Are you tired of boring, bland meat loaves that put your family to sleep? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner table with these zesty Individual Salsa Meat Loaves that pack a flavor punch in every single bite! Imagine tender, juicy mini meat loaves infused with the vibrant tang of salsa, perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection. These aren't your grandmother's traditional meat loaves - these are a modern, Mexican-inspired twist that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meat loaves will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of salsa, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. This mixture will provide flavor and moisture to the meat loaves.
- Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meat loaves tough.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf, about 4 inches long and 2 inches wide, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Once all the meat loaves are shaped and placed on the baking sheet, you can optionally top each loaf with a spoonful of additional salsa for extra flavor and moisture during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat loaves reaches 160°F (70°C) and they are cooked through.
- After baking, remove the meat loaves from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the loaves more tender.
- Serve the individual salsa meat loaves warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions if desired. They pair well with a side of rice, salad, or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the most flavorful and juicy results.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture - this can lead to tough, dense meat loaves. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For extra moisture, consider using a medium or chunky salsa instead of a smooth variety to add texture and prevent dryness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meat loaves reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meat loaves rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain their juices and improve overall tenderness.
- Customize your salsa choice - try a smoky chipotle salsa for a spicier version or a mild salsa for a kid-friendly meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 23g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
