This Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf combines juicy meatloaf with spicy jalapeños and creamy cheese. It’s like your favorite appetizer and comfort food got together for dinner!
The best part? You get a delicious kick with every bite. I love serving it with a side of mashed potatoes to soak up all that yummy flavor. Trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. I like using lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and health. If you prefer a mix of meats, ground turkey works well too.
Ground Pork: Optional, but it adds extra juiciness. If you want a leaner option, you can skip it or substitute with more beef or turkey.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor. You could use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy twist if you like more heat.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring flavor and spice. If you want less heat, you can use mild peppers like banana peppers or omit the seeds to tone it down.
Bacon: Adds crispy texture and flavor. For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or skip the bacon entirely if you’re looking for a lower-fat dish.
How Do You Form the Meatloaf with the Cheese Filling?
Shaping the meatloaf correctly is crucial for keeping the cheesy filling contained. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start by mixing your meat and seasoning well, but don’t over-mix it. This keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Once you’re ready, take half of the meat mixture and shape it into a rectangle on parchment paper.
- Spread the cheese mixture on top, leaving a small border around the edges. This prevents it from leaking out.
- Carefully place the remaining meat on top and seal the edges by gently pressing them together.
This approach helps keep your cheesy center intact and results in a deliciously cheesy bite every time! Happy cooking!
Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional for extra juiciness)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3-4 jalapeños, seeded and diced (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (reserve some for garnish)
For Topping:
- 8 slices bacon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: slices of fresh jalapeño for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 60-70 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. After baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup later on!
2. Mixing the Meat Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if you’re using it), bread crumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined. Don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf nice and tender!
3. Preparing the Cheese Filling:
In a separate small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and chopped green onions. This yummy filling is what makes the meatloaf special!
4. Shaping the Meatloaf:
On a piece of parchment paper or foil, shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf form, approximately 9×5 inches in size. This will be your base layer.
5. Adding the Cheese Filling:
Spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture evenly on top of the meatloaf base layer. This is where all that creamy goodness goes!
6. Completing the Loaf:
Carefully top the cheese layer with the remaining meat mixture, ensuring to seal the edges well so the cheesy filling doesn’t ooze out during baking.
7. Bacon Time!
Place the bacon slices on top of the formed meatloaf, slightly overlapping them to cover the entire surface. This will give you a delicious, crispy topping!
8. Baking the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meatloaf to your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C), and the bacon looks crispy.
9. Resting and Serving:
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. This resting time helps keep it juicy!
10. Garnishing:
Garnish your meatloaf with additional sliced jalapeños and chopped green onions or fresh parsley if you like. It makes it look as good as it tastes!
11. Enjoy!
Serve warm with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides. You’re in for a treat with this cheesy, spicy meatloaf!
This Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy every juicy bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option! Just be mindful that turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to increase the cream cheese or add a bit more milk to keep it moist.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder meatloaf, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds, which are where most of the heat resides. Alternatively, you can also use milder peppers like bell peppers for flavor without the heat.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and fill it with the cheese filling a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake it straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the overall baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist if needed.