Discover a delicious Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe that’s easy to make, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors for the perfect comfort meal. This recipe blends savory ground meat with spicy Pepperjack cheese, creating a juicy, flavorful loaf that will satisfy your cravings any day of the week. Whether you’re a meatloaf lover or trying it for the first time, this dish offers an irresistible twist on a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and savory flavors: The Pepperjack cheese adds a spicy kick that elevates traditional meatloaf.
Cheesy and gooey: Melted Pepperjack cheese inside the meatloaf brings a creamy texture you’ll adore.
Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together quickly for an easy meal.
Family-friendly comfort food: Perfect for cozy dinners that please both kids and adults.
Versatile and customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is key to making this Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe a winner. Each component contributes to the perfect balance of texture, richness, and boldness.

Ground beef: Provides a juicy, rich base that holds the loaf together and adds hearty flavor.
Pepperjack cheese: Offers a creamy, spicy melt that makes this meatloaf uniquely delicious.
Bread crumbs: Help absorb moisture and keep the meatloaf tender without falling apart.
Eggs: Act as a binder to keep the mixture steady and properly cooked.
Onion and garlic: Bring essential aromatic depth, enhancing the overall taste.
Ketchup or tomato sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness in and on top of the meatloaf.
Worcestershire sauce: Introduces umami complexity that deepens the savory flavor.
Salt and pepper: Season perfectly to taste, enhancing all the other ingredients.

Variations for Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe

This Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe is fantastic on its own, but feel free to customize it based on what you love or have on hand. It’s easy to tweak for various dietary preferences or flavor profiles.

Turkey twist: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner, lighter meatloaf option.
Veggie boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some greens without sacrificing taste.
Spice it up: Mix in diced jalapeños or chipotle powder for an extra kick of heat.
BBQ flavor: Glaze the top with your favorite barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky vibe.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for those avoiding gluten.

How to Make the Best Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe

How to Make Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic so they release all their flavor when mixed into the meat.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated but don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.

Step 3: Add the Pepperjack Cheese

Grate or finely dice the Pepperjack cheese. You can fold it directly into the meat mixture or create a cheesy core by layering the meat halfway, adding the cheese, then covering it with the remaining meat mixture.

Step 4: Shape and Glaze

Shape the mixture into a loaf on a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Spread ketchup or your chosen glaze evenly over the top to keep the meatloaf moist and add a tangy finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and help the flavors meld.

Pro Tips for Making Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe

Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
Use fresh Pepperjack: Fresh cheese melts better and keeps the flavor bright.
Rest before slicing: Allow the meatloaf to cool briefly so slices hold together neatly.
Check seasoning early: Taste a small portion of the raw mixture by lightly cooking it to ensure perfect seasoning.
Add moisture: If the mixture feels dry, include a splash of milk or broth for juiciness.

How to Serve Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich meatloaf perfectly.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw balance the spicy heat of the Pepperjack cheese, while roasted vegetables provide a hearty, wholesome accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, slice the meatloaf and serve open-faced sandwiches on toasted buns with lettuce and a smear of spicy mayo, turning this comfort dish into a portable meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftover meatloaf in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy throughout the week without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

Wrap the fully cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a microwave or oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent drying out and keeping the pepperjack cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I use cheese other than Pepperjack?

Absolutely! While Pepperjack gives that signature spicy kick, you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, swap the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center; it should read 160°F (71°C) for safe, perfectly cooked meatloaf.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients and shape the loaf a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Just add the glaze before baking.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on the meatloaf?

Broil the meatloaf for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking to caramelize the topping without drying out the inside.

Final Thoughts

This Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of cheesy spice and classic comfort. I encourage you to try making it soon and enjoy the wonderful flavors that bring a warm hug to your dinner table. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a family favorite in no time!

Pepperjack Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe

Delicious Pepperjack Meatloaf that’s easy to make, cheesy, and packed with bold, savory flavors. This meatloaf combines juicy ground beef with spicy Pepperjack cheese, creating a creamy, flavorful comfort meal perfect for family dinners. Simple ingredients and customizable options make it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup Pepperjack cheese, grated or finely diced
3/4 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup ketchup (or tomato sauce)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

Use 1 lb ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option
1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers or spinach for added veggies
1–2 diced jalapeños or 1 tsp chipotle powder for extra spice
BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for glaze
Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for gluten-free diet

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic so they release all their flavor when mixed into the meat.
Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated but don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.
Add the Pepperjack Cheese: Grate or finely dice the Pepperjack cheese. Either fold it directly into the meat mixture or create a cheesy core by layering the meat halfway, adding the cheese, then covering it with the remaining meat mixture.
Shape and Glaze: Shape the mixture into a loaf on a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Spread ketchup or your chosen glaze evenly over the top to keep the meatloaf moist and add a tangy finish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and help the flavors meld.

Notes

Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
Use fresh Pepperjack cheese for better melting and brighter flavor.
Rest the meatloaf before slicing to keep slices neat and juicy.
Check seasoning early by lightly cooking a small portion of the mixture.
Add a splash of milk or broth if the mixture feels dry for extra moisture.
Broil the meatloaf for the last 3-5 minutes to achieve a crispy crust.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of loaf)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Pepperjack meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe, family dinner