Mexican Style Taco Meatloaf

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful meatloaf that your family will love. This is an easy recipe that tastes like a taco.  It is super easy to assemble. The longest time in this recipe will be in the baking.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 eggs
3/4 c. cheese, shredded  (like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, colby)
3/4 c. salsa,
1 c tortilla chips crushed or soda cracker crumbs or 1/4 c. soda cracker crumbs and 1/4 c. oatmeal
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. paprika
3/4 tsp. onion powder
3/4 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 c. taco sauce or salsa

Directions

Heat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 9 x 5- inch loaf pan, or you can use a large cast iron skillet.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, egg, salsa, tortilla chips, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. 

Mix the contents thoroughly with your hands, but be careful to not over mix. If you mix it too much, the meat loaf will be tough.

Place the meat mixture in your prepared loaf pan or the cast iron skillet.

Pour the taco sauce or salsa over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until done.  The Internal temperature of the meatloaf should read 160° on an instant read meat thermometer. If you are using the cast iron skillet, bake for 30 minutes, then test to see if it is done. Since it is flatter, it won't take as long to bake.

Notes

You can use a package of taco seasoning if you prefer. Or you can use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning

You can use cheese nachos or spicy nachos as well instead of tortillas.