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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup jalapeños, chopped (fresh or pickled) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping) Gather these ingredients to create a spicy and cheesy meatloaf. The ground beef forms the base. Breadcrumbs give it texture, while eggs hold it all together. Cream cheese adds creaminess, making every bite rich. To enhance flavor, mix in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños. Use fresh or pickled jalapeños based on your taste. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic add depth. They bring out savory flavors and aromas as they cook. For seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika bring the dish together. Worcestershire sauce adds umami, while smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Ketchup tops off the meatloaf, creating a sweet and tangy glaze. This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful dinner delight. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every slice! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. - In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup cream cheese. - Add half of the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped jalapeños, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. - Mix until just combined. This step is key to a good texture, so avoid overmixing. - Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the greased loaf pan. - Shape it into a loaf with your hands. - Spread 1/2 cup ketchup evenly over the top. - Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the ketchup layer for a cheesy crust. - Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). - Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it moist and flavorful. Mixing the meatloaf just until combined is key. Overmixing makes the meatloaf dense and tough. Use your hands or a spatula to mix gently. You want a good blend of flavors without breaking down the meat too much. Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is vital. This step keeps the juices inside, making each bite tender. After baking, allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. This wait is worth it. You will enjoy a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Serve the meatloaf slices on a nice platter. Drizzle with extra ketchup or a spicy sauce for a fun touch. Add fresh parsley or sliced jalapeños for color. This simple garnish makes the dish look inviting and appetizing. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in your meatloaf, ensuring a healthier dish. Add Extra Flavor: For added depth, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or spices like cayenne pepper to your meat mixture. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking. This helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier. Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with different toppings, like barbecue sauce or a cheese blend, for unique flavor variations. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Turkey or chicken work great. They keep the loaf light and tasty. If you want a meat-free meal, use plant-based ground meat. It gives a nice texture. Adjust the cook time slightly, as these meats can cook faster. Want more heat? Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh jalapeños give a fresh kick. Pickled jalapeños add tang and flavor. Use your taste buds to find the right level. Start with a little, then add more if needed. Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. You can try different cheeses for fun. Pepper jack adds spice, while mozzarella gives a mild taste. Gouda or feta can also work well. Each cheese changes the flavor profile. Experiment to find your favorite mix! To keep your jalapeño popper meatloaf fresh, refrigerate leftovers. Allow the meatloaf to cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, you can slice and enjoy it cold or warm. If you want to save your meatloaf for a longer time, try freezing it. First, let the meatloaf cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your meatloaf, you have a few options for the best taste. The oven is great for even heating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Slice the meatloaf and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, checking often. Enjoy your delicious meatloaf just like the first time! Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is a tasty twist on classic meatloaf. This dish combines ground beef with creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños. The main ingredients include: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping) The blend of flavors makes each bite exciting. The jalapeños add heat, while the cheeses give it a creamy texture. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Yes, you can make Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf ahead of time. This dish is great for meal prep. You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatloaf. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven. You can also freeze it. Wrap the uncooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can last in the freezer for about three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Green salad - Corn on the cob - Baked beans These sides complement the meatloaf's flavors and textures. They make your meal more balanced and satisfying. Enjoy mixing and matching your favorites! This article covered how to make a flavorful Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf. First, we looked at the main ingredients like beef, cheese, and jalapeños. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for mixing, shaping, and baking. You learned tips to keep the meatloaf moist and ideas for storage. Finally, we explored variations to suit your taste. Now you can enjoy a tasty dish that's sure to impress. Try it out, and enjoy each bite!

Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf

A delicious meatloaf infused with the flavors of jalapeño poppers, featuring a cheesy topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup jalapeños, chopped (fresh or pickled)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 cup ketchup (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, cream cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  • Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
  • Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the ketchup layer for a cheesy crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/70°C).
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help keep it moist.

Notes

Serve the meatloaf slices on a platter, drizzled with additional ketchup or a spicy sauce for an extra kick, and garnish with fresh parsley or sliced jalapeños for a pop of color.
Keyword cheesy, jalapeño poppers, meatloaf