Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
This Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a spicy jalapeño kick and a gooey cheddar cheese center. Baked to perfection with a tangy, sweet glaze and topped with sliced jalapeños, it offers a delightful balance of heat and cheesy goodness, perfect for an inviting family dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 to 2 medium jalapeños, minced
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (whole brick)
Glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 medium jalapeño, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and minced jalapeños. Knead the mixture thoroughly until evenly combined to ensure consistent flavor throughout.
- Shape Meatloaf and Add Cheese: Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions. Form one portion into a loaf shape at the base of the prepared pan. Place the entire 8-ounce block of cheddar cheese in the center. Cover with the second half of the meat mixture, carefully sealing the edges to encase the cheese completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper to make a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Apply Glaze and Garnish: Pour the glaze evenly over the shaped meatloaf. Arrange sliced jalapeños on top for an added spicy garnish and visual appeal.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60 to 80 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the cheese inside has fully melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked safely and thoroughly.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps keep it moist and makes slicing easier.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
- If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before mincing and slicing.
Keywords: meatloaf, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, stuffed meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, comfort food, American dinner
