A person can only eat so many tacos right? Transform your next Taco Tuesday dinner into this taco meatloaf for a family approved comfort food meal.
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Several weeks ago my 7 year old son finally tried tacos and fell in love. This was huge because other than a cheeseburger, he's not a fan of meat. I was so thrilled. He didn't just like the tacos, he was shoveling them in as fast as he could. This was one happy mama!
Josh insists we have Taco Tuesday every week now. While part of me is psyched. The other part of me is not so psyched because he only wants plain old, ground beef, out of the yellow box, tacos. He doesn't want tasty variations such as Pineapple & Pork Tacos or Brisket Tacos. I can only eat so many of the boring kid taco. What's a gal to do?
I wasn't exactly sure he was going to go along with this meatloaf idea. I've tried to get him to eat meatloaf before without luck. Even as he came to the table for dinner, I was cringing, expecting him to refuse to try it. He asked what it was and I said it was taco flavored and he dug in. Seriously. The kid ate this taco meatloaf like I've never seen him eat before. I think it helped I served it over mashed potatoes. He recently has decided he loves mashed potatoes again after a 2 year stretch of refusing to eat them.
After he was halfway through his second serving, I finally relaxed enough to dig into my plate too and man, was I shocked at how good it was. I have to say, I really enjoyed it.
Is it spicy?
Simple answer, only if you want it to be spicy. If you like your tacos with some heat, use a hot taco seasoning and/or a hot level salsa. If your kids are like mine, opt for the mild varieties.
Toppings
If your kid isn't picky like mine then you'll want to melt cheese over the top.
Some other great toppings would be guacamole, salsa, sour cream etc. Basically, anything you'd put on a taco can go on the taco meatloaf.
Serving suggestions
- mashed potatoes
- white rice
- Mexican style rice
My kid had his own serving suggestion, He really wanted me to let everyone know the proper way to eat it is to drag your forkful of meatloaf through the mashed potatoes and eat it that way. He was more than happy to demonstrate.
I hope this Taco Meatloaf recipe will help some of you get your picky kid to eat!
Printable recipe
Printable Recipe Card
Taco Meatloaf {A Kid Favorite Recipe}
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ Cup sour cream
- ⅓ Cup salsa
- 1 ounce taco seasoning 1 packet
- ⅓ Cup shredded cheddar cheese taco/Mexican blend preferred
- 1 Cup crushed tortilla chips
- 2 pounds ground beef
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a bowl combine egg, sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning and cheese. Stir in tortilla chips. Add ground beef and mix well with hands to distribute ingredients evenly through beef.
- Shape into a loaf on a baking sheet or place in a non-stick loaf pan.
- Bake 55 - 60 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite taco toppings if desired.
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
My kids would love this! Great recipe!
Stephanie says
Such a great twist on a classic!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
That's amazing that your son likes this! That means I must try it!
foodyschmoody says
It really is a miracle when I can get that kid to eat!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says
This is the kind of idea that makes you wonder why you never thought of it! Sounds delicious, I know my kids would love it.
foodyschmoody says
I'm sure they would, it's totally kid friendly!
Carolyn says
I've made a low carb version of this and yep...kids go nuts for it!
Kimberly says
Great twist and my kids would love this, too!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
LOL. That picture of your son shoveling in your taco meatloaf is priceless. I'm sure it's delicious!
April D Hammond says
I make meatloaf about once about once every two weeks. This is a variation, I am going to have to try. Your boy sure looks like he loves it, validation of a family favorite!
Nellwyn says
Sounds like a great twist on Tacos! Meatloaf is such a great comfort food when the weather gets cold.
Lora @savoringitaly says
I never thought of a meatloaf version like this...since my kids love tacos, I have to try it!!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
That's awesome that he finally tried tacos! And this is such a fun take on meatloaf. Can't wait to try it!
Liz Mays says
I love the taco flavor in this! Actually meatloaf is one of my fave meals!
Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. says
I never had meatloaf growing up and, as an adult, it just never sounded appealing to me to mix in ketchup into one of my meals like that. But THIS. This is a meatloaf I could get down with.
foodyschmoody says
One thing you can be sure of over on this blog, ketchup will never be an ingredient, lol. Would you believe I've actually never even tried ketchup. It just never sounded appealing to me. Anyway, no ketchup in this meatloaf!
Michele says
I'm not actually a fan of meatloaf--but I have a strange feeling I would love this variation. Oh--I agree with your son on the mashed potato!!
adriana lopez says
This is a great idea, awesome also for preparing sandwiches and actual tacos if there are leftovers. Meatloaf is always a nice homey option.
foodyschmoody says
That is a really good idea for leftovers!
Felicia Ney says
Can you cook this in the Instant Pot? I've had mine for a little while and am experimenting for family favorites. Thanks, F
foodyschmoody says
I have done it. Mine was a tiny bit wet so I would suggest maybe a few extra tortilla chips to counter balance that. I am hoping to perfect it and post the recipe soon. Also, I wrap mine in foil. Have you seen my Instant Pot Taco Pasta? If you're looking for a family friendly taco flavor dinner that would be a great option for you too!
Erlene says
My kids LOVE meatloaf and this will be a nice change in flavor. Pinned this and will be trying it soon.
foodyschmoody says
awesome! I hope they love it!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Taco Meatloaf sounds fantastic! Thomas would love this!
Hey Sharonoox says
I never had meatloaf growing up but taco meatloaf sounds good. Thanks for the recipe.
Francis Ramos says
I like your Taco Meatloaf recipe. It looks so good and tasty. Your son enjoyed it! You added different ingredients and would love to make if for my family.
JD Southern California says
About how many will this serve?
foodyschmoody says
This serves my family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids, although 1 of the kids is basically an adult)
JD Southern California says
Thanks for getting back to me. Most times when I ask a question online I do not get a reply. Merry Holidays to you and your family.
foodyschmoody says
I've seen that so often and I just don't get it. We are putting recipes out there to help people yet most don't continue to help by answering the questions?!
JD Southern California says
First no need to reply to this one! Bless you and keep it up.
JD Southern California says
P.S. Could this recipe be made in muffin tins for portion control if so how long to bake; I live alone and can the baked meatloaf be frozen for later and be reheated in the microwave?
foodyschmoody says
I haven't yet tried that but I don't see why not. My best guess would be about 20 minutes, depending on the depth of the muffin tin and how full you make them. I would certainly check them after 20 minutes with a quick read thermometer and as long as they are up to temp, you're good to go. I see no reason why you couldn't then reheat in the micro. I'd be eager to hear your results!
JD Southern California says
Thanks for getting back to me. Most times when I ask a question online I do not get a reply. Merry Holidays to you and your family.