This Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is a fun twist on the classic dish! It’s packed with creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños, bringing a zesty kick to every bite.
Who knew meatloaf could be this exciting? I love serving it with a side of mashed potatoes. Trust me, you won’t want to share this one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 85% lean ground beef gives great flavor while still being juicy. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work, but they might need a bit of added fat to keep the meatloaf moist.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a nice light texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but you may want to reduce the amount slightly.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add lovely heat and flavor. If you’re looking for less spice, bell peppers or Anaheim peppers are good substitutes. For more heat, try adding a bit of finely chopped habanero!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess inside the meatloaf. If you want a lighter option, try ricotta or cottage cheese instead and blend them until smooth.
Bacon: Bacon adds great flavor and crispness. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, but it may not crisp up as well. Alternatively, you can leave it out altogether for a lower-fat version!
How Do I Ensure My Meatloaf Stays Moist?
Keeping meatloaf moist can be a challenge, but with a few tips, you can make it juicy every time! Firstly, don’t overmix your ingredients—it can make the meat tough. Secondly, using breadcrumbs soaked in milk gives moisture and lightness.
- Use a mix of lean meat and fat to keep it tender and juicy.
- A layer of cream cheese adds moisture right at the center!
- Let it rest after baking, allowing juices to redistribute, leading to a nicely moist slice.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 8 slices bacon
- Extra cheddar cheese slices (for topping)
- 1-2 sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)
- BBQ sauce or ketchup (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf takes about 20 minutes to prepare and approximately 50-60 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes for resting after baking. In total, expect to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can dig in. Easy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Loaf Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a loaf pan or prepare a baking sheet where you’ll shape the meatloaf.
2. Soaking the Breadcrumbs:
In a large bowl, take the panko breadcrumbs and soak them in milk. Let them sit for about 5 minutes until they’ve absorbed the milk. This will help keep the meatloaf moist and fluffy.
3. Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients:
Add ground beef, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, chopped jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and parsley to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix everything together gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Creating the Meatloaf Layers:
Divide the mixture into two equal parts. Press one part into the bottom of your loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet. This will be the bottom layer.
5. Adding the Cream Cheese:
Spread the cream cheese evenly over the meat layer, leaving about half an inch of space at the edges to prevent any spill out. Then, cover it with the remaining meat mixture, pressing down gently to make sure the cream cheese is sealed inside.
6. Wrapping with Bacon:
Layer the slices of bacon over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping them to ensure good coverage. This will provide fantastic flavor and a crispy texture when baked.
7. Toppings and Baking:
Place extra cheddar cheese slices on top of the bacon layer, if using. Then bake your meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
8. Optional Glazing:
During the last 10 minutes of baking, you can drizzle BBQ sauce or ketchup on top, if you like a sweet and tangy finishing touch.
9. Letting it Rest:
Once baked, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for neater slices.
10. Serving it Up:
Garnish with sliced jalapeños on top for an added kick, if you wish. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf as a hearty meal!
This meatloaf features a rich creamy center with spicy jalapeño bites, all wrapped in juicy beef and crispy bacon. A comforting dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just be sure to add a bit of extra moisture, like an additional egg or a little olive oil, to keep the meatloaf juicy since turkey can dry out faster.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice it and warm it gently in the microwave or in the oven, covered with foil, to prevent drying out.
Can I Freeze This Meatloaf?
Yes! To freeze, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness?
If you prefer a milder meatloaf, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños or substitute them with bell peppers. For a spicier kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicier peppers like serranos!
