitement of spiced ground beef, salsa, and taco seasoning. It’s a surefire way to satisfy both your comfort food cravings and taste buds.
But don’t let the word “Mexican” fool you; this recipe is simple and easy to make in just a few steps. Plus, it uses standard ingredients that can be found at any grocery store.
So why not bring some excitement to your usual dinner routine with this easy and delicious Mexican Meatloaf recipe? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever had a meatloaf that’s so boring and bland, you wished you could have ordered takeout instead? Well, with this Mexican Meatloaf recipe, you’ll never have to worry about that again.
Let me tell you why you’ll love it. First of all, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, pork, and taco seasoning makes for an absolutely mouthwatering taste that will leave you wanting more. Plus, the addition of diced tomatoes with green chilies gives it a nice kick of heat without being overwhelming.
Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to make. No need to stress over complicated techniques or ingredients – everything in this recipe can be found at your local grocery store. All you need is a large bowl and your hands – yes, it’s that simple.
And don’t even get me started on the leftovers. This Mexican Meatloaf is just as delicious the next day (if not better), making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
So if you’re looking for a way to spice up your usual meatloaf routine, give this recipe a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to cook up some Mexican magic!
Ingredients 1:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
- 1 ½ cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1 jar of tomato paste
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients 2:
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups salsa
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped finely
For the meatloaf, you’ll need a mix of ground beef and pork. The pork will add extra flavor and make the meatloaf juicy. Be sure to use lean mince as this will help prevent the meatloaf from being too greasy. In addition to these meats, you’ll need beaten eggs, finely diced onions and garlic.
You’ll also need some key Mexican ingredients like crushed tortilla chips, tomato paste, taco seasoning mix, salt and black pepper. These ingredients will give it a distinct Mexican flair!
To make things cheesy and saucy, you’ll need shredded cheddar cheese, your favorite salsa, milk, ground cumin and taco seasoning. Make sure to have some fresh flat leaf parsley on hand to garnish your masterpiece!
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Mexican Meatloaf
Welcome to the fun part of this recipe: putting all the ingredients together. It’s quick and easy, I promise. Just follow my spicy lead and you will be good to go.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). This may seem like an obvious step but trust me, it’s crucial to get a perfect meatloaf.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and mix together 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 packet of Taco seasoning, 2 beaten eggs and 1 ½ cups of crushed tortilla chips.
Pro Tip: Crush the tortilla chips in a Ziploc bag using a rolling pin. It’s an excellent way for relieving stress and getting out any pent-up frustration.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste Mixture
In another bowl, mix together 1 can of Rotel tomatoes (drained), 2 tbsp of tomato paste, and 2 tbsp of salsa. Now it’s time to add this mixture into the beef mixture that you made earlier.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients Well
It’s time for your arm workout! Use your clean hands to combine all ingredients well until they are fully blended. Make sure that there are no lumps or dry bits left in the mixture.
Step 5: Shape into Loaves
Okay, so you have mixed up all the ingredients beautifully. Now shape the mixture into two separate meatloaves on a baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Pro-Tip: For best results, create small cavities in each meatloaf, which will help cook them evenly throughout.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Finally, press some shredded cheddar cheese on top of each loaf — this will make sure you get that perfect cheesy crust while adding some extra flavor to the recipe.
Once both loaves are ready with cheese toppings, place them in the oven for around 50 minutes or until they are cooked thoroughly.
There you have it–an irresistible Mexican Meatloaf which is quick and totally easy to make!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s get creative with this Mexican meatloaf recipe! One of the best things about cooking is experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, so feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
– Ground turkey meatloaf: Swap out the ground beef for lean ground turkey to make a healthier version of this classic dish.
– Cheese stuffed meatloaf: For a cheesy twist, make two thin meatloaf patties and sandwich them together with shredded cheddar cheese in the middle.
– Low carb meatloaf: Replace the breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb version.
– Salsa meatloaf: Instead of using tomato paste and Rotel tomatoes, mix in your favorite salsa for added spice and flavor.
– Meatloaf tacos: Skip the slices and use this Mexican-style meatloaf as filling for your favorite tacos or burritos.
Just remember that any changes you make could affect the final result, so be sure to keep an eye on cooking times and temperatures. And don’t be afraid to get creative – who knows, you may just discover a new favorite recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have a spicy and juicy Mexican meatloaf, it’s time to start thinking about what you could serve alongside this hearty and flavorful dish.
If you are looking for a classic option, consider pairing it with some creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. These comforting options help to balance out the zestiness of the meatloaf and offer a contrast in texture.
For those who want to stay within the Mexican theme, why not try adding some refried beans, cornbread, or even a side salad with avocado and tomatoes? These fresh and vibrant options complement the flavors of the meatloaf beautifully.
If you want to go even further, adding some homemade salsa, guacamole or sour cream can take it to the next level! These elements help bring out the boldness of the flavors and provide an added layer of creaminess, spice or tanginess that is sure to please your palate.
Feeling adventurous? How about transforming those leftovers into a delicious breakfast burrito by wrapping slices of your leftover meatloaf into a tortilla along with some scrambled eggs and other toppings like cheese, salsa and jalapeño peppers for an exciting spin on breakfast?
No matter how you choose to serve up this easy Mexican meatloaf recipe, there’s no denying that its intense flavor profile elevates any meal that it’s served alongside.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up, folks. This Mexican Meatloaf recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and you’ll want to make it ahead of time for sure. You can easily prepare this dish a day or two before the event and just bake it before your guests arrive. Trust me this meatloaf gets even better the following day as the flavors mix together and settle in.
If you have any leftovers or want to make extra meatloaf to save for later, don’t worry because this Mexican-style meatloaf is simple to store and reheat. Once it’s cooked, let your meatloaf cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing it so that it doesn’t crumble apart. If you’ve got room in your fridge, place the slices into an airtight container and store it there for up to four days.
Now, when the cravings hit, take that yummy container out and simply reheat by placing in a preheated oven, covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheated individual slices in the microwave until they’re hot.
Note that if you are using cheese as stuffing or topping, it will melt during reheating, so be prepared for some cheesy goodness dripping down your meatloaf slices. So go ahead and make extra meatloaf – leftovers like this are worth having!
Tips for Perfect Results
Before diving into baking the perfect Mexican meatloaf, let me share some tips to help you achieve a scrumptious and delicious outcome. With these tips, you’ll not only be able to put your own unique spin on this classic dish but also impress everyone with its taste.
1. Don’t Overwork the Meat:
One of the biggest mistakes people make when making meatloaf is overworking the meat. Using hands or mixing too much can result in an overly dense and tough meatloaf. To avoid this, use a fork or spatula instead of your hands while mixing.
2. Use the Right Mixture of Ground Beef:
For the best texture and flavor, use a combination of ground beef plus ground pork or turkey. This also increases the overall juiciness of the meatloaf and prevents it from being too dry.
3. Add Some Tangy Salsa:
Mexican meatloaf by definition already has a taco seasoning mix that brings some spices and heat to the dish! But if you want to take it up a notch, stir in some tangy salsa in the mixture, which adds more depth of flavor.
4. Let it Rest before Serving:
Allow your Mexican meatloaf to cool down for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving it up with your choice of sides. This helps to retain moisture within the meat, ensuring all juices are perfectly distributed throughout for extra yumminess!
5. Don’t Skip the Toppings:
Another thing that makes Mexican cuisine unique is its exciting toppings! Go for a generous amount of cheddar cheese on top, diced tomatoes or even sour cream to add extra pizzazz to your Mexican meatloaf.
Follow these tips and enjoy making an unforgettable Mexican-style meal that tastes as wonderful as it looks on your plate!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this Mexican Meatloaf recipe, let me share with you some frequently asked questions about this dish. In this section, I’ll address some common concerns and inquiries that you may have in mind. So, hold on for a moment and keep reading. It’s essential to have everything covered, so you can make your Mexican Meatloaf with confidence and without any hesitation.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
When it comes to cooking meat, it’s important to keep in mind the importance of moisture. Incorporating wet ingredients such as eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce in your recipe can enhance the flavor and texture of the meat while also keeping it juicy. Don’t make the mistake of skipping these key ingredients. Think of them as your secret tools for creating a mouth-watering and succulent dish.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
Ever wondered why your meatloaf crumbles and falls apart when you cut into it? Well, it’s likely that your recipe doesn’t have enough binding agents to hold the meat together. Eggs and breadcrumbs serve as the glue that binds the meat mixture and keeps it intact while it cooks. So, if you want a meatloaf that stays together and comes out perfectly sliced, be sure to include these essential ingredients.
Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
To enhance the moisture level in meatloaf, most recipes call for the addition of milk, which serves the purpose of soaking the bread crumbs. However, if you prefer not to use milk, there are alternatives available that include low sodium beef or chicken stock, water, or non-dairy milk substitutes.
What is traditional meatloaf made of?
Meatloaf is a common dish that is usually made with ground beef. However, there is a meatloaf mix available in some supermarkets that contains a combination of ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal in equal parts. The ground meat is typically mixed with aromatics like onion and occasionally garlic, as well as binders such as beaten eggs and breadcrumbs soaked in milk. This mixture forms the base of the dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this simple Mexican meatloaf recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some Mexican flavors to their meals. With its easy-to-follow instructions and versatile ingredient list, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. The combination of beef, spices, and tortilla chips creates a flavorful, juicy meatloaf that can be served with your choice of sides.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is the variety of substitutions and variations available. You can switch out the ground beef for turkey, pork or even make it low carb by using ground cauliflower instead of meat. You can also adjust the spiciness level depending on your taste by adding more or less taco seasoning and salsa.
Moreover, this Mexican meatloaf recipe can be made ahead of time, stored and reheated easily without losing its texture and flavor. And when it comes to serving and pairing it with sides, there are many options such as roasted vegetables, salads or Spanish rice.
Finally, I hope this recipe has inspired you to experiment with different ingredients and flex your culinary muscles. With a little creativity and imagination, you can make many delicious variations of the classic meatloaf suitable for different occasions and tastes.
So go ahead, try out this recipe yourself and experience the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine in the comfort of your own home!
Simple Mexican Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 1/4 cup milk
- 400 g pork mince
- 400 g beef mince
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 cup salsa (your choice, mild, medium or hot)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 180°C.
- Spray a meat loaf tin with oil spray to grease.
- Roughly tear bread up and place in a large bowl and add the milk. Leave for a couple of minutes.
- Add beef and pork mince, onion, cumin, eggs, olives, parsley and 1/2 cup salsa.
- Mix with your hands until well combined.
- Place mixture into meat loaf tin and pan down. Spoon the rest of the salsa over the top.
- Bake in oven for 1 hour or until firm in the centre.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.