Pepperjack Meatloaf 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)
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
- 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