Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf You Can’t Stop Eating Recipe
This Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the spicy kick of jalapeños, creamy richness from cream cheese, and crispy bacon bits. Topped with a warm ranch drizzle, this hearty dish offers layers of smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors that make it irresistibly delicious and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
The Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
The Ranch Drizzle:
- ½ cup ranch dressing, warmed for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, and diced jalapeños (remove seeds to reduce heat). Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar until evenly distributed.
- Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The top should turn golden and slightly crispy.
- Rest and Slice: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender slices.
- Ranch Drizzle: Warm the ranch dressing slightly while the meatloaf rests. Drizzle generously over each slice before serving to balance the spicy, smoky flavors with creamy coolness.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce spiciness if preferred.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps to retain moisture.
- Crisping the bacon beforehand adds a nice texture contrast.
- Serve with additional ranch dressing or your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Keywords: smoky jalapeño popper meatloaf, jalapeño meatloaf, creamy cheese meatloaf, bacon meatloaf, ranch drizzle meatloaf
