1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by pulling together all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Measure out 2 pounds of ground beef, chop 1/2 cup of green onion and peppers, and drain the 2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies. For dietary tweaks, use ground turkey for a leaner, low-calorie option or plant-based crumbles for vegan adaptations; this ensures everyone can enjoy their version of Mexican meatloaf right from the start.

2-Second Step: Mix the Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the 2 pounds ground beef with 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 2 teaspoons dried cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, a dash of hot pepper sauce if you want extra spice, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Gently fold in the chopped onions, peppers, 1 cup frozen corn, drained tomatoes, 1 egg, and 1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips. If making it gluten-free, double-check your chips; for vegan, swap the egg with a flax egg to keep the mixture binding well, adapting this core part of Mexican meatloaf easily.

3-Third Step: Shape and Place in the Dish Once mixed, form the blend into a loaf shape and put it in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial for even cooking, so press it gently without overworking. For low-calorie versions, use less of the mixture or a smaller pan; vegan substitutes might need extra binding to hold the shape, ensuring your Mexican meatloaf bakes up perfectly every time.

4-Fourth Step: Initial Baking Bake the loaf uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. This gets the inside cooking through while building flavors. Keep an eye on it if you’re using lighter meats for dietary needs, as they might cook faster; this helps maintain moisture in your Mexican meatloaf with cheesy topping for all preferences.

5-Fifth Step: Add the Topping After the first bake, take it out and spread 1/2 cup salsa, 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips, and 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. For gluten-free options, ensure the chips are safe, and for low-calorie, use a reduced-fat cheese. This layer creates that signature spicy tomato sauce and cheesy topping many love in Mexican meatloaf recipes.

6-Final Step: Finish Baking and Serve Increase the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 35 minutes uncovered until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing, which makes serving easier and helps with texture. For vegan adaptations, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative, then plate with sides like rice or salad; this completes your Mexican meatloaf, ready for 8 to 10 servings packed with flavor.