Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
Introduction
This Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf brings a spicy twist to a classic comfort food. Packed with creamy cheese and fresh jalapeños, it’s a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped jalapeños, cream cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Bake for about 55-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Step 3: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top before slicing and serving to add a cool and tangy finish.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños depending on your heat preference; removing the seeds will reduce spiciness.
- For extra flavor, add some garlic powder or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
- Swap ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a different but equally creamy topping.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This meatloaf also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, but it may require adding a bit more moisture like an extra egg or some milk to keep the meatloaf tender.
How can I make this recipe milder for kids?
Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to reduce heat, or substitute them with mild green bell peppers for a similar texture without the spice.
PrintJalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
This Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Ranch Drizzle combines the spicy kick of jalapeños with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all baked into a hearty and comforting meatloaf. Finished with a cool ranch drizzle, this recipe brings a fun and flavorful twist to a classic comfort food, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Drizzle
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Finely chop the jalapeños, removing seeds to reduce heat if preferred. Set aside.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped jalapeños, softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it by hand into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes to retain juices and make slicing easier.
- Drizzle with Ranch: Before serving, drizzle the top of the meatloaf with ranch dressing for a creamy, tangy finish that complements the spicy jalapeños.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can adjust the jalapeño quantity based on your preferred heat level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to use softened cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Keywords: jalapeño popper meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, cream cheese meatloaf, ranch drizzle, comfort food, jalapeño recipe
