Pepperjack Meatloaf: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Bring a little heat to your dinner table with this Pepperjack Meatloaf, a savory dish that combines the traditional comfort of meatloaf with the zesty kick of pepper Jack cheese. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals. With its melty cheese center and optional salsa topping, this meatloaf is not just a meal but a delightful experience that will spice up any weekday dinner or weekend gathering.
Spicing Up the Traditional
This Pepperjack Meatloaf recipe adds a flavorful twist to the classic meatloaf by incorporating spicy pepper Jack cheese and an optional salsa topping. These additions transform the dish into a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to be a hit with spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 55-60 minutes
- Serving size: 6 servings
- Equipment: Loaf pan, mixing bowl
Pepperjack Meatloaf
This meatloaf is not just hearty and filling but also brings a lively twist to the dinner table, making it a delightful choice for anyone looking to jazz up their mealtime. Enjoy the robust flavors and the comforting, cheesy goodness of this unique take on a traditional dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 cup (4 ounces) pepper Jack cheese, divided
- 1 cup salsa (optional, for serving)
Directions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix these ingredients well.
- Form the Base Layer: Crumble half of the ground beef over the egg mixture and mix thoroughly. Press this half of the meat mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pan, creating a shell of meat.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the pepper Jack cheese over the meat, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges without cheese.
- Cover with Meat: Pat the remaining beef mixture over the cheese layer, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese completely.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 50-55 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink and a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
- Add More Cheese: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the meatloaf stand in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and makes the meatloaf easier to slice.
Serve with a Side
To complement the spicy flavors of the Pepperjack Meatloaf, serve it with a side of salsa, or consider pairing it with a cooling side such as a crisp green salad or creamy mashed potatoes.
