Southwest Meatloaf

User Reviews

4.5

68 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr 5 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 20 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    679 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Southwest Meatloaf

Southwest Meatloaf blends ground beef with crushed tortilla chips, salsa, and pepper jack cheese for a hearty loaf with subtle smoky and spicy notes. The inclusion of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder adds depth, while a tangy lime-ketchup glaze seals in moisture. Served alongside a corn relish sautéed with butter, onion, and smoked paprika, this meatloaf offers a balanced mix of textures and southwestern-inspired flavors. It's a versatile main course that holds together well thanks to eggs and chip crumbs, ideal for a comforting family meal.

Description

The Southwest Meatloaf recipe calls for Certified Angus Beef® ground beef combined with finely crushed tortilla chips and a blend of spices including smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, white pepper, and kosher salt. Salsa adds moisture and flavor while pepper jack cheese contributes creamy, spicy notes. The mixture is gently combined and baked in a loaf pan, then finished with a glaze made from ketchup, lime juice, onion powder, and a dash of sea salt, creating a bright and tangy coating.

A side of corn relish prepared by sautéing fresh corn kernels, chopped white onion, and a pinch of smoked paprika in butter complements the dish with sweetness and a bit of smoky warmth. The meatloaf's texture balances tender ground beef with the slight crunch of tortilla crumbs, making it moist yet firm enough to slice well.

This recipe fits well as a satisfying dinner entree. The glaze and relish add contrasting flavors and can pair with simple sides like rice or vegetables. The cooking technique, including resting spices in salsa before mixing in beef and avoiding overmixing, helps maintain a tender texture. Additionally, the corn relish adds a fresh vegetable component to accompany the rich meatloaf.

For variations, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted though they tend to dry out more, so combining with beef is advisable. Leftover meatloaf will keep well and can be reheated gently for subsequent meals.

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Ingredients

Servings

Meatloaf:

  • 2 pounds ground beef Certified Angus Beef® brand
  • 1/2 cup tortilla chip crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups pepper jack cheese , shredded
  • 2 egg lightly beaten, large
  • cooking spray

Meatloaf Glaze:

  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • sea salt dash, fine

Corn Relish:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 corn corn cut off, ears
  • 1/2 white onion , chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a meatloaf pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together tortilla chip crumbs, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, Kosher salt and white pepper. Add salsa, stir to moisten and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking apart as you go. Top with beat eggs and shredded pepper jack cheese.
  4. Using clean hands, lightly toss. Do not over mix. Overmixing will result in tough meatloaf.
  5. Gently pack into meatloaf pan. If you don't have a meatloaf pan, you can form it into a rectangle on an aluminum foil lined rimmed baking sheet.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, stir together ketchup, lime juice, onion powder and salt. Set aside.
  8. In a medium skillet, heat melt butter over medium heat. Add corn, onion, fine sea salt and smoked paprika. Cook until onions are soft and corn is a bright yellow. Remove and set aside until ready to serve.
  9. Remove meatloaf and brush ketchup mixture over top of meatloaf. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered or until a meat thermometer registers at 160 degrees.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  11. Serve with a serving of corn relish.
  12. If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was! 

Notes

  • Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner option, but mixing with beef helps keep the meatloaf moist.
  • Allowing the crushed tortilla chips and spices to sit in salsa before mixing tenderizes the mixture and improves flavor absorption.
  • Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough texture.
  • The corn relish adds a fresh, buttery, and smoky contrast and should be cooked until the onions are soft and corn bright.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 679kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 28g (9%) Protein 65g (130%) Fat 33g (51%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Cholesterol 267mg (89%) Sodium 1499mg (62%) Potassium 1262mg (27%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 1295IU (26%) Vitamin C 6.9mg (8%) Calcium 401mg (40%) Iron 7.4mg (41%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 679 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 679kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 28g 9%
Protein 65g 130%
Fat 33g 51%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Cholesterol 267mg 89%
Sodium 1499mg 62%
Potassium 1262mg 27%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 1295IU 26%
Vitamin C 6.9mg 8%
Calcium 401mg 40%
Iron 7.4mg 41%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.5

68 reviews
Excellent

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