Description
Ghost Pepper Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf is a bold, fiery twist on a comfort food classic. Combining creamy jalapeño popper filling with spicy ghost pepper cheese and hearty ground meat, this meatloaf is packed with heat and flavor, perfect for spice lovers who crave something different.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded ghost pepper cheese (or substitute with pepper jack for milder heat)
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- BBQ sauce or ketchup for glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, ghost pepper cheese, diced jalapeños, bacon, and green onions to make the filling.
- Divide the meat mixture in half. Press half into the bottom of the loaf pan, creating a shallow well in the center.
- Spoon the jalapeño popper filling evenly into the center well, then cover with the remaining meat mixture. Seal the edges to enclose the filling.
- Optional: Spread BBQ sauce or ketchup on top for a sweet glaze.
- Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to oven until melted and bubbly.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use gloves when handling jalapeños and ghost pepper cheese to avoid irritation.
- Adjust the spice level by using fewer jalapeños or substituting ghost pepper cheese with milder options.
- Leftovers make great spicy meatloaf sandwiches the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: ghost pepper meatloaf, jalapeño popper stuffed meatloaf, spicy meatloaf recipe, pepper jack meatloaf, hot and spicy dinner