Mexican Meatloaf
Mexican Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, incorporating vibrant Mexican spices and ingredients. This dish transforms the traditional meatloaf into a zesty and exciting meal that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, Mexican Meatloaf is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Vegetables
Start by finely chopping the onion and dicing the bell peppers. Mince the garlic and chop the cilantro. If you’re using jalapeños, slice them finely.
Combining the Meat and Spices
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, and cilantro. Sprinkle in the Mexican seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Making the Meatloaf Mixture
Adding Binders and Flavorings
Add the eggs, breadcrumbs, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture. Pour in half of the tomato sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
Mixing Everything Together
Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients, ensuring that the spices and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf
Forming the Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
Baking Instructions
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C).
Creating the Mexican Glaze
Ingredients for the Glaze
For the glaze, you’ll need the remaining tomato sauce, a tablespoon of brown sugar, and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Applying the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. After the meatloaf has baked for 45 minutes, spread the glaze over the top and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes to Complement Mexican Meatloaf
Serve Mexican Meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a Mexican twist, consider sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a corn salad.
Presentation Tips
Garnish the meatloaf with additional chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for a burst of color and flavor. Serve in thick slices for a hearty presentation.
Tips for the Perfect Mexican Meatloaf
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: This can make the meatloaf tough. Mix just until combined.
- Underseasoning: Be generous with the spices for a robust flavor.
Pro Tips for Extra Flavor
- Add Corn or Black Beans: For extra texture and flavor, mix in some canned corn or black beans.
- Use Pepper Jack Cheese: For a spicier kick, substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
Healthier Alternatives
Using Lean Meats or Plant-Based Alternatives
Opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatloaf. Plant-based ground meat can also be used for a vegetarian version.
Reducing the Sodium Content
Use low-sodium tomato sauce and reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. Fresh herbs and spices can enhance flavor without added sodium.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper Storage Methods
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual slices for up to 3 months.
Best Ways to Reheat
Reheat slices in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Mexican Meatloaf
Mexican Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, incorporating vibrant Mexican spices and ingredients. This dish transforms the traditional meatloaf into a zesty and exciting meal that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, Mexican Meatloaf is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb chorizo sausage, casing removed
- ¾ cup finely chopped onions
- ¾ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chile powder
- Chipotle Glaze Ingredients
- ¼ cup chopped chiles in adobo sauce
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon diced fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- In a large bowl mix together meatloaf ingredients and work mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and form into a rectangular loaf.
- In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredient and spread this over the meatloaf. Reserve any remaining glaze.
- Bake the meat loaf until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 160ºF, about 45 minutese.
- Use a large spatula to carefully transfer the meat loaf to a serving platter and serve with any remaining glaze on the side.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350