Description
A flavorful meatloaf filled with creamy jalapeño and cheese, topped with melted cheese and fresh jalapeños.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (or pepper jack for extra heat)
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack (for topping)
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (for topping)
- ½ cup diced roasted bell peppers (or pickled peppers, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter (for optional cheese sauce)
- 2 tbsp flour (for optional cheese sauce)
- 1 cup milk (for optional cheese sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (for optional cheese sauce)
- Pinch of smoked paprika (for optional cheese sauce)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapeños until creamy. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, carrot, garlic, eggs, milk, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
- On a parchment-lined surface, flatten half the meat mixture into a rectangle.
- Spread the jalapeño-cream cheese filling in the center.
- Place the remaining meat mixture on top, sealing edges well to enclose the filling.
- Transfer to a greased loaf pan or shape free-form on a baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices and diced roasted peppers.
- For optional cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and smoked paprika until melted. Drizzle over the meatloaf before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier meatloaf, leave the seeds in the jalapeños.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg