Mini Taco Meatloaf

 Mini Taco Meatloaf combines the delicious flavors of tacos with the comfort of meatloaf, making for a fun and tasty meal. These mini meatloafs are packed with seasoned ground beef, taco spices, and topped with melted cheese for extra flavor. Here's how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs (for binding)

1/4 cup taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup diced bell pepper (optional)

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Optional: Sliced olives, chopped green onions, or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed tortilla chips (or breadcrumbs), taco seasoning, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, egg, milk, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

2. Form the Meatloafs: Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it down gently to ensure each cup is filled completely.

3. Bake the Mini Meatloafs:

1. Bake the Meatloafs: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatloafs are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) if using ground beef.

4. Add the Toppings:

1. Top with Salsa and Cheese: Once the meatloafs are done, remove them from the oven. Spoon a tablespoon of salsa over each mini meatloaf, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.

2. Melt the Cheese: Return the meatloafs to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the mini meatloafs from the muffin tin and garnish with sliced olives, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.

Tips:

Customize the Fillings: Add diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans to the meat mixture for more taco-inspired flavor and texture.

For Low-Carb: Replace the tortilla chips with almond flour or skip the breadcrumbs for a low-carb version of this recipe.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloafs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking, or freeze them for later use.

These Mini Taco Meatloafs are a fun, flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf, perfect for a family dinner or a casual taco night!