Description
This Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf combines all the flavors of your favorite spicy appetizer with the comfort of a hearty meatloaf. It’s stuffed with creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and diced jalapeños — then baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheese for the ultimate flavor explosion.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or half beef and half pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled, seeds removed for less heat)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve a little for topping)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and crumbled bacon to make the filling.
- On a piece of parchment paper, flatten half the meat mixture into a large rectangle (about 1 inch thick). Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the center, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
- Place the remaining meat mixture on top and seal the edges to enclose the filling completely. Shape into a loaf.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven, top with remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon, then bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra spice, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for even more flavor.
- This meatloaf pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
- Leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American