Family-Favorite Hearty Taco Meatloaf Recipe Everyone Loves!

Comfort food takes on a zesty twist with this mouthwatering taco meatloaf that blends classic American dinner traditions with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

Packed with savory ground beef and vibrant spices, this dish brings excitement to your weeknight menu.

Melted cheese and crushed tortilla chips add unexpected crunch and depth to every slice.

The recipe combines familiar meatloaf techniques with the irresistible taste of tacos, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies serious hunger.

Seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and garlic, each bite delivers a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this hearty creation alongside rice or a crisp salad for a complete and delicious dinner that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes In for Taco Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty foundation with robust protein for meatloaf's core structure.
• Ground Pork, Ground Turkey: Offers alternate protein options with varying flavor profiles and lean meat alternatives.

• Taco Seasoning: Infuses zesty Mexican-inspired spice blend for vibrant taste experience.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips: Adds crispy texture and subtle corn undertone as binding element.
• Salsa: Introduces tangy moisture and bright southwestern flavor throughout meatloaf.
• Diced Onion: Delivers subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to meat mixture.
• Cilantro: Contributes fresh, herbaceous note with distinctive bright flavor profile.

• Eggs: Acts as crucial binding agent connecting ingredients seamlessly.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy melting quality and additional protein richness.
• Sour Cream: Ensures tender, moist texture with subtle tangy undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasoning agents balancing overall flavor complexity.

What to Grab for Taco Meatloaf

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing all ingredients thoroughly without overworking the meat.
• Baking Sheet or Loaf Pan: Perfect for shaping and baking the meatloaf, choose based on your preference.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions to ensure balanced flavor.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps gently combine ingredients without compressing the meat too much.
• Meat Thermometer: Guarantees the meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature for perfect doneness.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for clean, even slicing after the meatloaf has rested.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for mixing ingredients and slicing the finished meatloaf.

Cooking Walkthrough for Taco Meatloaf

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 375F and grab a baking sheet or loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Mix the Magic

Dive into a big bowl and blend ground beef with taco seasoning, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, salsa, diced onion, cilantro, eggs, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Work the mixture gently – don’t overdo it!

• Shape Your Masterpiece

Mold the meat mixture into a gorgeous loaf on your baking sheet or press it into the prepared pan. Make it look irresistible.

• Dress It Up

Splash salsa across the top of your creation and shower it with extra cheese. Let the flavors get ready to party.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide your meatloaf into the hot oven and let it cook for 45-50 minutes. You’re aiming for a safe internal temperature that’ll make food safety experts proud.

• Let It Rest and Celebrate

Give your meatloaf a 10-minute breather before slicing. Deck it out with sour cream, guacamole, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Dinner is served!

Helpful Notes for Taco Meatloaf

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which helps flavors meld and saves time on busy cooking days.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap tortilla chips for gluten-free corn chips or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Lean Protein Twist: Replace ground beef with ground chicken or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter, lower-fat version that still delivers bold taco-inspired flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or create a custom blend by mixing your own spices to suit individual taste preferences.
• Leftover Love: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious tacos by warming and serving in tortillas with fresh salsa, chopped lettuce, and extra cheese for a quick next-day meal.

Perfect Pairings for Taco Meatloaf

• Fiesta Family Dinner: Serve this zesty taco meatloaf with Mexican-inspired side dishes that complement its bold flavors.
• Tex-Mex Rice Companion: Prepare cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice as a perfect starchy side that soaks up the meatloaf's delicious salsa topping.
• Fresh Veggie Contrast: Add a crisp mixed green salad with avocado slices and a light lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty meatloaf.
• Tasty Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, and extra salsa so everyone can customize their slice with their favorite toppings.

Fridge Tips for Taco Meatloaf

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatloaf in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the sealed container keeps moisture and prevents flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Slice cooled meatloaf into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.
• Reheating Performance: Warm slices in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in oven at 325F covered with foil to prevent drying. Add splash of salsa or broth to maintain moisture during reheating process.
• Meal Prep Advantage: Prepare meatloaf components ahead of time. Combine ingredients and shape loaf up to 24 hours before baking. Keep covered in refrigerator until ready to cook, which saves time and reduces evening meal preparation stress.

Hearty Taco Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired taco meatloaf blends hearty ground beef with zesty spices and cheese. Comfort meets fiesta in this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to serve again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 1 lb (454 g) ground pork or ground turkey (optional, for a mix)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsps homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded Mexican cheese blend
• ½ cup (120 ml) crushed tortilla chips (or breadcrumbs)
• ½ cup (120 ml) salsa
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream (optional, for added moisture)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) diced onion
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup (120 ml) salsa (topping)
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded Mexican cheese blend (topping)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat a loaf pan with non-stick spray.
2. Mixing: Thoroughly blend ground beef, optional ground pork or turkey, taco seasoning, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, salsa, onion, cilantro, eggs, sour cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until ingredients are harmoniously combined.
3. Shaping: Craft the seasoned meat mixture into a cohesive loaf, ensuring uniform thickness on the prepared baking sheet or within the greased loaf pan.
4. Topping: Lavishly spread salsa across the meatloaf’s surface and crown with the remaining shredded cheese, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation.
5. Baking and Resting: Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey or pork. After removing from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to settle and facilitate clean slicing.
6. Serving: Slice and embellish with optional garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, or additional cilantro to elevate the Mexican-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Manage Meat Moisture: Mix ingredients gently to prevent overworking ground meat, which can create dense, tough texture – light mixing keeps meatloaf tender and juicy.
• Customize Protein Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for leaner options, adjusting cooking time to match protein’s recommended internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust taco seasoning quantity based on personal heat preference – start with less and gradually increase to balance flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Add moisture-rich ingredients like salsa and sour cream, which not only enhance flavor but also ensure the meatloaf remains succulent during baking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg