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Mexican Taco Meatloaf Recipe

Mexican Taco Meatloaf Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy Mexican Taco Meatloaf brings zesty southwest flavors directly to your dinner table, blending classic comfort with bold, authentic seasonings. Hearty beef mixed with traditional taco spices creates a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Base:

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80-85% lean)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.5 cup salsa
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
  • 0.5 cup corn kernels
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Topping:

  • 0.5 cup salsa
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado slices
  • Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a loaf pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
  2. Mix ground beef with crushed tortilla chips in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Incorporate egg, taco seasoning, and salsa into the meat mixture, blending thoroughly with a fork or hands.
  4. Fold in diced onions and bell peppers, creating a uniform texture throughout the mixture.
  5. Gently integrate shredded cheese, being careful not to overmix and compress the meat.
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan, shaping it into a compact loaf with gentle pressure.
  7. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
  9. Slice and serve with optional garnishes like additional salsa or a dollop of sour cream for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that still packs tons of flavor.
  • Customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning and salsa to match your taste preferences.
  • Crush gluten-free tortilla chips as a replacement for breadcrumbs to make the recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance meal prep by preparing the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, which helps develop deeper flavor profiles and saves cooking time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg