This easy taco meatloaf is a fun twist on classic meatloaf made with ground beef, tortilla chips, pepper jack cheese, salsa, and topped with a taco sauce and ketchup glaze.
These mini taco meatloaves bake in just 25 minutes or cook in the air fryer in about 14 minutes, making them a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Jump to:
What Is Taco Meatloaf?
Taco meatloaf is a Mexican-inspired twist on my classic mini meatloaf recipe. Crushed tortilla chips replace the bread crumbs, salsa replaces the ketchup and Dijon mustard, taco seasoning instead of salt and pepper, and taco sauce is added to the topping for even more taco flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef, but 80/20 works just fine. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted. Cook time will be similar, but always cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Tortilla Chips: I use a low-sodium variety, but any kind works. Try flavored chips, such as nacho cheese or ranch, for even more taco flavor. Bread crumbs can be substituted, but the tortilla chips add a surprisingly delicious taco flavor to the meatloaf.
- Taco Seasoning: I use low-sodium taco seasoning, but any brand you like will work.
- Salsa: I use chunky salsa, but any variety you have on hand will work.
- Onion: An inexpensive yellow onion works perfectly. Not a fan? Leave it out.
- Cheese: I use pre-shredded pepper jack cheese, but cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well.
- Egg: This acts as a binder and helps hold the meatloaf together.
- Garlic: Jarred minced garlic works great in this recipe.
- Topping: I use a 50/50 mixture of mild taco sauce and ketchup. If you don’t have both, use the same salsa that’s mixed into the meatloaf. For more heat, use hot salsa or hot taco sauce.
How Taco Meatloaf Comes Together
Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make meatloaf dense.
Shape into four mini loaves, top with the taco sauce mixture, and bake or air fry until cooked through.
What to Serve with Taco Meatloaf
We love serving taco meatloaf with Spanish rice and black beans, but any of these easy sides make a delicious meal.
- Easy Spanish Rice
- Black Beans
- Southwest Style Corn
- Jalapeño Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
- Chips and Salsa
- Queso Mac and Cheese
Can You Make Taco Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatloaves up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook. You can also freeze the unglazed meatloaves for up to 3 months. Wait to add the taco sauce and ketchup topping until just before cooking.
Why Make Taco Meatloaf as Mini Meatloaves?
Mini meatloaves cook faster than a traditional loaf and have more surface area for the taco sauce topping and melted cheese. They bake in about 25 minutes or cook in the air fryer in about 14 minutes. They’re also easy to portion and serve.
Love this recipe?
Leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
Taco Meatloaf Recipe (Easy Mexican-Inspired Dinner)
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- ⅓ cup crushed tortilla chips
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 3 tablespoons salsa
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons taco sauce
Instructions
Make the meat mixture
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cheese, crushed tortilla chips, onion, salsa, taco seasoning, egg, and minced garlic. Mix just until combined; don't overmix.1 pound lean ground beef, ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese, ⅓ cup crushed tortilla chips, ¼ cup finely diced onion, 3 tablespoons salsa, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Shape: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into flat ovals.
- Make the topping: Mix the taco sauce and ketchup together in a small bowl.2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons taco sauce
Oven Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Top: Divide the mixture evenly among the meatloaves and spread it over the tops with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatloaves reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Air Fry: Place the meatloaves in a single layer in an air fryer basket that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Top: Divide the taco sauce mixture evenly among the meatloaves and spread it over the tops.
- Finish: Return the meatloaves to the air fryer and cook for 2 more minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.