If you love the bold flavors of tacos but want a hearty, comforting twist, this Taco Meatloaf Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. It’s a fantastic fusion of classic meatloaf comfort and zesty taco seasoning that transforms everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings a lively, cheesy, and satisfying punch to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Meatloaf Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, texture, or those signature savory taco flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
- Ground beef: Using 93% lean beef keeps your meatloaf juicy without excess grease, creating the perfect texture.
- Egg: Slightly beaten to bind all the ingredients together, ensuring your loaf holds shape.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These act as the filler and absorber, soaking up flavors and keeping the meatloaf tender.
- Taco seasoning: The star of the show, this blend infuses the meat with that unmistakable taco zest and warmth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheesy goodness inside the loaf delivers pockets of melty, savory bites in every slice.
- Milk: Adds moisture so the meat doesn’t dry out, balancing all the drier ingredients.
- Taco sauce: Spread on top to create a vibrant, tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking for extra flavor.
How to Make Taco Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. This high heat is key to getting a slightly crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside tender. Then, combine your ground beef, egg, oats, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, and milk in a large bowl. Mix everything just enough to bring it together—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, so take it easy!
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf
Press your meat mixture firmly but gently into a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a dedicated meatloaf pan. The pan helps the loaf keep its shape and promotes even cooking. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape it freeform on a baking sheet, but the pan works best for neat presentation.
Step 3: Top with Taco Sauce
Spread a generous layer of taco sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf. This not only adds moisture but creates a vibrant, flavorful glaze that bubbles up and caramelizes as the meatloaf bakes. This step is crucial for that signature final touch.
Step 4: Bake Thoroughly
Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and firm to the touch. Cooking times can vary based on your oven and pan, but once it’s done, the inside should be juicy with just the right amount of firmness to slice easily.
How to Serve Taco Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Top the slices with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or diced avocado to add brightness and creaminess to every bite. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a squeeze of lime can also bring the flavors to life, making each serving feel festive and full of personality.
Side Dishes
This Taco Meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic Mexican-inspired sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp tortilla salad. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh corn and black bean salad or simply roasted vegetables seasoned with cumin and chili powder to echo those taco flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz it up for a casual meal or party, slice the meatloaf and serve it as sliders on small buns with all your favorite taco toppings. Or, crumble leftover slices over nachos or into a burrito bowl for delicious repurposing. The adaptability of this Taco Meatloaf Recipe means leftovers never have to feel boring!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tightly wrap your leftover Taco Meatloaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy quick meals throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this meatloaf whole or slice it first for convenience. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place the slices in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it stays delicious for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven. Cover with foil if baking to avoid drying out, and heat until warmed through. Adding a little extra taco sauce or cheese on top before reheating can help keep that fresh-out-of-the-oven charm alive.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work well for this Taco Meatloaf Recipe, but be mindful that they are leaner, so you may want to add a little extra moisture like a splash of olive oil or an additional egg to keep it from drying out.
Is it necessary to use rolled oats, or can I substitute breadcrumbs?
Rolled oats help keep the meatloaf extra moist and add a subtle texture, but if you don’t have oats, plain breadcrumbs work perfectly fine. Just avoid seasoned breadcrumbs, as the taco seasoning already provides tons of flavor.
Can I prepare this meatloaf a day ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and shape it ahead and store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for prepping meals in advance without losing any of that fresh, vibrant taste.
How spicy is the taco seasoning in this recipe?
The spice level is moderate, turning the meatloaf flavorful but not overwhelming. If you prefer more heat, opt for a spicy taco seasoning mix or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture before baking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan, or split into two loaf pans. Keep an eye on the cooking time, which may need to be adjusted slightly for larger, thicker loaves.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Meatloaf Recipe is the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods, guaranteed to bring warmth and excitement to your dinner table. It’s simple to make, delightfully flavorful, and versatile enough to please everyone. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights or anytime you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal!
Print
Taco Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Taco Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, blending seasoned ground beef with taco spices, oats, and cheddar cheese for a deliciously moist and savory meal. Topped with tangy taco sauce and baked to perfection, it’s a satisfying dinner option that brings the zest of tacos in an easy-to-make meatloaf form.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1½ lbs. ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup milk
Topping
- 1 cup taco sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, slightly beaten egg, rolled oats, taco seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Shape Meatloaf: Press the meat mixture firmly into a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a suitable meatloaf pan, shaping it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Topping: Spread the taco sauce uniformly over the top of the meatloaf to add moisture and flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is firm and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160ºF or 71ºC).
Notes
- Using 93% lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat while keeping the meatloaf moist.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats act as a binder and add texture, a great alternative to breadcrumbs.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- You can substitute the taco sauce with your favorite salsa for a different flavor profile.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
