Description

This Jalapeno Popper Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon is a flavorful and indulgent twist on classic meatloaf. Combining ground beef with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheeses, and fragrant seasonings, then wrapped in crispy bacon, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory tastes. It’s an impressive main course that’s sure to delight anyone who loves bold flavors and comforting home-cooked meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

2 large eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (optional)
2 pounds meatloaf mix or ground beef
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Cheese and Jalapeño Filling

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 jalapeños (seeded and diced)
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Bacon Wrap

8 ounces bacon

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
Prepare Gelatin and Eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the unflavored gelatin. Let this sit for at least 5 minutes so the gelatin activates and helps bind the meatloaf.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: Add the meatloaf mix or ground beef, almond flour, parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper to the egg and gelatin mixture. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all the ingredients into a uniform mixture.
Make Jalapeño Cheese Filling: In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, minced onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Form Meatloaf Base: On a roasting pan or parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange about one-third of the meat mixture into a rectangular shape as the base of your meatloaf.
Spread Cheese Filling: Evenly spread the jalapeño cheese mixture over the base meatloaf layer, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along the edges to ensure even layering.
Top With Remaining Meat: Cover the cheese filling with the remaining meat mixture, pressing it down and folding it over the sides to fully encase the filling.
Wrap With Bacon: Arrange the strips of bacon around the meatloaf, overlapping slightly to cover as much surface as possible for added flavor and moisture during baking.
Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to cook the meat thoroughly.
Broil for Crispiness: After baking, switch the oven to broil mode and broil the meatloaf until the bacon is crispy and browned, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meatloaf moist and easier to slice.

Notes

Unflavored gelatin is optional but helps to bind the meatloaf for better texture.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds completely.
Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is crucial for juicy and neat slices.
You can substitute almond flour with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
Watch the broiling process closely to achieve crispy bacon without burning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes baking + 5 minutes broiling
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeno popper meatloaf, bacon wrapped meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, keto meatloaf, low carb meatloaf