Taco Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 1/2 cups corn tortilla chips (crushed)
• 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (finely diced)
• 2 large eggs (whisked)
• 1 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes
• 4 oz. canned corn (drained)
• 1 packet taco seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (grated, divided)
• 1/3 cup cup red taco sauce (mild or medium, optional)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven 350°F (175°C).

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, tortilla chips, onion, bell pepper, whisked eggs, Rotel tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix the ingredients together just enough to combine them, being careful not to over-mix the meatloaf mixture.

3. 3

   Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan and shape the loaf, leaving a well around the edges. This allows the fat to drain off during cooking.

4. 4

   Bake the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes. Then, take it out of the oven and top it with red taco sauce (optionally) and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Place it back in the oven and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, making it a total of 60-65 minutes of cooking time. Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.

5. 5

   Remove it from the oven and loosely tent it with a sheet of aluminum foil. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.

6. 6

   Garnish with the chopped cilantro.

7. 7

   Serve and enjoy!