Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-6 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6-8 slices bacon
- Optional: hot sauce or chili flakes for extra spice
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped jalapeños in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet for a rustic look.
- Wrap bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, overlapping slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a wire rack if needed for even bacon cooking.
- Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking, then slice and serve hot. Drizzle with hot sauce or serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra spice, add hot sauce or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- Use thinner bacon slices for a crispier topping.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the jalapeños or replace with bell peppers.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg