This Cheese Stuffed Taco Meatloaf takes a dish that's often thought of as a humdrum dish over-the-top. Seasoned lean ground beef is stuffed with spicy pepper-jack cheese then mixed together with our favorite fiesta seasonings and crushed Doritos, turning this taco meatloaf into homemade fiesta any say of the week.
Meatloaf - A Family Favorite
I tend to only share recipes here on my website that are family tested and approved. Being a lifelong fan of meatloaf, this spiced-up taco variation is one more way for my meatloaf lovin' family to enjoy it. In keeping with the theme, I like to serve this cheese stuffed taco meatloaf with Spanish rice and roasted Mexican corn or cheesy mashed potato casserole and a simple salad on the side. If you're in the mood for a piece of buttered honey cornbread on the side that would be nice addition, too.
Tips For Preparing In Advance
If you need to assemble this taco meatloaf in advance that works perfectly, too. It's best to wait to top it with the taco sauce just before you put it into the oven to bake. If your family is like mine, this taco meatloaf will satisfy their craving for a South-of-the-border style meal without breaking the bank. See also Taco Cupcakes, Taco Muffin Cups and Taco Pasta.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Cheese Stuffed Taco Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lb lean ground beef 90/10
- 1 ½ cup taco sauce divided
- ⅔ cup crushed nacho cheese flavored Doritos divided
- 1 1.25 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1 medium sweet onion finely diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 8 oz block pepper-jack cheese, sliced into 14 even slices
- 1 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly brush a 10-inch cast iron skillet or similar with oil. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ½ cup taco sauce, ⅓ cup crushed Doritos, taco seasoning, onion, cumin, lemon pepper, garlic powder, oregano and eggs. Using your hands mix until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Press ½ of the meatloaf mixture into the skillet. Gently press the pepper-jack cheese slices over the meat keeping at least ½-inch from the edge. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture.
- Spread ½ cup taco sauce over the meat and place into the oven to bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes spread the remaining ½ cup taco sauce on top and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese and remaining crushed Doritos.
- Continue to bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until cooked through and the meat is no longer pink.
- Rest for 10-15 minutes, slice and serve.
Notes
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Tammy R Fox
Loved this recipe !!!! I used 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound ground turkey. I may never make traditional meatloaf again.
Melissa
I'm so happy you loved it, thanks!
Janet Bradley
Could I sneak some bagged baby spinach in this and proceed with recipe was stated. I wouldn't have to cook the spinach first, correct? Sooooo want to make this meatloaf soon.
Thanks, Janet
Melissa
Hi Janet, being a fan of spinach, that sounds great to me. I haven't tested it so, I can't tell you with certainly but, I think it might work. I would wilt it first to sweat out liquid, yes.
Steven T. Christ
Could I cut this recipe in half? There’s just my wife and I and 2 1/2 lbs. of ground beef sounds like a little much. Or, could I make it as directed and freeze half of it for a later date?
Melissa
Hi Steven, you could absolutely cut this in half, no problem. Otherwise, make the entire meatloaf mixture, place half into a freezer safe container or bag, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight then assemble the meatloaf with cheese and topping before baking.
B
So this is probably a stupid question, but can you make this in a cheap stainless steel pan in the oven the same as would if was cast iron?
Melissa
You can make this in any similar size pan you like and in any shape you like. That said, if you're referring to a disposable aluminum pan they won't bake as evenly a a proper baking pan, so watch for over cooking.
Cloie
Calorie count, carbs, protein ???
Melissa
There are countless free apps on the internet that can calculate for you.
Diana Gendreau
I would love to make this recipe but I don't own a cast iron skillet could I make it in something else?
Melissa
Of course, any similar size baking dish round or otherwise will work.
Julie
What is taco sauce? Sorry to be an idiot. Like Texas Pete, or enchilada sauce, or something totally different? Thanks.
Melissa
That's not a dumb question at all. It's nothing like Texas Pete but, similar to enchilada sauce. It's sold with the Hispanic foods and it's actually called Taco Sauce. If you've ever eaten at Taco Bell they give it to you in packets like ketchup.
Gisela Jobin
Made it twice now and we loved it.
Jill
Melissa, Holy Jalapenos!! This was absolutely amazing! We love tacos and we love meatloaf. What a perfect marriage of the two. I served it with a mix of shredded lettuce and cilantro, sour cream and jalapenos. And margaritas of course! Not sure how you got ten servings out of it though. My husband and I ate half of it! Leftover possibilities are endless. I will definitely make it again. Thanks for a great recipe. Okay, it's Siesta time now. ????
Melissa
So happy you loved this one, too! Servings are always something I have to giggle about as you know, it totally depends on those eating a particular dish and their appetites. My 2 sons could easily polish this off in one sitting. Thanks so much for letting me know!
Sara
Tried this and the family loved it! I did use 90/10 and there was still some grease, but less than usual. Adding this to our regular menu. Thank you!!
Melissa
Awesome!
Amber
Where does all the grease that cooks out of the ground meat go?
Melissa
If you use a quality lean ground beef there shouldn't be grease in this meatloaf. 90/10 is the best.
teresa
This looks incredibly good. I've got to give it a try.
Melissa
Thanks Teresa!
Laura
This ended up being a sort of hodge-podge of ingredients, just because. Venison, 90/10 beef, and some sausage patties, 3 different kinds of taco sauce (Ortega, and two different heats of Taco Bell sauce), Taco Bell 7 layer cheese, regular cheddar, and the rest was fairly well the same. Lol.
Hubby and I THOROUGHLY enjoyed it, and this may very well end up in a fairly consistent rotation.