Description
Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is a bold twist on a classic comfort food, combining the smoky heat of jalapeños, creamy indulgence of cheddar and cream cheese, and the savory crunch of bacon. Topped with a velvety ranch drizzle, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It’s the ultimate blend of tradition and innovation, making every bite a flavorful journey.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup ranch dressing (for drizzle)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, jalapeños, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
2️⃣ Form & Bake: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
3️⃣ Ranch Drizzle: Warm up the ranch dressing slightly for easier pouring. Drizzle over individual slices of meatloaf just before serving.
Notes
- 🌶️ Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder flavor or leave them in for extra heat.
- 🧀 Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- 🍞 Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture, or panko as a substitute.
- 🍽️ For a surprise, try adding a mozzarella center to the meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf, jalapeño meatloaf recipe, cheesy meatloaf, bacon meatloaf recipe, comfort food with a twist