Taco Meatloaf 

Taco Meatloaf is a flavorful fusion of classic meatloaf and zesty taco ingredients. This dish combines ground beef with crushed tortilla chips, diced vegetables, and taco seasoning, topped with melted cheese and taco sauce. It's a fun and delicious twist on a traditional favorite, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)

• 1½ cups corn tortilla chips, crushed

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced

• 2 large eggs, whisked

• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes

• 4 oz canned corn, drained

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, divided

• ⅓ cup red taco sauce (optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed tortilla chips, diced onion, diced bell pepper, whisked eggs, Rotel tomatoes, drained corn, taco seasoning, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.

3. Shape and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Shape the mixture into a loaf, leaving a well around the edges to allow fat to drain off during cooking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.

4. Add Toppings: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Top with red taco sauce (if using) and the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

5. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and loosely cover with aluminum foil. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Fat: 25 g

• Carbohydrates: 15 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 600 mg