Jalapeño Meatloaf with Cheese

Name: Jalapeño Meatloaf with Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Pepper Jack); 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled); 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love making this Jalapeño Meatloaf with Cheese because it combines the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with a spicy kick. The blend of ground beef, jalapeños, and melted cheese creates an irresistible dish that my whole family enjoys. I was pleasantly surprised at how the cheese adds a creamy richness, balancing the heat from the jalapeños. If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is a must-try!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T18:34:27.531Z

Creating this Jalapeño Meatloaf with Cheese was a fun culinary adventure for me. I experimented with adding fresh jalapeños to the classic meatloaf mix, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. The spicy flavor combines beautifully with the savory meat and gooey cheese, making each bite truly satisfying.

One tip I discovered is to finely chop the jalapeños and sauté them briefly before mixing them into the meat mixture. This method enhances their flavor without overwhelming the dish with heat, ensuring that even those who are not fond of extreme spice can enjoy it!

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Delicious balance of spicy jalapeños and creamy cheese
Comfort food that brings warmth with every bite
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making Jalapeño Meatloaf with Cheese, choosing the right ingredients can elevate the dish immensely. Opting for fresh jalapeños brings a bright, crisp flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich beef and cheese. If you prefer a milder alternative, consider using roasted red peppers instead of jalapeños, which will still provide a lovely depth without the heat. Additionally, using a good-quality ground beef with a higher fat content, around 80% lean, will keep the meatloaf juicy and flavorful.

The choice of cheese plays a significant role in the overall taste and texture of the meatloaf. While Cheddar offers a sharp, tangy flavor, Pepper Jack introduces a delightful creaminess with a hint of spice, which complements the jalapeños perfectly. For those looking to experiment, you could try mixing in some crumbled feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile that still melds well with the meat.

Techniques for Perfect Results

One crucial technique for avoiding a dry meatloaf is to avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Combining the ingredients just until they're blended helps retain the meat's natural moisture and results in a tender texture. I recommend using your hands to mix; this allows you to feel the texture and avoid overworking the meat. If the mixture feels too loose, adding a little more breadcrumb can help bind it together without compromising the overall flavor.

Baking in a loaf pan is convenient, but shaping the meatloaf free-form on a baking sheet allows for better heat circulation, resulting in a nicely browned crust. If you’re concerned about it falling apart, a simple trick is to create a slight indent in the center of the loaf; this helps it cook evenly and avoids a gummy texture from the steam that might collect.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Jalapeño Meatloaf with Cheese:

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Pepper Jack)
1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup ketchup
1 egg
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Jalapeño Meatloaf with Cheese:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped onion, ketchup, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined, but do not overwork the meat.

Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing Jalapeño Meatloaf with Cheese with a side of creamy mashed potatoes complements the spicy kick beautifully. You can also serve it with a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. To enhance the flavors, consider drizzling a bit of barbecue sauce over the top just before serving, which adds a sweet and tangy layer that balances the heat.

For a casual meal, slice the meatloaf and serve it on a toasted bun as a hearty sandwich, adding some avocado or coleslaw for extra creaminess and crunch. You can also try a spicy aioli or chipotle mayo for an added kick—perfect for game day or family gatherings.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This meatloaf recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. Simply shape it into a loaf and bake when ready to serve. If you have leftovers, they can easily be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, ensure you thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well, but it may result in a slightly drier meatloaf. Consider adding a bit more milk or cheese for moisture.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I freeze this meatloaf?

Absolutely! After baking, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.