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Flavorful Mexican Taco Meatloaf: Easy 30-Min Recipe

Mexican taco meatloaf - featured image

This Flavorful Mexican Taco Meatloaf Delight combines the cozy comfort of classic meatloaf with the bold, smoky flavors of tacos. Made with crushed tortilla chips, black beans, corn, and a tangy salsa-ketchup glaze, it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (about 60g) crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup (120g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup (75g) corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
  • ½ cup (60g) shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)
  • ½ cup (120g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained slightly
  • ½ medium onion, finely diced (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the glaze:
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons salsa (mild or medium)
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare your mix-ins: In a small bowl, crush the tortilla chips into coarse crumbs. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn if using canned.
  3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, crushed tortilla chips, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir until evenly distributed.
  4. Add the ground beef and seasoning: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently and evenly, smoothing the top.
  6. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, salsa, and brown sugar until smooth. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  7. Bake: Place the loaf pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Glaze again: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Rest: Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the meatloaf out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board. Slice into thick pieces and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, avoid extra-lean ground beef (like 93/7) because it can make the meatloaf dry. If you need a gluten-free option, check that your tortilla chips are certified gluten-free. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before shaping to allow the chips to absorb moisture. Do not overmix the meat. Let the meatloaf rest after baking to keep slices from falling apart.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican taco meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, taco meatloaf, 30-minute dinner, ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food