Meatloaf with Tex-mex flair. Gussied up with salsa, cheddar cheese and spices like chili powder and oregano then slathered in ketchup or hot sauce, depending on whether you like it spicy or not.
Sometimes I dream of writing a meatloaf cookbook. In my head I tick off recipe ideas, then I write the whole thing off because who can think of that many different recipes for meatloaf? And, if I did, who’s going to buy a meatloaf cookbook? Maybe like 5 people. Mom, Dad, sister, aunt, cousin and other cousin. I’ll be lucky if I sell six.
It is a good dream though, mostly because taste-testing!
Anywho this one would definitely be in the book. Meatloaf with Tex-mex flair. Gussied up with salsa, cheddar cheese and spices like chili powder and oregano then slathered in ketchup or hot sauce, depending on whether you like it spicy or not.
This recipe is really dependent on using a good-quality, fancy salsa. Preferably one with lots of veggies including green pepper because it adds great flavor. The brands I like are Desert Pepper Trading Company, Green Mountain Gringo and Newman’s Own. If you have a favorite homemade version you can use that too.
So, meatloaf cookbook, yay or nay? I say nay because then what would I have to dream about?
I kind of like my meatloaf dreams.
Ingredients
2 eggs, beaten
1 + 1/2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
1 cup salsa (preferably one with green peppers in it)
1/3 cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Worcestershire
1 + 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons chile powder
1 teaspoon oregano, crushed between fingertips (preferably Mexican)
salt and fresh black pepper
Topping:
1/4 cup ketchup or hot sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl with a fork whisk the eggs together. Add the rest of the ingredients except the ketchup including 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Combine with a fork until well mixed. If it seems too wet add another tablespoon or two of bread crumbs.
Dump it out into the pan and form it into a loaf. Coat it all over with the ketchup or hot sauce.
Bake 45 - 50 minutes or until cooked through in the center. Let sit five minutes before slicing.
