Name: Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Ground Beef; 0.5 lbs Ground Pork; 1 cup Breadcrumbs; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 0.5 cup Taco Seasoning; 1 egg Egg

Okay, picture this: What’s It’s Tuesday night, everyone is tired, and the only thing that sounds remotely appealing is tacos. I know that sometimes you just need something a little more, you know? What is Cheese Stuffed Taco Meatloaf? It’s like a taco’s cooler, older sibling – all the savory, spicy goodness you crave, but baked into your favorite tortilla. What is a comforting cheese-filled loaf? My grandma used to make delicious meatloaf, and I wanted to put a fun spin on it. Think of it as a cross between your favorite taco casserole and an American meatloaf recipe. With a surprise cheesy center! Is this a game changer, and the best part is, it’s so easy to throw together, even on the couch? What are the busi

What is a cheese-stuffed taco meatloaf

Think of a classic meatloaf, but instead of the usual ketchup glaze, we’re talking bold tacos. What is ground beef? ) seasoned with all your favorite taco spices – chili powder, cumin, garlic, the works. What is the secret weapon? a molten core of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or whatever cheese your heart desires. What is meatloaf? Is it surprisingly easy to put together? You mix the seasoned meat, form it into a loaf, create sand for the cheese, and then bake. It until golden and bubbly. What are some of the best comfort foods to try? What are some of the best ways to incorporate your family This one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and trust me, the cheese pull is epic.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some of the best cheese-stuffed tacos I’ve ever had? First, the flavor is absolutely insane. What are some good taco seasonings for meatloaf? Is it savory, slightly spicy, and the cheese just takes it over the top? What I love about this is how simple it is. Is this one of those recipes you can throw together in under an hour, start to finish? What is the best way to spend a weeknight in the kitchen? What is cost? Ground beef is relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy it in bulk, and the other ingredients are relatively similar. What are pantry staples? Is it possible to feed a whole family on one budget? How do you add diced jalapenos to a salad? What are some of the best ways to toss leftover veggies in the fridge? I actually think it’s even better than plain old tacos sometimes because it’s all in one comforting dish. This one’s a winner, folks!

How do you make cheese-stuffed taco meatloaf?

Quick Overview

How do you make cheese-stuffed taco meatloaf? How do you mix ground beef with taco seasoning? What is a flavor What are some ways to form a loaf, make slivers, stuff them with cheese, and bake until golden brown. When the cheese is melted, it’s cooked through. Is it more complicated than it really is? What is the best part about the whole process? It only takes about an hour, making it perfect for a quick and easy cleaning. What are some easy weeknight dinner ideas What are the advantages of a baked taco? How do I make individual tacos

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf
* 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal, but you can also use ground turkey or a combination)
* 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning
* 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (gives it a great texture) *1 cup frozen tortillas (doesn’t hurt)
* 1/2 cup chopped onion (yellow or white works)
* 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (adds a nice crunch)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (fresh is best!)
* 1 egg, lightly beaten (helps bind everything together)
* 1/4 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it works great!)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste

What is the cheese filling?
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or a mix – whatever you like) .
* 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, but adds a nice creaminess)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a pretty standard temperature for meatloaf, and it ensures that the meat cooks evenly. Without drying out too much. While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use a little bit of butter. This step is super important because you don’t want your meatloaf sticking to the pan! I usually give it a good coating of spray and then line the bottom with parchment paper with sandpaper. What is the best way to remove a small overhang? How do you take it out of the pan?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine crushed tortilla chips, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and cumin. Mix well. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is evenly distributed. The tortilla chips add a nice texture and crunch even after baking. Make sure your chips are crushed pretty fine, otherwise, you might end up with some big chunks in your mouth. What is the best way to distribute the flavor of the meat mixture? I like to add a little bit of smoked paprika to this mix for extra depth.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the egg and milk. Whisk them together until they are well combined. I don’t want streaks of egg white in my skin. I want to get rid of it! What is the best way to keep meatloaf moist while baking? What are some ways to use buttermilk for a richer flavor? This step is pretty straightforward, but it’s important to make sure the egg and milk are fully cooked. Before adding the dry ingredients and the meat, they should be incorporated. Should the texture be uniformly liquid?

Step 4: Combine

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, then add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and salt. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. How do I make meatloaf tough? You want everything to be evenly distributed, but don’t work the mixture too much. This is crucial for a tender meatloaf. I usually use my hands for this part because it’s the easiest way to make sure everything is mixed. How do I do it properly without overdoing If you prefer, you can use a large spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheese and sour cream. Mix well. The sour cream is optional, but it adds a nice creaminess to the cheese filling. What are some good ways to add chopped jalapeno to your meal? What is flavor and texture? Just make sure the filling is well mixed so you have a consistent cheesy layer. What’s a meatloaf experience like?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do you spread half of the meat mixture into a loaf pan? How do I make a well in the center of the meat? What is the best way to make Where does the cheese filling go? If you have a large cheese filling, pour it into tupperware and pour over the top. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Top with remaining meat mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges. I like to make sure the cheese is completely covered with meat so it doesn’t burn during baking. What’s the best way to smooth out the top of a meatloaf?

Step 7: Bake

Is it safe to bake meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes? Internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of meat. When pierced with a fork, the meatloaf should be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear. I usually start checking the temperature after about 50 minutes to make sure it doesn’t overcook. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the meatloaf cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the meatloaf from falling apart. I know it’s tempting to slice it right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait! How do you remove meatloaf from pan? Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it. What is the use of parchment paper overhang?

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf into thick slices and serve warm. Garnish with extra cilantro, sour cream, or your favorite taco toppings. This meatloaf is delicious served with rice, beans, salad, or your favorite sides. It’s also great as leftovers the next day! The possibilities are endless!

What should I serve it with?

What is a cheese-stuffed taco meatloaf? What are some good side dishes to serve as a main course? For a classic taco night feel, serve it with some Mexican rice and refried beans. A side of salsa, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro complete the meal. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple salad with lime vinaigrette is great option. The acidity of lime cuts through the richness of the meatloaf perfectly. My family loves it with a side of roasted corn on the cob. What are some good taco toppings? What are tomatoes and guacam

For a casual dinner:What are some good ways to use leftover cheese for coleslaw? The sweetness of the coleslaw complements the savory meatloaf perfectly.

For a potluck: This meatloaf is a showstopper! Bring it to your next potluck with a side of cheesy potatoes or a vibrant quinoa salad. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

As a lunch:What are some of the best taco meatloaf sandwiches? What are some good toppings for a sandwich? What is a satisfying

How do I make a cheese-stuffed taco meatloaf?

I’ve made this Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf countless times, and I have definitely learned a few things. What are some tricks along the way? How do I make it perfect every time?

Meat Selection: What Using a good quality ground beef is key. I prefer an 80/20 blend because it has enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful without being greasy. You can also use ground turkey or a combination of beef and turkey. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Crushed Chips: Don’t skip the crushed tortilla chips! They add such a nice texture to the meatloaf and help bind everything together. I like to use plain tortilla chips, but you can also use flavored ones for an extra kick. Just make sure they are finely crushed so you don’t end up with big chunks in your meatloaf.

Cheese Choices: Feel free to get creative with the cheese filling! Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a mix of your favorite cheeses. You can also add a little bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Seasoning Suggestions: Adjust the taco seasoning to your liking. If you like things spicy, add a little bit of extra chili powder or some chopped jalapenos to the meat mixture. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Proper Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach 160°F (71°C) before removing it from the oven. This ensures that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat.

Prevent Burning: If the top of the meatloaf starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will prevent it from burning while the inside finishes cooking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf is fantastic for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully! Here are some tips for keeping it fresh:

Room Temperature: I generally don’t recommend leaving cooked meatloaf at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can start to grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly cooled before storing it to prevent condensation from forming. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from getting soggy.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also freeze individual slices for easy lunches or quick dinners. Frozen meatloaf will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated meatloaf, you can microwave it, bake it in the oven, or pan-fry it. Microwaving is the quickest option, but it can sometimes make the meatloaf a little dry. Baking it in the oven is the best way to reheat it evenly and retain its moisture. Pan-frying is great for reheating individual slices. I like to add a little bit of oil or butter to the pan and cook it over medium heat until it’s heated through and slightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf gluten-free, simply substitute the crushed tortilla chips with gluten-free tortilla chips or crushed gluten-free crackers. You should also double check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey instead of ground beef! Ground turkey is a great option for a leaner meatloaf. Just keep in mind that ground turkey tends to be drier than ground beef, so you may need to add a little extra moisture to the meat mixture. I suggest adding an extra egg or a tablespoon or two of milk.

What can I add to make it spicier?

If you want to kick up the heat, there are several ways to make this Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf spicier! You can add some chopped jalapenos to the meat mixture, use a spicier taco seasoning, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce to the cheese filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf ahead of time! You can prepare the meat mixture and cheese filling, assemble the meatloaf, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

What other toppings can I add after baking?

The topping possibilities are endless! Once you bake your Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf, I like to garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a sprinkle of hot sauce. It just brings out all of the flavors.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Cheese-Stuffed Taco Meatloaf a try. It’s one of those recipes that just makes everyone happy. It’s easy, flavorful, and the cheese filling is always a hit. If you love tacos and you love meatloaf, this is the perfect mashup for you. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. And the best part is, it’s so easy to customize to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings. This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! If you love this, check out my spicy chorizo meatloaf as well. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and be sure to share your own variations with me. I always love to see what you come up with!