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Perfect Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf Recipe Easy Dinner Idea

jalapeño popper meatloaf - featured image

A bold twist on traditional meatloaf, combining smoky bacon, creamy cheddar, and spicy jalapeños for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crispy and chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.
  3. In a separate bowl, prepare the filling by combining softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and chopped bacon. Stir until evenly mixed.
  4. Take half of the meat mixture and press it into the bottom of your loaf pan or shape it on the baking sheet. Create a slight indent in the center to hold the filling.
  5. Spoon the jalapeño popper filling into the indent, spreading it evenly.
  6. Top with the remaining meat mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges and cover the filling completely.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For the last 10 minutes, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top to melt.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts and keep the filling intact. Adjust spice levels by reducing jalapeños or adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, family meal, cheesy meatloaf