Imagine a classic comfort food that's been turbocharged with the explosive flavors of everyone's favorite appetizer - jalapeno poppers! This Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatloaf isn't just another boring dinner recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the hearty satisfaction of meatloaf with the creamy, spicy kick of jalapeno poppers. Get ready to transform your weeknight meal into a taste explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup jalapenos, diced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your meatloaf cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1 egg. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
- Add 1/2 cup of cream cheese to the meat mixture. Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing. Blend it in thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of diced jalapenos, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 tsp of garlic powder. Mix these ingredients into the meat mixture until evenly distributed.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This is an important step to ensure your meatloaf is flavorful.
- On a clean surface or a large piece of parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf, about 1 inch thick. Make sure the edges are even for consistent cooking.
- Using the same parchment paper, carefully lift one side of the meatloaf and fold it over to create a pocket. This will be where you place additional filling.
- In a small bowl, mix together any remaining cream cheese and jalapenos, or use additional cheddar cheese as desired. Spoon this mixture into the center of the meatloaf pocket.
- Once the filling is in place, fold the sides of the meatloaf back over the filling to seal it in. Pinch the edges together to secure the filling inside.
- Transfer the stuffed meatloaf to a greased baking dish or a lined baking sheet. Shape it back into a loaf if necessary.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more tender.
- Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve warm. You can garnish with additional jalapenos or cheese if desired. Enjoy your Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatloaf!
Tips
- • For the most tender meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent a tough texture.• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and a smoother filling.• Make sure to seal the meatloaf pocket completely to prevent the cheesy filling from leaking during cooking.• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.• For extra heat, choose fresh jalapenos with visible seeds and membranes. For a milder version, remove the seeds before dicing.• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for food safety.• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or a blend of cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg