Description
A flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf, featuring a spicy jalapeño popper filling and topped with creamy queso.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for milder heat)
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 jalapeños, chopped
- 1 cup prepared queso (or homemade cheese sauce)
- Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Diced cheddar cheese cubes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, cheddar, and diced jalapeños. Mix gently until combined.
- In another bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, pepper jack, and chopped jalapeños until creamy.
- Divide meat mixture in half. Press half into the bottom of the loaf pan. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over it. Top with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges well.
- Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle warm queso over the meatloaf. Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices, cheddar cubes, and chopped parsley/cilantro.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to maintain its shape.
- Feel free to customize the cheese types in the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg