This easy, 1-bowl Mexican meatloaf is made with ground turkey, cheese, chilies and salsa! It's perfect for a hands-off dinner the whole family will love!
I may aspire to lazy Sundays of sleeping in, reading the paper and preparing a dinner that cooks all day so we can sit around the table enjoying each other's company...
Instead, we have dinner that I’m lucky to squeak out and get onto the table before I collapse in a heap at the end of the day.
And despite the chaos, I still demand healthy, fresh and flavorful.
This Mexican meatloaf seriously checks each of those boxes AND it’s super, super easy.
Put all of your ingredients into a bowl (yup, just one bowl!), mix very well, shape into a loaf and bake.
Yup, that's it!
And you'll have yourself a crowd-pleasing, cheesy, healthified (hello ground turkey and chopped fresh spinach, I’m looking at you) and flavor-packed meatloaf ready for devouring.
Here are a few quick notes and tips for the recipe.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground turkey: Lean ground turkey (the 93% lean kind) is my go-to for meatloaf. My package from the grocery store is usually 1.25 pounds, but I’ve also made this with a 1-pound package and that was fine, too. You could probably also substitute lean ground beef or use ground chicken if you prefer.
- Onion: Make sure to chop it finely so you don't have big chunks of onion in your meatloaf. You could also grate it if you prefer.
- Salsa: Use your favorite jarred salsa and whatever heat level you prefer - mild, medium or hot. I would stay away from any sort of bean-based or fruity salsa for this recipe.
- Breadcrumbs: I use store-bought plain breadcrumbs for this recipe. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this meatloaf gluten free.
As for serving, add some brown rice or maybe some paprika potatoes (or my go-to 10-minute microwave “baked" potatoes) or go with mashed potatoes if you like.
Then you just need a vegetable - maybe some green beans, steamed broccoli or a really simple spinach salad.
Very versatile.
Suddenly, you have a complete dinner spread! Worthy even of a Sunday!
Maybe one day I'll cook all-day meals. Most likely not.
Most likely I'll stick to quick, easy and delicious meals like this one.
I hope you give this recipe a try for a fun new way to do meatloaf!
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
P.S. Are you a meatloaf lover? Me too! Check out my BBQ cheddar turkey meatloaf — another 1-bowl turkey meatloaf that packs a serious flavor punch.
You can also try this classic turkey meatloaf or these mini turkey meatloaves that are individually sized.
Mexican Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds ground turkey (see notes)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¾ cup salsa, divided
- 1 cup packed spinach leaves, chopped
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- extra cheese and salsa, for serving, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up if desired.
- In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients (using just ½ cup salsa). Mix well. I start with a fork to get it going then use my hands so I don’t overwork it.
- Turn the meatloaf mixture out onto the baking sheet and shape into a loaf, about 8 inches long.
- Top with remaining ¼ cup salsa and bake at 400 for 45 minutes, until cooked through.
- Remove and let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
cesar
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Pedro
I love Mexican food. Thanks for the recipe.
Adriana Silva
Thanks for the recipe i´ll try it out!
Fernando
Great to lunch at work 🙂
Jairo Dourado
Nice one. Its look so good. I will try this recipe. Thanks for sharing
Alexandrina
My God how hot a single recipe, I love, I will share with my friends who love to cook just like me.
Lazaro S.
Many thanks for sharing this delicious Mexican meatloaf recipe, I made it along with my wife and it was a real delight.
Kathryn
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it Lazaro!
App para fazer convites
Sunday, mainly. Sacred day of being able to wake up late and enjoy the family. The question always remains: What are we going to eat today?
Paul Lonet
Great job. Thanks fos sharing.
Andressa Silva
This recipe seems to be delicious, I'll try to make it here at home. I hope everyone likes it.
Kathryn
I hope you enjoy it Andressa!
Gessica
Muito bom este site
Tiago S.
Mexican food is one of the tastiest in the world. It also has an incredible variety.
Anitta Torres
I loved this recipe. I'll do it today!
Kathryn
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it!
Vania
I feel like experiencing Mexican food. It must be very tasty.
joao vieira
My favorite =D
Julia
Delicious!! I'll try it, do it for my family!
Aline
I love Mexican food! I need to learn how to make these wonderful dishes !!!
Kathryn
This is a really easy one - hope you give it a try!
Jersey Girl Cooks
Meatloaf is such comfort food. This looks great!
Kathryn
Thanks! 😊
Megan
Love the use of salsa in this meatloaf! And that it can all be mixed in one bowl and done!
Kathryn
Thanks! It's so easy and so flavorful!
Shinee
I love Mexican twist on classic meatloaf! YUM!
Kathryn
Thanks Shinee!
Lauren Taylor
This is the perfect twist for Taco Tuesday
Kathryn
Thanks! Keeps dinner fun for sure!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
I always like a one bowl recipe so there's not a lot of clean-up!
Kathryn
Yes! Isn't that so nice?!
Richa Gupta
Wow love this amazing meatloaf recipe, looks yum!
Kathryn
Thanks so much!
Rachel
I love Mexican food!
Sabrina Freitas
Delicious! I'm going to do it tonight and surprise the whole family. Loved it!
Kathryn
Oh I'm so happy to hear that! I hope everyone enjoys it! 😊