Green Chile Meatloaf

Green Chile Meatloaf, a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food favorite! This recipe combines the heartiness of traditional meatloaf with the bold flavors of green chilies, chipotle, and spices, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and full of zesty character.

Made with ground turkey (though you can use your preferred meat), this meatloaf boasts a tantalizing blend of minced garlic, jalapeno, chipotle, ancho chile powder, and smoked paprika, infusing every bite with layers of smoky, spicy goodness.

The addition of crushed tortilla chips not only adds texture but also contributes to the Southwestern flair of this dish. Topped with a decadent layer of shredded cheese and green chilies, this meatloaf is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Served with a savory ketchup and chipotle sauce, this Green Chile Meatloaf is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed with a side of beans or potatoes, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bold Flavor Profile: The combination of ingredients such as jalapeno, chipotle, ancho chile powder, and smoked paprika creates a flavorful and aromatic meatloaf with a hint of heat and smokiness.

Unique Texture: The addition of crushed tortilla chips not only adds texture to the meatloaf but also imparts a subtle corn flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Cheesy and Tangy Topping: The topping of shredded cheese, ketchup, and green chilies forms a delightful green chile cheese ribbon, adding richness, tanginess, and visual appeal to the dish.

Savory Glaze: The sauce made from ketchup, garlic powder, and chipotle tabasco adds a savory glaze to the meatloaf, enhancing its flavor and moisture during baking.

Customizable: This recipe allows for flexibility in choice of meat and toppings, catering to personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

Simple Preparation: With straightforward instructions and common pantry ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.

Family-Friendly: Meatloaf is often a family favorite, and this recipe offers a unique twist with its green chile and cheese topping, appealing to both adults and children.

Versatile Serving Options: Whether served with beans or potatoes, this meatloaf provides a hearty and satisfying meal option that can be easily customized to suit different side dishes and preferences.

Moist and Tender Texture: Baking the meatloaf at 350°F for about an hour ensures thorough cooking while retaining moisture, resulting in a moist and tender texture that is sure to please.

Leftover Potential: Any leftovers can be enjoyed the next day, either reheated or as cold slices in sandwiches, providing a convenient and delicious meal option.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Turkey (or meat of your choice): Provides a lean and protein-rich base for the meatloaf.

Jalapeno: Offers a hint of heat and distinctive flavor to complement the other ingredients.

Chipotle: Adds smoky notes and a spicy kick to the meatloaf.

Ancho Chile Powder: Contributes rich, earthy flavor with mild heat.

Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smokiness of the chipotle and adds a savory depth.

Dried Oregano: Provides herbal flavor and complexity.

Cumin: Offers warm and earthy notes, complementing the other spices.

Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the meatloaf and serves as a binder.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps maintain the structure of the meatloaf.

Crushed Tortilla Chips: Adds texture and imparts a subtle corn flavor to the meat mixture.

Shredded Cheese: Melts into a gooey topping, adding richness and flavor to the meatloaf.

Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and bright flavor to the topping.

Ketchup (for sauce): Combined with garlic powder and chipotle tabasco, creates a flavorful sauce to glaze the meatloaf.

How to make Green Chile Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey (or meat of your choice)

2 minced garlic cloves

1 seeded, finely chopped jalapeno

1 chopped chipotle

2 T ancho chile powder

2 t smoked paprika

1 t dried oregano

1/2 t cumin

1/2 t salt

1/2 c chopped onions

2 T ketchup

1 egg

1 c crushed tortilla chips

Topping

1 c shredded cheese (I used a combo of cheddar and jalapeno)

1/3 c ketchup

1 can green chilies, drained or Hatch chilies

Sauce

1/3 c ketchup

1/2 t garlic powder

1 t chipotle tabasco or another chopped chipotle

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine turkey and other ingredients through tortilla chips.

Mix well. I use my hands. They work really well!

Then take half the mixture and shape it in a long flat loaf in a rectangular pan. (I like to bake my meat loaf in a baking dish, not a loaf pan.)

Step 2:

Spread 1/2 of the 1/3 c of ketchup on the loaf.

Top that with 1 c of shredded cheese.

Top that with the can of drained green chilies.

Now spread the rest of your ketchup over that. Or something like that!

This green chile cheese ribbon is not too spicy, but makes your loaf tasty and pretty. (We all need pretty, right?)

Step 3:

Ready? Now you can take the other half of the meat mixture and spread it on top of your filling.

Make sure your filling is sealed in well so it doesn’t leak out the sides.

Step 4:

OK, mix up the ketchup with the garlic powder and chipotle tabasco. Spread that on all sides of your loaf.

Step 5:

Bake for about 1 hour. Sometimes with turkey there is a lot of liquid that makes its way into the pan. Feel free to drain this or pour it onto your dog’s food. They will love it!

Step 6:

Serve this with beans or potatoes. Manservant voted beans.

Notes:

Preparation Method: The recipe involves a multi-step process, including mixing the ingredients, shaping the meatloaf, layering with toppings, and baking.

Customizable Ingredients: The recipe allows for flexibility in choice of meat, such as ground turkey, and toppings, like shredded cheese, providing options for personal preferences.

Flavorful Seasonings: The combination of seasonings such as ancho chile powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cumin, along with garlic and chipotle, promises a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Texture Variation: The addition of crushed tortilla chips not only adds texture to the meatloaf but also infuses a subtle corn flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

Cheese and Green Chile Topping: The topping of shredded cheese and green chilies adds richness and a mild heat, creating a visually appealing green chile cheese ribbon.

Sauce Component: The sauce made from ketchup, garlic powder, and chipotle tabasco further enriches the flavor profile and provides a savory glaze for the meatloaf.

Baking Instructions: The baking process at 350°F for about an hour ensures thorough cooking and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a moist and tender meatloaf.

Serving Suggestion: The meatloaf pairs well with beans or potatoes, offering a satisfying and balanced meal option.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a meat of your choice, such as ground beef, pork, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.

Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the chosen meat.

Is the jalapeno necessary for the recipe?

The jalapeno adds a spicy kick to the meatloaf. If you prefer milder heat, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno or omit it altogether.

Alternatively, you can use other mild peppers for flavor without as much heat.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the meatloaf?

Absolutely. The spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chopped jalapeno, chipotle, and chipotle tabasco sauce used.

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amounts, and if you enjoy more heat, increase them.

What can I use as a replacement for tortilla chips if I want a gluten-free option?

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the crushed tortilla chips with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal.

This alteration can ensure the meatloaf is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and assemble it in the pan ahead of time. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.

When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for a bit before baking according to the recipe instructions.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Certainly. While the recipe suggests cheddar and jalapeno cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese based on your preferences.

Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend can work well.

Can I freeze leftovers of this meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze leftover slices of meatloaf. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

What sides go well with this meatloaf, besides beans and potatoes?

Besides beans and potatoes, you can serve the meatloaf with a variety of sides such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, quinoa, or cornbread.

What’s the purpose of the crushed tortilla chips in the meatloaf mixture?

The crushed tortilla chips serve as a binder and can add a subtle flavor and texture to the meatloaf.

They help hold the mixture together and contribute to its consistency.

Is it necessary to use both ketchup and sauce for the topping?

The ketchup and sauce serve different purposes.

The ketchup provides a sweet tanginess, while the sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and heat.

If desired, you can skip the ketchup or sauce and use one topping instead of both.

Can I make a gluten-free version of this meatloaf?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortilla chips and ensuring that other ingredients like spices and sauces are gluten-free.

Check labels to confirm.