Mexican Meatloaf

This is the best Mexican meatloaf recipe we’ve ever had and is loaded with plenty of juicy beef, salsa, and taco flavor for a fun twist on a classic.

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Table of Contents

Mexican Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients
Mexican Taco Meatloaf Substitutions & Additions
How to make Mexican Meatloaf
What to serve with Mexican Meatloaf
Taco Meatloaf storage
Mexican Meatloaf Recipe FAQs
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Mexican meatloaf is a savory dish that combines the incredible flavors of various Mexican ingredients. It’s made with ground beef, chilis, onions, taco seasoning, crunchy tortilla chips, and cheese; all blended together to create a hearty, flavorful, and delicious dish.

Mexican Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients

Mexican Meatloaf raw ingredients that are labeled

The flavors of Mexican meatloaf are a delicious combination of savory and spicy. The ground beef provides a hearty flavor, while the chilies and taco seasoning add a subtle kick of spice.

The salsa adds an extra layer of flavor, while the crushed tortilla chips bring plenty of crunchy texture to the dish.

You’ll need:

2 pounds of lean ground beef
½ cup of whole milk
2 large eggs
1 packet of taco seasoning mix (¼ cup)
1 cup of finely chopped white onion
4-ounce can of green chilies, drained
1 cup of crushed tortilla chips
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
1½ cups of grated cheddar jack cheese, divided into 1 cup and ½ cup
1 cup of salsa, divided in half
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

PRO TIP:

Do not be tempted to add more taco seasoning, even though you would typically use 1 packet per pound of ground beef. The meatloaf will be too salty and overly seasoned. One packet for this 2-pound loaf is perfect.

Mexican Taco Meatloaf Substitutions & Additions

MIX-INS: The chiles and/or the raw onion are optional. The meatloaf will cook the same and taste great with and without these.

CHEESE: You can use pepper jack cheese, Mexican blend cheese, Monterey jack cheese, or medium cheddar cheese instead of the cheddar jack or Colby jack in this cheesy meatloaf recipe.

CHIPS: Substitute nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips for the regular tortilla chips in this easy recipe.

GROUND MEAT: If you prefer to use a different meat in this recipe, you certainly can. Try ground pork, ground turkey, or even a mixture of ground beef with other ground meat.

How to make Mexican Meatloaf

Just like making a classic meatloaf recipe, this dish comes together by mixing together the ingredients and shaping them into the meatloaf. Pop in the oven to bake before adding cheese on top to melt.

Here’s how you make this delicious meatloaf.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can use a 9.5 x 5.5 loaf pan with the same recipe. The cook time will not change.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, milk, eggs, taco seasoning mix, onion, green chiles, crushed tortilla chips, garlic, 1 cup of grated cheese, and ½ cup salsa. Use gloved hands to mix the ground beef mixture until thoroughly combined.

PRO TIP:

While messy, mixing the raw meatloaf mixture with your hands is the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.

Using gloves will make it a little bit easier to mix without getting your hands dirty.

ground beef, milk, eggs, taco seasoning mix, onion, green chiles, crushed tortilla chips, garlic, grated cheese, and salsa added to a bowl

STEP THREE: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Top with the remaining ½ cup of salsa

meat mixture shaped into the pan and topped with salsa

STEP FOUR: Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes. Top with the remaining ½ cup grated cheese and return to the oven to bake for about 5 minutes longer, until the cheese has melted and the internal temperature of the meatloaf registers 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.

What to serve with Mexican Meatloaf

The Mexican meatloaf is delicious when served hot from the oven, but it can also be enjoyed cold.

Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and your favorite vegetable. Spanish rice is also a great option to accompany your meatloaf.

To make it even more flavorful, top it with an extra spoonful of salsa, pico de gallo, or guacamole before serving.

Meatloaf recipes have to be one of the most comforting dishes around. We have plenty of ways to make it easy to prepare this dish. Check out our crockpot meatloaf and Stove Top meatloaf.

MORE MEXICAN DISH RECIPES

Mexican Appetizers

Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Beef Dinner Ideas

Beef Enchilada Recipe

Taco Meatloaf storage

Here’s an easy guide to storing your Mexican meatloaf to enjoy later:

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re looking to get a head start on your meal preparation, you can make this Mexican meatloaf ahead of time.

After baking the meatloaf, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, tightly wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before reheating and serving.

IN THE FRIDGE: Cover cooled meatloaf with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

IN THE FREEZER: Mexican-style meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap after it has completely cooled. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

slices of Mexican Meatloaf garnished with cilantro on a plate with tortilla chips

Mexican meatloaf is a tasty twist on traditional meatloaf. With plenty of savory and spicy Mexican flavors, this is a great way to change it up and add another hearty comfort food recipe to your menu that is sure to please the whole family.

Mexican Meatloaf Recipe FAQs

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

There are three components that help keep the moist meatloaf from falling apart.

First, you will want to use ground beef with a high-fat content as it helps to bind the ingredients together.

Similarly, eggs also act as a binder. Finally, the tortilla chips will help absorb any excess moisture and hold the ingredients together.

Do you bake meatloaf covered or uncovered?

Our easy taco meatloaf recipe instructs you to bake your meatloaf uncovered.

How do I make sure my meatloaf doesn’t turn out dry?

Dry meatloaf can be a result of overmixing. Only mix the meat until all the ingredients are combined. The other key to moist meatloaf is adding moisture at every step.

For best results, don’t skip adding any of the wet seasonings, including eggs, milk, or salsa. They add both flavor and texture while also making the meat super juicy.

What is the secret to juicy meatloaf?

The secret to juicy meatloaf lies in a combination of ingredients, techniques, and careful cooking. Using the right meat, not overmixing, and adding moisture will all help achieve juicy meatloaf.

Why milk instead of water in meatloaf?

Using milk instead of water in meatloaf can add moisture, flavor, and richness to the final dish.

What is the best binder for meatloaf?

Breadcrumbs, eggs, rolled oats, and crackers are all great choices for binding your meatloaf mixture together.

What can you put under meatloaf to soak up grease?

To soak up the grease, you can place your meatloaf on a rack, aluminum foil, or vegetables that will soak up the grease while they cook to become extra flavorful.

Why is my meatloaf mushy and falling apart?

Your meatloaf may tun out mushy and fall apart if you have overmixed the mixture, added too much moisture, not enough binding or there is excess grease.

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Recipe for Taco Meatloaf (Mexican Meatloaf)

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This is the best Mexican meatloaf recipe we’ve ever had and is loaded with plenty of juicy beef, salsa, and taco flavor for a fun twist on a classic.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings

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Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
½ cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 packet taco seasoning (¼ cup)
1 cup white onion, finely chopped
4 ounces green chiles, drained
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1½ cups grated cheddar jack cheese (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup(
1 cup salsa (divided in half)
Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk, eggs, taco seasoning, onion, green chiles, crushed tortilla chips, garlic, 1 cup of grated cheese, and ½ cup salsa. Use gloved hands to mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
Shape meat mixture into a loaf and place in the prepared pan. Top with the remaining ½ cup of salsa
Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes. Top with the remaining ½ cup grated cheese and return to the oven to bake for about 5 minutes longer, until the cheese has melted and the center of the meatloaf registers 160°F.

Notes

Do not be tempted to add more taco seasoning, even though you would typically use 1 packet per pound of ground beef. The meatloaf will be too salty and overly seasoned. 1 packet for this 2-pound loaf is perfect.
You can use a 9.5 x 5.5 loaf pan with the same recipe. The cook time will not change.
While messy, mixing the raw meatloaf mixture with your hands is the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Using gloves will make it a little bit easier to mix without getting your hands dirty.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Recipe for Mexican Meatloaf