Are you ready to take your meatloaf game to the next level? This Ghost Pepper Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is not for the faint of heart! Combining the rich flavors of ground beef and pork with the fiery kick of ghost peppers and jalapeños, this dish is a flavor explosion. Topped with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, it’s cheesy, spicy, and utterly irresistible! Perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals, this meatloaf will surely become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this exciting recipe brought to you by I WUV COOKING!
What Makes It Special
This meatloaf stands out not just for its unique combination of ingredients but also for the bold flavors that come together in every bite. The ghost pepper adds an intense heat that is balanced by the creaminess of the cream cheese and the sharpness of the cheddar. The addition of jalapeños brings a fresh crunch, while the BBQ sauce glaze adds a delightful sweetness. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 ghost pepper, finely diced (use gloves for safety!)
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely diced ghost pepper, jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Brush the top of the meatloaf generously with BBQ sauce for a delicious glaze.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier slice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Safety First: When handling ghost peppers, always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. The oils can linger and cause irritation.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder meatloaf, you can reduce the amount of ghost pepper or omit it entirely, using only jalapeños for flavor.
- Make Ahead: This meatloaf can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Conclusion
This Ghost Pepper Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is a fantastic way to spice up your dinner routine! With its cheesy, spicy goodness, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who dares to take a bite. How did your meatloaf turn out? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to follow us for more delicious recipes and cooking tips!
Turn Up the Heat: Ghost Pepper Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 ghost peppers, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional BBQ sauce for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, ghost peppers, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Spread a layer of BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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