Description
This Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is a bold, cheesy, and slightly spicy twist on a comfort classic. Packed with smoky seasoning, creamy cheese filling, and jalapeño flavor, it’s the ultimate hearty dinner with a kick.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup shredded cheese (for melting on top during the last few minutes of baking)
- Chopped green onions or jalapeño slices for garnish
Instructions
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Combine gently without overmixing.
- Form half of the meat mixture into a loaf base on the baking sheet, about 1½ inches thick, with a shallow well in the center.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into the well, keeping it ½ inch from the edges.
- Add the remaining meat mixture on top, sealing the edges to fully encase the cheese.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Sprinkle cheese on top in the last 5–7 minutes of baking and let it melt.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions or jalapeño slices if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg