Are you tired of boring, bland meat loaves that put everyone to sleep? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner table with these mouthwatering Jalapeño Cheddar Meat Loaves that pack a punch of flavor and excitement! Imagine tender, juicy ground beef infused with spicy jalapeños and melted cheddar cheese, creating a culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds. This isn't just another meat loaf recipe – it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped jalapeño, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a fork until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into individual oval-shaped meat loaves, approximately 1-inch thick.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each meat loaf, pressing slightly to help the cheese adhere.
- Place the meat loaves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meat is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let the meat loaves rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- For the best texture, mix the ingredients gently and avoid overmixing, which can make the meat loaves tough.
- Use fresh jalapeños for maximum flavor, and remove the seeds if you want to reduce the heat level.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked meat loaves – 160°F is the magic number for food safety.
- Let the meat loaves rest after cooking to help the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and delicious.
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of ground meats like beef and pork, or add a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can substitute the jalapeños with bell peppers for a milder version.
- Make sure to use fresh, high-quality cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 297kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 116mg
