Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4–6 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8–10 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled or sliced
- Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 45 minutes.
- Cook bacon strips until crispy. Once cooled slightly, crumble or chop into pieces. When the meatloaf has about 10 minutes remaining, spread bacon evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake until bacon is crispy and meatloaf is cooked through.
- Remove the meatloaf and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use fresh jalapeños for maximum heat and flavor.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer jalapeños depending on your preference.
- For extra cheesy goodness, add an extra layer of cheese in the middle or on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with substitutions)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg