When you are tired of the same old meatloaf routine, shake things up with a Taco Meatloaf. This ingenious dish combines a comfort food classic with the vibrant flavors of tacos for a fusion dish the entire family will love.
This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf—but if you make it for her, she’ll probably ask for seconds! I cook this fun recipe in the slow cooker to make it extra easy. All you have to do is start it in the morning, and it practically makes itself.
Taco meatloaf is a comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! I love how customizable it is. Just pile on your favorite taco toppings, from shredded cheese to salsa to guacamole.
In this post, I’ll walk through the simple steps to crafting this flavor-packed loaf and share customizing tips. Keep reading and learn all about this perfect weeknight dinner.
Looking for more taco ideas for easy dinners? Try my blackened shrimp tacos, mini beef tacos, and walking taco casserole.
🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Ground beef: Use lean ground beef so your meatloaf isn’t greasy.
- Onion
- Canned green chilis
- Taco seasoning
- Flavored tortilla chips: I used Nacho Cheese Doritos, but other flavors like ranch or even a spicy flavor would be great.
- Monterey jack cheese: Use your favorite cheese, like cheddar or a Mexican blend.
- Eggs
- Milk
- Taco sauce
- Colby Jack cheese
- Your favorite toppings
🥣How to Make Taco Meatloaf
- Start by lining your slow cooker with heavy-duty aluminum foil or a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Then, crush your tortilla chips.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the onions, green chiles, taco seasoning, and those crushed chips. Add in the Monterey Jack cheese, eggs, and milk and mix.
- Once everything’s mixed, put it into your slow cooker and pat it down to fit it.
- Slather that taco sauce on top. Then, put the lid on and let the slow cooker work magic. Set it to high for 3 hours if you’re in a hurry or low for 6 hours if you’ve got more time.
- When it is almost serving time, sprinkle on the Colby Jack cheese and let it melt for a few minutes.
- Lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker using the foil or the liner. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then go wild with the toppings!
🍴Serving Ideas
When it comes to serving this Slow-Cooker Taco Meatloaf, the possibilities are endless. I like to slice it and serve it over rice with black beans.
Include all your favorite toppings, like scallions, tomatoes, sour cream, black olives, avocado, and pickled jalapenos. If you are looking for something a little different, try these serving ideas:
- Taco Meatloaf Tacos: Yes, you read that right. Slice or crumble the meatloaf and stuff it into taco shells. Top with lettuce, cheese, and fresh garden salsa for a fun twist on taco night.
- Meatloaf Burrito Bowl: Slice up that meaty masterpiece and lay it on a bed of rice and beans. Add your favorite burrito fixings and drizzle with a little extra taco sauce.
- Sandwich Supreme: Who doesn’t love a good meatloaf sandwich? Stack some fresh rolls with meatloaf slices, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
💭How to Store
Let the meatloaf come to room temperature before you tuck it away. Then, store slices or chunks in an airtight container. This keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful and wards off any fridge odors.
Your taco meatloaf will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you’re playing the long game, wrap it well and freeze it for up to three months. When ready for round two, remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- While lean ground beef is recommended, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- The type of tortilla chips you use can significantly influence the flavor. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find the one that best suits your taste.
- Mixing different types of cheese can add depth to your meatloaf. Try combining sharp cheddar with pepper jack for a nice balance of flavor and spice.
- After cooking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it more moist and easier to cut.
📝Reader Questions
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and bake it at 350°F for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
While the slow cooker is more forgiving than other cooking methods, it is still possible to overcook your meatloaf, especially if you’re cooking it on high. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best results.
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Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion chopped
- 4 ounces can chopped green chiles
- 1 ounce taco seasoning envelope
- 1 cup crushed flavored tortilla chips like Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup taco sauce
- 1 cup Colby jack cheese shredded
- Your favorite taco toppings
Instructions
- Line your slow cooker with heavy-duty aluminum foil or a slow cooker liner. Crush the chips and dice the onions.1 cup crushed flavored tortilla chips, 1/2 small onion
- Combine the ground beef, onion, green chiles, taco seasoning, crushed chips, Monterey jack cheese, eggs, and milk in a large bowl.2 pounds lean ground beef, 4 ounces can chopped green chiles, 1 ounce taco seasoning envelope, 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, 2 eggs, ½ cup milk
- Once thoroughly mixed, place into your slow cooker and pat down evenly in the slow cooker.
- Spread your taco sauce on top and cover with the lid.½ cup taco sauce
- Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Before serving, top it with the shredded Colby jack cheese, and let it melt.1 cup Colby jack cheese
- Lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker using the foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with all your favorite taco toppings.Your favorite taco toppings
Notes
- You can use any shredded cheese you like for the meatloaf and to top it.
- You can use any flavor of crushed tortilla chips you like. Cool Ranch and even spicy flavors would be great in this dish.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
