Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf
A flavorful meatloaf that combines the classic taste of meatloaf with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and a tangy ranch drizzle. Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Chopped Jalapeños Fresh or jarred, seeds removed for less heat
- ¼ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- ¼ cup Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
Ranch Drizzle
- ½ cup Ranch Dressing For drizzle
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix everything together until just combined. (Tip: Don’t overwork the mixture or the meatloaf can become tough.)
Cooking
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is lightly golden.
- While the meatloaf bakes, thin the ranch dressing with a splash of water to create a pourable drizzle.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle the creamy ranch over the sliced meatloaf and serve warm.
Notes
This meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. For extra flavor, let the meat mixture sit for 10 minutes before baking to meld the flavors.