Southwest-Style Meatloaf (Turkey, Chicken, or Beef)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Description: This hearty and flavorful meatloaf recipe, inspired by the rich and vibrant flavors of the Southwestern U.S., is incredibly versatile. While it typically features ground turkey or chicken, feel free to use ground beef for a traditional twist. With its blend of savory ingredients, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices bacon 🥓
- 1 medium cooking onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 1 green bell pepper, diced 🌶️
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped 🌿
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 tablespoons chili powder 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup hot salsa 🌶️
- 1 pound ground chicken or ground turkey 🍗🦃 (alternatively, ground beef)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs 🥖
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 🧀
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatloaf will cook evenly and develop a deliciously crispy top.
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Cook the Bacon: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. After it’s cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and chopped celery. Cook these vegetables over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Spices and Salsa: Mix in the chili powder, dried oregano, and salt, and stir well to combine. Pour in the hot salsa, allowing it to blend with the spices and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld together.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the contents of the skillet with the crumbled bacon, ground chicken or turkey (or beef), breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
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Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a large loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form an even shape.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Add Cheese: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier, more flavorful meatloaf.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your Southwest-Style Meatloaf with a side of salsa and a dollop of sour cream for added zest and creaminess. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for a touch of color and extra flavor. 🌿
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 311.8
- Fat: 17.5g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 147.1mg
- Sodium: 881.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.1g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Protein: 27.7g
Notes:
- Versatility: This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add your favorite veggies to the mix.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Enjoy this delightful and savory Southwest-Style Meatloaf, perfect for a family meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table! 🍽️
