Peggy'S Mexican Meat Loaf
Peggy's Mexican Meat Loaf combines savory ground beef with spicy picante sauce and melted cheddar, topped with ketchup and bell peppers, offering a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground chuck, chopped onion, egg, crushed saltine crackers, and 1/4 cup of picante sauce until well combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into two equal parts.
- Press one half into the bottom of a loaf pan.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the meat in the pan.
- Pour 1/2 cup of picante sauce over the cheese layer.
- Cover the cheese and sauce with the second half of the meat mixture, sealing in all the cheese.
- Garnish the top with swirls of ketchup and slices of bell pepper.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until cooked through.
- Pour off any fat drippings before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped jalapeños or cilantro into the meat mixture. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes. Instead of saltine crackers, crushed tortilla chips can provide a unique texture. For a twist, try using different types of cheese like pepper jack. This dish is a delightful example of traditional Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Peggy's Mexican Meat Loaf with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. A fresh salad with avocado and lime dressing pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the meat loaf. For a festive touch, consider providing a side of Flan De Leche for dessert, making it a hit at any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the meat loaf and place it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peggy'S Mexican Meat Loaf contains roughly 2270 calories, with 108g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 148g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (217% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (149% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 meat loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just layer it in the loaf pan when you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of picante sauce?
If you don't have picante sauce, salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies can be used as a substitute. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Homemade salsa works great too, adding a personal touch to the recipe.
Can I freeze the meat loaf?
Absolutely! After baking, let the meat loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).