Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Creamy Ranch Drizzle! This dish combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the bold flavors of jalapeño poppers, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. The creamy ranch drizzle adds a delightful finishing touch, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Inspired by the delicious recipes from I WUV COOKING, this meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite in your household!
What Makes It Special
This meatloaf stands out not just for its unique flavor profile but also for its delightful texture. The combination of ground beef and pork creates a juicy base, while the creamy cheese filling and crispy bacon add richness and crunch. The smoky paprika and fresh jalapeños provide a perfect balance of heat and flavor, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the creamy ranch drizzle ties everything together, adding a refreshing contrast to the smoky meatloaf.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 jalapeños, diced (seeded for less heat)
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Ranch Drizzle:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and crumbled bacon. Mix well and set aside.
- Make the Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Assemble the Meatloaf: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan. Flatten half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the pan. Spread the cheese and jalapeño filling evenly over the meat layer. Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Bake: Place the assembled meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Make the Drizzle: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the creamy ranch drizzle by mixing the ranch dressing, sour cream, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Serve: Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with the creamy ranch sauce. Enjoy the smoky, cheesy goodness with a kick!
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, be sure to seed the jalapeños thoroughly. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Resting Time: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a moister slice.
- Leftovers: This meatloaf makes excellent leftovers! Slice and use it in sandwiches or serve it with a side salad for a quick lunch.
Conclusion
This Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Creamy Ranch Drizzle is a delicious twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this flavorful meatloaf! Let us know how it turned out, and don’t forget to follow us for more exciting recipes!
Spice Up Your Dinner: Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Creamy Ranch Drizzle
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for drizzle)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cilantro, diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, onion, garlic, egg, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- While the meatloaf is resting, mix ranch dressing with a little milk if needed to thin it out for drizzling.
- Slice the meatloaf and serve with creamy ranch drizzle on top.
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