Fiesta Meat Loaf
Fiesta Meat Loaf is a flavorful, hearty dish combining ground beef with vegetables and a tangy chili sauce glaze. Its savory profile is enhanced by Worcestershire and green peppers, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings that call for comfort food with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked vegetables, lean ground beef, soft bread crumbs, slightly beaten egg, Heinz Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt.
- Mix until well combined, adding more bread crumbs to taste for desired consistency.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Pour Heinz chili sauce over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have soft bread crumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or even oatmeal as a binder. For a twist, try substituting turkey for ground beef for a leaner option. This dish is perfect for using up leftover veggies from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fiesta Meat Loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with BBQ Rice for a flavorful twist. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of additional chili sauce on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Meat Loaf contains roughly 322 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just shape it into a loaf and bake it when you're ready to serve. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of Heinz chili sauce?
If you don't have Heinz chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of ketchup and hot sauce or even barbecue sauce for a different flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste preference for sweetness and heat.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or a mixture of lentils and beans. Adjust the seasoning and breadcrumbs accordingly to maintain the texture and flavor of the meatloaf.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).