When I get into a dinner rut I like to turn to a tried and true recipe and change it up. Crock Pot Meatloaf is always a favorite meal, so transforming it into an Easy Taco Meatloaf Recipe seemed like a perfect thing to do. Loaded with all of the taco flavors you love, this delicious meatloaf recipe is perfect. Making it in the crock pot allows you to set it and forget it which is perfect for busy nights. Add this Taco Meatloaf to your dinner menu and you will be glad you did!
Do you love Crock Pot meatloaf? Try this Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff Meatloaf!
4 Reasons why you’ll LOVE this Taco Meatloaf Recipe
- It has all of the flavors you crave from a taco. With ingredients like salsa and taco seasoning in the meatloaf you know you are going to have something delicious.
- Using the Crock Pot to make the Taco Meatloaf lets you set it and forget it. Having dinner ready when you are is such a time saver.
- You can top the meatloaf like you would a taco and who doesn’t love taco toppings? Add a spoonful of sour cream, sliced olives and cilantro for a great flavor.
- It is a fun twist on two classic dinner recipes. Taking a taco and meatloaf and mashing them together makes for a crowd pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef-Use a leaner ground beef to ensure that you have some fat but not so much that the meatloaf is swimming in it.
- Eggs-The perfect ingredient for binding everything together.
- Bread Crumbs-Adding unseasoned bread crumbs gives the meatloaf a little more filler without any added flavors that wouldn’t go with the taco theme.
- Salsa-Whatever kind your family loves and you have on hand will work wonderfully.
- Taco Seasoning-One packet of your favorite brand of taco seasoning gives the meatloaf fantastic taco flavor.
- Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder-Adding a few additional spices that you already have on hand amps up the taste.
- Shredded Cheese-I love to use a Mexican blend but use whatever you have in the refrigerator and will melt well.
- Taco Sauce-This is where you can adjust the heat and go with mild, medium or hot taco sauce.
How to make Taco Meatloaf in the Crock Pot
- Combine the ground beef, eggs, plain bread crumbs, salsa, taco seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl. Mix ingredients together until just combined, making sure not to over mix {I love to use my hands}. It starts just like this Classic Crock Pot Meatloaf.
- Add meat mixture to a slow cooker that has been lined with either a Crock Pot liner or foil that has been sprayed with non stick spray and form into a loaf-like shape.
- Turn the Crock Pot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- In the last 20-30 minutes add the taco sauce and shredded cheese to the top of the meatloaf. Return lid and continue to cook on low for at least 20 minutes or until topping is heated/melted.
- Remove meatloaf from the Crock Pot using two spatulas.
- Serve warm topped with fresh cilantro and tortilla strips {if desired}.
Tips for making Meatloaf in the Crock Pot
- Use a Crock Pot liner! This helps with cleaning up in a big way.
- Add the meatloaf mixture to the Crock Pot and then form into a long loaf-like shape. If you try to form the meatloaf before adding it to the Crock Pot it might fall apart.
- Don’t forget to add the taco sauce and shredded cheese about 30 minutes before serving. It needs that amount of time for the taco sauce to warm up and the cheese to melt nicely.
- Use two large spatulas to remove the meatloaf from the Crock Pot before cutting and serving.
- Serve the meatloaf with a few tortilla strips and chopped cilantro {or parsley} to make it look beautiful and taste amazing.
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Use a different kind of ground meat. Try ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork instead.
- Omit the bread crumbs and use finely crushed tortilla chips to get the flavor of a corn tortilla shell into the meatloaf.
- Try a salsa verde instead of a traditional salsa.
- Create your own taco seasoning mixture instead of using a packet.
- Top the meatloaf with more salsa instead of taco sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes meatloaf fall apart?
Meatloaf can fall apart when it doesn’t have enough of a binder in the recipe. In this case we are using eggs and they are an excellent way to keep your meatloaf from falling apart.
Adding a few tablespoons of milk or even Greek yogurt work great too!
Can I use crushed tortilla chips in the meatloaf?
Crushed tortilla chips can be used as a substitute for the bread crumbs in this recipe. It would give the Taco Meatloaf the flavor of a corn shell inside the meat mixture which would be flavorful.
Can I use a can of Rotel instead of salsa in this Taco Meatloaf recipe?
Adding a can of Rotel to the meatloaf mixture instead of salsa would be a wonderful substitute. Rotel is a combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies which would flavor the meatloaf perfectly.
Is cilantro good in meatloaf?
Almost any kind of herb would be great in a meatloaf but cilantro would be especially wonderful. Adding it to the meatloaf mixture or the top of the cooked meatloaf would add awesome flavor.
How to store and reheat Taco Meatloaf?
The best way to store leftover Taco Meatloaf is to put it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You could also freeze it for up to 3 months.
There are a couple of ways to reheat the meatloaf. The microwave is always a great option but you could also cut it into slices, place them onto a baking sheet and cover with foil. Then place in the oven on 350 degrees until heated through.
Do you love using your Crock Pot? Try these awesome recipes…
- Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipe
- Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
- Korean Pork Street Tacos {Crock Pot}
- Crock Pot Taco Soup with Ground Beef
- Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken
Easy Crock Pot Taco Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- ¾ cup taco sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef, eggs, plain bread crumbs, salsa, taco seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl. Mix ingredients together until just combined, making sure not to over mix {I love to use my hands}.
- Add meat mixture to a crock pot that has been lined with either a crock pot liner or foil that has been sprayed with non stick spray. Turn crock pot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- In the last 20-30 minutes add the taco sauce and shredded cheese to the top of the meatloaf. Return lid and continue to cook on low for at least 20 minutes or until topping is heated/melted. Remove meatloaf from crock pot and serve warm. Store leftover meatloaf in refrigerator for up to a 3 days.
Nutrition
