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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, divided - 1/2 cup jalapeños, chopped - 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 You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. This change keeps the dish light and healthy. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a vegan twist, try plant-based cream cheese and flax eggs. These substitutes work well and keep the flavor alive. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even cooking. 2. Grease a standard loaf pan. Use cooking spray or butter to ensure the meatloaf won't stick. A well-greased pan makes serving easier. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the base ingredients. Mix together 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup softened cream cheese. Stir until everything blends well. 4. Incorporate flavor ingredients. Add in 1/2 cup chopped jalapeños, 1 small chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix gently. Be careful not to overwork the meat. This keeps it tender. 1. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a uniform loaf with clean hands. Make the top smooth for even cooking. 2. Spread ketchup over the top. Use 1/2 cup ketchup to create a tasty glaze on the meatloaf. 3. Top with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the ketchup. This creates a delicious, cheesy crust. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness when the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). 5. Let it rest after baking. Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes in the pan. This helps keep it moist and makes slicing easier. To avoid dry meatloaf, mix the ingredients gently. Overworking the meat can lead to a tough texture. Make sure to include enough moisture-rich ingredients like cream cheese and chopped jalapeños. These add flavor and keep the meatloaf moist. Resting the meatloaf after baking is key. Let it sit for about 10 minutes in the pan. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slicing too soon can lead to a dry loaf. Give it time to relax before serving. For a fun and creative serving idea, slice the meatloaf and arrange the pieces on a lovely platter. Drizzle extra ketchup or a spicy sauce over the slices for flair. This adds a pop of color and taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or jalapeño slices. This not only looks great but also adds a fresh touch. Your Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf will be eye-catching and delicious! Pro Tips Choose the Right Peppers: Depending on your heat preference, use fresh jalapeños for a vibrant kick or pickled jalapeños for a milder, tangy flavor. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf. Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a moister slice. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix in different cheeses such as pepper jack or mozzarella for added flavor and creaminess. {{image_4}} You can take Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf to the next level with simple tweaks. - Spices and Cheese: Try adding spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick. You can also mix in different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy twist. - Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. These veggies keep the meatloaf moist while adding vibrant flavors and colors. Adjustments make this dish fit your needs. - Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: To make a low-carb version, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or ground pork rinds. This change keeps the meatloaf tasty and within your carb limits. - Gluten-Free Adaptations: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats to ensure everyone can enjoy this dish. You can even make a version with no breadcrumbs at all by using extra veggies to bind the mixture. These variations let you customize Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients! To store your Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf, let it cool first. Cutting warm meatloaf leads to sogginess. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, keep the texture and flavor in mind. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Check if it’s heated through with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you’re in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, around 1 minute at a time. Make sure to cover it to avoid drying out. You can serve Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they pair well with meatloaf. - Green beans: Steamed or sautéed, they add a fresh crunch. - Corn on the cob: Sweet and juicy corn balances the heat. - Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy slaw adds a nice contrast. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers bring color and flavor. Yes, you can prepare this meatloaf ahead of time! Here’s how: - Mix the ingredients: You can combine everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Freezing: Shape the meatloaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. - Baking: If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Add extra time to cook if baking from frozen. To ensure your meatloaf is cooked perfectly, check these cues: - Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 160°F (70°C). - Visual cues: The meatloaf should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside. - Juices: When you cut into it, the juices should run clear, not pink. This blog post covers everything about making Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf. We discussed the key ingredients, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. You learned tips to keep your meatloaf moist and flavorful, creative presentation ideas, and variation options to suit different diets. Lastly, we shared storage methods and reheating tips to enjoy leftovers. Making this meatloaf offers tasty fun and flexibility. You'll impress friends and family with this dish. Now, it’s time to make it your own!

Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf

A delicious meatloaf infused with the flavors of jalapeño poppers, featuring ground beef, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
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
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 0.5 cup jalapeños, chopped
  • 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). Grease a standard loaf pan generously to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and softened cream cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Add in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Gently mix until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat mixture.
  • Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan. With clean hands, shape it into a uniform loaf, smoothing the top for an even cooking surface.
  • Carefully spread the ketchup evenly over the top to create a flavorful glaze.
  • Top the ketchup layer with the remaining cheddar cheese, ensuring it covers the surface for a cheesy crust.
  • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  • Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Notes

For an eye-catching serving, drizzle with additional ketchup or a spicy sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or slices of jalapeños.
Keyword comfort food, jalapeño poppers, meatloaf