Mexican Meatloaf

Mexican Meatloaf is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food we all know and love. Packed with taco seasoning, green chilies, and salsa, this meatloaf is anything but boring. And instead of breadcrumbs, we’re using crushed tortilla chips for a little extra crunch and Tex-Mex flair.

This recipe is ridiculously easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying. Just mix, bake, and top with more salsa and fresh green onions—no complicated steps here! It’s great on its own, but you can also serve it with rice, a simple salad, or even some extra tortilla chips on the side.

If you love bold flavors and a good, old-fashioned meatloaf, this Mexican Meatloaf is about to become a new family favorite.

Speaking of delicious meatloaf recipes, you have to try my Classic Meatloaf, Caribbean Meatloaf, Sunday Meatloaf, and Indian Meatloaf if you’re looking for new versions to try. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Tex-Mex flavors: Taco seasoning, green chilies, and salsa give this meatloaf a zesty kick.
• No breadcrumbs needed: Crushed tortilla chips add flavor and texture while keeping it gluten-friendly (just use gluten-free chips!).
• Super easy to make: Just mix the ingredients, bake, and top with salsa—no fussy steps required.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers taste amazing and can be used in tacos, burritos, or sandwiches.
• Crowd-pleaser: A fun twist on traditional meatloaf that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Pairs with anything: Serve it with rice, a side salad, roasted veggies, or extra tortilla chips to scoop up all that goodness.

Ingredients 

Get our FREE
e-cookbook

I want it!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Ground Beef: Use extra lean ground beef to ensure your meatloaf isn’t drowning in grease.
• Tortilla Chips: You’ll use crushed-up tortilla chips instead of bread crumbs for this delicious Mexican version of meatloaf. Corn chips will work in place of tortilla chips, too.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredding the cheese yourself helps you avoid the preservatives in pre-shredded cheese, but feel free to use the cheddar cheese that’s already shredded if you want. Mild, medium, or sharp cheddar all work here.
• Salsa: Grab a jar of your favorite salsa! You’ll add it to the meat mixture and the top of the meatloaf. Try my garden salsa.
• Eggs: Eggs are essential to a good meatloaf. They add richness, flavor, and moisture, but more importantly, they help bind all the ingredients together.
• Taco Seasoning: I used a packet of store-bought taco seasoning, but if you make your own homemade taco seasoning, you’ll need about two tablespoons.
• Green Chilies: Add a bit of heat with green chilis. I recommend the mild ones if you’re serving this to kids, but medium works if you’d like more heat.
• Green Onions: Crunchy green onions add a freshness and flavor right before serving.

How to Make Mexican Meatloaf

• Step One: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.
• Step Two: In a large bowl, add ground beef, tortillas, cheese, ⅔ cup salsa, eggs, taco seasoning, and green chilies. With your clean hands, combine the mixture until everything is mixed well.

• Step Three: Add meat to a loaf pan. Place on a baking sheet and put in the oven for 1 to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until meat is cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check.
• Step Four: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before flipping over onto a serving platter. Spread ½ cup salsa and green onions on top. Serve hot.

What to Serve With It

• Mexican Rice: A classic side that soaks up all the extra salsa and flavors.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and comforting, they add even more Tex-Mex flair. Try these Slow Cooker Black Beans with any Mexican-inspired dish.
• Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob pair perfectly. Southern Style Green Beans are perfect with meatloaf for a Sunday supper.
• Tortilla Chips & Guacamole: A crunchy, creamy side that’s always a hit.
• Simple Green Salad: A light and fresh contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
• Mashed Potatoes with a Twist: Add a little taco seasoning or mix in roasted garlic. Hearty Mashed Potato Casserole is a delicious way to fill hungry bellies.
• Cornbread: A slightly sweet and buttery side that balances the spice.
• Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food! The creamy, cheesy goodness pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the meatloaf. This Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect side dish for any meal, and it’s kid-friendly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Switch up the protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor.
• Make it spicier: Add chopped jalapeños, use a spicier salsa, or mix in some hot sauce for extra heat.
• Go mild: If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild taco seasoning and a mild salsa, and skip the green chilies.
• Cheese options: Cheddar is great, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortilla chips to keep this recipe gluten-friendly.
• Low-carb alternative: Swap the tortilla chips for crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
• Add more veggies: Finely chop bell peppers or mushrooms and mix them into the meatloaf for extra texture and nutrition.
• BBQ twist: Mix in a little BBQ sauce with the salsa for a smoky-sweet flavor combination.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled meatloaf (whole or in slices) in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated. Cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 1-2 minutes on medium power, checking to make sure it’s heated evenly.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use your hands to mix: While messy, using your hands is the easiest way to evenly incorporate the beef and other ingredients. It helps keep the texture light and prevents overmixing.
• Don’t overmix the meat: Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
• Use freshly crushed tortilla chips: For the best texture, crush your own tortilla chips instead of using store-bought crumbs. A rolling pin or food processor works great!
• Let it rest before slicing: After baking, let the meatloaf sit for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps lock in the juices.
• Remove from the pan before slicing: Carefully flip the meatloaf onto a serving platter before slicing. This makes it much easier to get neat, even slices.
• Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 160°F for safe and juicy meatloaf.
• Make it in advance: You can mix the meatloaf ingredients ahead of time and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Drain excess grease: If your meatloaf releases a lot of liquid while baking, carefully tilt the pan and drain it off to keep the texture just right.
• Customize your topping: Instead of salsa, try topping it with enchilada sauce, queso, or even a drizzle of sour cream for extra flavor.
• Leftovers make great tacos: Crumble leftover meatloaf into tortillas with cheese and fresh toppings for an easy next-day meal!

What is the Secret to Moist Meatloaf?

The secret to a moist meatloaf is using enough moisture-rich ingredients like eggs, salsa, and cheese. Also, avoid overmixing the meat, and let it rest after baking to keep the juices locked in.

Why Does My Meatloaf Fall Apart When I Cut It?

Your meatloaf might fall apart because it lacks enough binders like eggs and crushed tortilla chips. Overmixing or underbaking can also cause it to crumble. Letting it rest before slicing helps it hold together better.

Is it Better to Cook Meatloaf at 350°F or 375°F?

It’s best to cook meatloaf at 350°F for even cooking and a juicy texture. Cooking at 375°F can dry it out faster, especially using lean meat. A lower, slower bake ensures a moist and tender meatloaf.

Can I Use Ground Beef with a Higher Fat Content?

You can use ground beef with a higher fat content, but expect more grease in the pan. Use a broiler pan or drain excess fat during baking to prevent a greasy meatloaf. Leaner beef (like 90/10) keeps it moist without too much grease.

Can I Make in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for Mexican Meatloaf to a slow cooker!

• Step One: Follow the same steps to combine the ingredients in a large bowl (ground beef, crushed tortilla chips, cheese, ⅔ cup salsa, eggs, taco seasoning, green chilies, and green onions).
• Step Two: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape that fits your slow cooker. You can also line the slow cooker with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make it easier to remove the meatloaf later.
• Step Three: Place the shaped meatloaf in the slow cooker. Spread ½ cup of salsa over the top of the meatloaf.
• Step Four: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.

Mexican Inspired Recipes

• Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
• Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
• Mexican Meatballs
• Mexican Stuffed Peppers
• Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Taco Casserole
• Pico de Gallo
• Fish Tacos
• Chicken Tortilla Soup

You’ll also like this Dill Pickle Roast Beef.

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.