Description
This Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf combines spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon with classic meatloaf flavors for a bold, flavorful twist on a family favorite. It’s juicy, cheesy, and perfect for dinner with a little kick!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or half beef and half pork)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Cook Bacon & Jalapeños: In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the bacon fat, sauté jalapeños and onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked bacon, sautéed jalapeños and onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Form and Bake: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet. Spread extra barbecue sauce on top.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a dash of liquid smoke. Adjust jalapeño quantity to control the heat level. Leftovers make great sandwiches!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: jalapeño popper meatloaf, smoky meatloaf, spicy comfort food