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

⅓ cup ketchup
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
1 small can green chilies or Hatch chilies, drained

Sauce

⅓ 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.

Green Chile Meatloaf