Mexican Spiced Ground Beef Meatloaf with Cheese

Prep: 15 minCook: 50 min8 servingsmediumMexican
Mexican Spiced Ground Beef Meatloaf with Cheese

A bold twist on classic comfort food that combines seasoned ground beef with zesty Rotel tomatoes, taco spices, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. The addition of salsa and cilantro brings authentic Mexican flavors to this family-friendly dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet different from the usual rotation. The cheese topping creates a golden, bubbly finish that makes this meatloaf as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Nut-Free

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 2 pounds ground beef
    ground turkey1:1lighter

    use 85/15 for best texture

    Full guide →
  • 1 10-ounce can Rotel, drained
    diced tomatoes + jalapeños1:1milder

    drain well

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup plain bread crumbs
    crushed tortilla chips1:1crunchier

    adds Mexican flavor

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup jarred salsa
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
    cheddar cheese1:1sharperadds dairy

    any melting cheese works

    Full guide →
  • fresh cilantro(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F

  2. 2

    Break ground beef into small pieces in a large bowl

  3. 3

    Mix Rotel, taco seasoning, eggs, and breadcrumbs with ground beef until evenly combined

  4. 4

    Form beef mixture into loaf shape and place in baking dish

  5. 5

    Bake for 40 minutes

  6. 6

    Remove from oven and pour salsa over top, then sprinkle with cheese

  7. 7

    Bake 5 to 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly

  8. 8

    Garnish with fresh cilantro

  9. 9

    Serve with rice and sour cream if desired

Tips

Tip 1

Drain Rotel well to prevent excess moisture that could make the meatloaf soggy and affect texture.

Tip 2

Let meatloaf rest 5 minutes after baking before slicing to help it hold its shape when served.

Tip 3

Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Can be assembled 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate before baking

Serve With

Serve hot with rice, sour cream, or Mexican sides

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overmix the meat to avoid dense texture

Watch

Drain Rotel completely to prevent soggy meatloaf

Substitutions

Monterey Jack→
cheddar cheese1:1sharperadds dairy

any melting cheese works

Full guide →
ground beef→
ground turkey1:1lighter

use 85/15 for best texture

Full guide →
Rotel→
diced tomatoes + jalapeños1:1milder

drain well

bread crumbs→
crushed tortilla chips1:1crunchier

adds Mexican flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I freeze this meatloaf?

Yes, wrap cooled meatloaf tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating in 350°F oven.

What if I don't have Rotel?

Use diced tomatoes with jalapeños, or mix regular diced tomatoes with chopped jalapeños to taste for similar flavor and texture.

How long will leftovers keep?

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat slices in microwave or 350°F oven until heated through.