This hearty Cowboy Meatloaf elevates the classic dish with a combination of ground beef and pork, pinto beans, and a gooey center of melted cheddar cheese. Topped with a tangy BBQ glaze, it's the perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

• 1 pound ground pork

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs

• 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large loaf pan (approximately 6½ x 10 inches) with nonstick spray.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooled vegetable mixture with ground beef, ground pork, beaten eggs, pinto beans, breadcrumbs, ½ cup BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.

4. Assemble Meatloaf: Transfer half of the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a flat loaf. Create a shallow trench down the center and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the trench. Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese. Brush the top with ¼ cup of the remaining BBQ sauce.

5. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, carefully remove from the oven and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 610 kcal

• Protein: 44g

• Fat: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 7g

• Cholesterol: 129mg

• Sodium: 807mg

• Potassium: 1282mg

• Vitamin A: 932 IU

• Vitamin C: 25mg

• Calcium: 206mg

• Iron: 5mg