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Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf

Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers. The juicy, flavorful meat mixture is stuffed with a cream cheese and jalapeño filling, then topped with crispy bacon and more cheese for an irresistible twist on two favorite dishes.

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Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf - main view
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Meat Mixture Consistency:
Creating the right texture in the ground meat ensures a juicy meatloaf that holds together without becoming dense.
Rolling Technique:
Properly rolling and sealing the meatloaf prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
Heat Balance:
Controlling the jalapeño heat level through seed removal creates a pleasant spice level that doesn't overwhelm.
Layered Cooking Process:
Adding the bacon and final cheese layer partway through cooking ensures everything is perfectly done at the same time.
Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf - secondary view

How to Create Perfect Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf

Meat Mixture Consistency
Creating the right texture in the ground meat ensures a juicy meatloaf that holds together without becoming dense.
Rolling Technique
Properly rolling and sealing the meatloaf prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
Heat Balance
Controlling the jalapeño heat level through seed removal creates a pleasant spice level that doesn't overwhelm.
Layered Cooking Process
Adding the bacon and final cheese layer partway through cooking ensures everything is perfectly done at the same time.
Baking Tips
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation, and avoid touching your face or eyes.
For a milder version, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For more heat, leave some in.
Partially cooking the bacon before topping ensures it gets crispy without overcooking the meatloaf.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing with the other filling ingredients.
For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon to the cream cheese filling.
Make individual mini meatloaves for faster cooking and easier serving.
Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf - tertiary view

Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf

Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers. The juicy, flavorful meat mixture is stuffed with a cream cheese and jalapeño filling, then topped with crispy bacon and more cheese for an irresistible twist on two favorite dishes.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
1H
Total Time
1H30 Minutes
Chef
JUE
Category
Main Course
Difficulty
Medium
Cuisine
American Fusion
Yield
8 servings
Dietary
Non-vegetarian
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the meatloaf:
02
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
03
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
04
1/4 cup finely diced onion
05
2 cloves garlic, minced
06
2 eggs, beaten
07
1/4 cup ketchup
08
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09
1 teaspoon salt
10
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12
For the jalapeño popper filling:
13
8 oz cream cheese, softened
14
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
15
4-5 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (leave seeds in some for extra heat if desired)
16
2 green onions, thinly sliced
17
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
18
For the topping:
19
6 slices bacon, partially cooked
20
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
21
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
22
For the glaze:
23
1/4 cup ketchup
24
2 tablespoons brown sugar
25
1 tablespoon honey
26
1 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions

01
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, or use a loaf pan.
02
In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing).
03
In a separate bowl, make the jalapeño popper filling by mixing cream cheese, half the shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, green onions, and garlic powder until well combined.
04
On a piece of parchment paper or foil, form the meat mixture into a rectangle about 9x13 inches.
05
Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the meat rectangle, leaving about 1 inch border on all sides.
06
Using the parchment paper as an aid, carefully roll up the meatloaf lengthwise, pinching the seam and ends to seal in the filling.
07
Place the meatloaf seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
08
In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, honey, and hot sauce. Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf.
09
Bake for 40 minutes, then remove from oven.
10
Arrange partially cooked bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, add remaining glaze, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and jalapeño slices if using.
11
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and bacon is crispy.
12
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and filling to set.