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Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf

Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf: Comfort Food with a Kick

This Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf combines traditional heartiness with a bold Tex-Mex twist.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can be replaced with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 lb Ground Pork Can omit or increase beef for personal preference.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variation.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Unsweetened almond milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 large Egg Flax eggs can substitute for an egg in a vegan version.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic is an alternative for a stronger flavor.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Chopped fresh onions can also be used.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can replace it for less heat.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Pepper jack cheese can swap for added heat.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Diced Jalapeños Adjust quantity based on desired spice level; fresh or pickled can be used.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro optional
  • 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce for topping
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • loaf pan
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork thoroughly until evenly blended.
  2. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing gently.
  3. In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet or loaf pan by lightly greasing it.
  5. Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of your greased loaf pan evenly.
  6. Carefully place the remaining meat mixture over the cheese layer, sealing the edges by pressing down gently.
  7. Brush the top of the meatloaf generously with barbecue sauce.
  8. Place the prepared loaf pan into your preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour.
  9. Once out of the oven, allow your meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 540mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack, for added heat.

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