Description
There’s something magical about combining the smoky heat of jalapeños, creamy cheese, and savory meatloaf into one irresistible dish. This Smoky Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Creamy Ranch Drizzle is a fun twist on a classic comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with bold flavors and a delightful drizzle of ranch dressing.
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Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Creamy Ranch Drizzle:
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, jalapeños, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Cheesy Filling
- Spread half the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom.
- In a small bowl, mix the cheddar cheese and cream cheese.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the meat layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to encase the cheese filling.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Ranch Drizzle
In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and milk or water until smooth and pourable.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the meatloaf and drizzle with the creamy ranch sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: Use more jalapeños or leave the seeds for an extra kick, or swap for mild peppers like poblano if you prefer.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American