Green Chile Meatloaf 🌶️🍖
Introduction
If you love classic comfort food but crave bold Southwestern flavors, this Green Chile Meatloaf is the perfect twist on a timeless favorite. Juicy ground beef (or turkey) is seasoned with smoky spices, chipotle, and jalapeño, then layered with gooey cheese and green chiles before being baked to perfection. The result? A hearty, flavorful dish that balances savory richness with a touch of heat.
This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf—it’s a bold, zesty version that will easily become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe takes the classic dish to a whole new level of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed twist on the traditional meatloaf with smoky spices and green chiles.
- Cheesy goodness layered inside and on top for melty, comforting bites.
- Versatile – use ground beef or turkey depending on your preference.
- Crowd-pleasing main dish that pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 chipotle pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 egg
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Topping
- â…“ cup ketchup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- 1 small can green chilies or Hatch chilies, drained
Sauce
- â…“ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon minced chipotle
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine all the meatloaf mixture ingredients. Use your hands to mix gently—avoid overworking the meat for a tender texture.
3. Assemble the Meatloaf
- Divide the meat mixture in half.
- Shape one half into a flat loaf and place it in the prepared dish.
- Spread half of the ketchup (from the topping section) on top.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheese and half the green chiles.
- Shape the remaining meat mixture on top, sealing the edges.
- Repeat the layers with ketchup, cheese, and green chiles.
4. Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, minced chipotle, and garlic powder. Spread this sauce evenly over the meatloaf.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 1 hour. Drain excess grease from the pan if necessary.
6. Serve
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Make it spicier: Keep some jalapeño seeds or add an extra chipotle pepper.
- Go cheesy: Use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Make it lighter: Swap beef for ground turkey and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Add veggies: Mix in shredded zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Meal prep tip: Leftovers reheat beautifully—slice and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Important Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture—it can make the texture dense.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
- If using lean ground turkey, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil for extra moisture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6)
- Calories: ~360
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it (covered) up to 24 hours before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze Green Chile Meatloaf?
Absolutely. Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q3: What can I substitute for tortilla chips?
Breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even oats work as binders.
Q4: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack all work great depending on how spicy you like it.