This Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! Packed with spicy jalapeños and creamy cheese, it adds a flavorful kick to your dinner table.
Honestly, who knew meatloaf could be this exciting? I love how the cheesy center melts right in, making every bite super tasty and completely irresistible!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 85% lean ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work too, but they might be a bit drier.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor while mozzarella adds creaminess. You can swap them for pepper jack if you want more heat or use vegan cheese alternatives for a dairy-free option.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring heat and flavor. If you prefer milder heat, use bell peppers instead or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of spice without the chunks.
Bacon: Adding bacon on top not only looks great but also adds extra flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use turkey bacon or omit it entirely and drizzle some BBQ sauce before baking.
How Do I Keep My Meatloaf Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping meatloaf moist can sometimes be tricky, but there are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Mix ingredients just until combined; overmixing can make it tough.
- Include ingredients like cream cheese and green onions, which add moisture and flavor.
- Use a mix of lean and slightly fatty meat for better texture.
- Make sure to let it rest after baking; this helps redistributes the juices.
Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and diced (plus 2-3 slices for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bacon
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 60-75 minutes to bake. Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Total time is around 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish, but the result is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Prepare the Jalapeño Filling:
In a separate small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the diced jalapeños. This creamy mixture will add a lovely spice to the middle of your meatloaf.
4. Assemble the Meatloaf:
Shape about half of the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Take the jalapeño and cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the first meat layer. Then, take the remaining meat mixture and place it on top, sealing the creamy filling inside.
5. Top with Bacon:
Now comes the best part! Lay the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping them. This will give your meatloaf a tasty bacon topping as it cooks.
6. Bake:
Pop the meatloaf in the oven and bake uncovered for about 60 to 75 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once it’s fully cooked, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps to keep it juicy when you slice it. After resting, garnish with fresh jalapeño slices and parsley if you’d like, then slice it up and enjoy!
Your Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is now ready to impress family and friends with its cheesy, spicy goodness! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef to make the meatloaf leaner! Just keep in mind that turkey may result in a slightly drier texture, so consider adding a little extra moist ingredient, like an additional egg or some diced vegetables.
How Can I Make This Meatloaf Spicier?
If you want to turn up the heat, try leaving some seeds in the jalapeños or adding extra diced jalapeños. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes or use spicy pepper jack cheese as a substitute for the cheddar or mozzarella!
Can I Make This in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or slice and warm it in the oven at a low temperature for delicious results!