Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Creamy Ranch Drizzle Recipe
This Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf combines the rich flavors of ground beef with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheeses, and crispy bacon, all baked to perfection and topped with a cool, creamy ranch drizzle. A comforting, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf that’s perfect for a hearty family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ranch Drizzle
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, diced jalapeños, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create an even base for your meatloaf.
- Fold in Cheeses and Bacon: Gently fold in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and the crumbled crispy bacon until everything is evenly combined without overworking the meat.
- Shape and Bake: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step helps retain its juices and makes slicing easier.
- Ranch Drizzle: Slightly warm the ranch dressing to enhance its flavor and drizzle it over the meatloaf slices just before serving for a creamy, tangy finish.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing ensures it stays moist and juicy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness.
Keywords: meatloaf, jalapeño popper, smoky meatloaf, creamy ranch, bacon, cheddar cheese, comfort food
