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Savory Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Meatloaf

A comforting and flavorful Tex-Mex spin on traditional meatloaf, perfect for cozy dinners and easy to adapt for different diets.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (optional for extra flavor) Optional ingredient
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make GF
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free) Add alternative milk for dairy-free version
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup) Use freshly chopped for best texture
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional for heat) Optional ingredient for spice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tbsp chili powder + 1 tsp cumin + 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp paprika) Homemade option available
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tex-Mex Glaze
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from a can of chipotles, chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder Choose according to spice preference
  • 1/4 cup salsa Choose your preferred heat level
For Topping and Garnish
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional) Optional for topping
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, avocado slices, and lime wedges for serving For garnish and serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray or line with a slow-cooker liner.
  2. Finely chop the onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro. Preheat your broiler if you plan to finish the top.
Mix the Meatloaf
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined.
Shape and Place in Slow Cooker
  1. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and transfer it gently to the slow cooker.
  2. For a juicier center, create a shallow indentation along the top.
Make the Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar or lime juice, chipotle or chipotle powder, and salsa until smooth.
  2. Pour about half of the glaze over the loaf, spreading gently with a spoon.
Cook Low and Slow
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Finish the Top (Optional)
  1. Transfer the loaf to a baking sheet and broil on HIGH for 3 to 5 minutes after brushing with remaining glaze.
Rest and Serve
  1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, avocado, and lime wedges.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the loaf reaches 160 F for safe doneness. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. For make-ahead option, assemble the mixture up to 24 hours in advance.