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A hearty meatloaf glazed with a shiny sauce, topped with crispy bacon strips, and sliced to reveal a green jalapeño-stuffed interior, garnished with fresh herbs on a rustic plate.

Zesty Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Crispy Bacon: Your New Dinner Obsession!

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Experience a flavor-packed twist on traditional meatloaf with our Zesty Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Crispy Bacon. Perfectly spiced, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon, this dish is an irresistible dinner favorite that combines heat, smoky crunch, and savory goodness in every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s guaranteed to impress your family and guests alike.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4-6 fresh jalapeños, sliced
  • 8 slices of crispy bacon
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: hot sauce or spices for extra heat

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Add hot sauce or spices if desired.
  2. Divide the meat mixture into two halves. Spread one half on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan, then layer sliced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover with the remaining meat mixture to enclose the fillings.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatloaf for about 50-60 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  4. During the last 15 minutes of baking, top the meatloaf with crispy bacon slices, placing them on top or around the loaf to crisp up.
  5. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional cheese or herbs if desired and serve with sides.

Notes

  • For milder flavor, remove seeds from jalapeños or use milder peppers like poblanos or bell peppers.
  • Make ahead by assembling the meatloaf, covering, and refrigerating up to 24 hours prior to baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • For extra crunch, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb, Keto Option

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of the loaf)
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg