Sometimes I get tired of cooking the same thing and my brain goes a bit haywire.
Like when I clean house, manservant tells me it goes totally out of control.
I can imagine everything under the sun and I have a pretty deep, sometimes dark, imagination. But one day I thought of this.
And I thought I don't need to make a pot of chili, I'm going to make a chili meat loaf.
Life changing, right? Well, not really. But I googled and I really couldn't find too many recipes that looked good, so I made up my own.
Now I need to find something else to imagine because this came out really good.
Manservant loves chili. He's from Tayxas, so that explains it, right? I'm from Illinois, and though we like chili, I never really needed chili.
Well, Manservant needs chili. It's in his genes (jeans?).
Especially after yard work, and during football games. And for lunch, and for breakfast over eggs, and well, I could go on and on.
This meat loaf came out so good that I crumbled it up and put it on nachos.
I put it in scrambled eggs. I put it between two slices of bread. I wrapped some in a tortilla with some beans and called it a burrito.
Now, I know you could do all of that with a bowl of chili, but sometimes we all need a change. I know I'm ready and I'm not just talking meatloaf.
Their chili ain't for people from Tayxas. I mean it has mushrooms in it. It looks like a really bean filled, easy chili to please a lot of people, but when I make my chili I like to up the ante, so to speak.
In other words, feel free to dial the spices whatever direction you want.
This is another fun meatloaf.
Compare it if you want to my Cap'n Crunch meat loaf. I like that a lot, too.
One of my favorite things about making meatloaf is having leftovers.
Now that the kids have moved on (sob, sob) we get a lot more leftovers. They were never a dirty word in our house.
Don't forget all the things you can do with those leftovers.
And when you are finished eating this spicy, delectable green chili meatloaf, make sure to save some for breakfast!

Recipe

Green Chili Meatloaf
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 60 Minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 - 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Description
Meatloaf filled with green chiles and cheese? Can't beat that!
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs ground turkey (or meat of your choice)
2 minced garlic cloves
1 seeded, finely chopped jalapeno
1 chopped chipotle
2 T ancho chile powder
2 t smoked paprika
1 t dried oregano
½ t cumin
½ t salt
½ c chopped onions
2 T ketchup
1 egg
1 c crushed tortilla chips
Topping
1 c shredded cheese (I used a combo of cheddar and jalapeno)
⅓ c ketchup
1 can green chilies, drained or Hatch chilies
Sauce
⅓ c ketchup
½ t garlic powder
1 t chipotle tabasco or another chopped chipotle
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350.
Combine turkey and other ingredients through tortilla chips. Mix well. I use my hands. They work really well! Then take half the mixture and shape it in a long flat loaf in a rectangular pan. (I like to bake my meat loaf in a baking dish, not a loaf pan.)
Spread ½ of the ⅓ c of ketchup on the loaf. Top that with 1 c of shredded cheese. Top that with the can of drained green chilies. Now spread the rest of your ketchup over that. Or something like that! This green chile cheese ribbon is not too spicy, but makes your loaf tasty and pretty. (We all need pretty, right?)
Ready? Now you can take the other half of the meat mixture and spread it on top of your filling. Make sure your filling is sealed in well so it doesn’t leak out the sides.
OK, mix up the ketchup with the garlic powder and chipotle tabasco. Spread that on all sides of your loaf.
Bake for about 1 hour. Sometimes with turkey there is a lot of liquid that makes its way into the pan. Feel free to drain this or pour it onto your dog’s food. They will love it!
Serve this with beans or potatoes. Manservant voted beans.
Brian E. says
Thanks for the giveaway…we use two pounds of ground beef, a can of condensed tomato soup, 1 envelope dry onion soup and recipe mix, oatmeal, an egg, and seasoning to taste. We will throw in some chopped onion, garlic, or green peppers if we have some as well.
Heather says
I make mine in the oven. The less ingredients the better. Yum!
Erinn Sluka says
We use onion soup mix, an egg, crushed saltines and last few minutes of baking-top with ketchup and brown sugar mix. Super easy!
laurasloves says
I first take my hamburger and marinate it overnight in some Italian dressing, oregano, thyme and garlic. The next day I drain off the excess and put it in a bowl. I then add some herb bread crumbs, honey mustard, onions, peppers and salt and pepper. I put it in my coated loaf pan and then cover it in marinara sauce mixed with some brown sugar. I bake it for about 45 minutes and then like to add a finish of some soy sauce.
Laurie Emerson
lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com
Alicia says
I have never made a meatloaf. So I don't have a special way.
Darby Elizabeth says
I have actually never made it! I always hated my moms when I was growing up-and i just never tried anything else!
[email protected]
sweetsue says
I make meatloaf with canned crushed tomatoes, an egg, and I use oatmeal as a filler.I usually add onion and other diced vegetables.
smchester at gmail dot com
Lisa Garner says
I love making meatloaf with Doritos crunched up and adding pineapple salsa.
Anna and Liz Recipes says
HI Abbe! I made my meatloaf like a giant Italian meatball, with lots of eggs, grated parmigiano cheese, chopped parsley, some seasonings and tomato sauce to go on top.
The chili meatloaf you made sounds really good, we will have to try this soon! Have a great day! Happy Halloween!
Deb Christie says
I like to mix some brown gravy into the meatloaf mix to give it extra flavor and moistness.
1froglegs says
I like to use one pound of ground beef and a half pound of ground sausage. It gives it a unique taste.
kimbly says
I love meaty, spicy meatloaf - but my favorite way to eat it is in a sandwich!
KrazeKatLady says
I have had it with whole, hard boiled eggs in it. I just couldnt get on board with that. - Krazekatldy S.
Anonymous says
I like making meatloaf with tons of ketchup and whole wheat bread crumbs
JOSEPH GERSCH
[email protected]
Yi @ Yi Reservation says
I loveee meatloaf and have collected a bunch of recipes from various books and cooking shows. One of my favorite is to mix pork, beef, bread crumbs and flavor it the way you would flavor italian hot sausages. Yum!
Jen says
We make meatloaf with hamburger,onion,ketchup and crackers
walk9 says
I love making meatloaf but now that my husband in gluten free i have to cut out the breadcrumbs. As a glaze i mix ketchup with brown sugar and pour it over the top.
Lucy says
i never make meatloaf - my husband makes it.
Amy Gettys says
I like to make meatloaf using ground sirloin, grated cheddar cheese, finely diced green peppers, grated onion (helps keep it very moist), breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, eggs, salt, pepper, Kentuckyaki sauce ( a soy sauce blend containing apple cider vinegar, fresh garlic, fresh ginger and bourbon) and top it with balsamic ketchup.
Carla Shiver says
My favorite way to make meatloaf is to mix the ground beef with worcestershire,onion soup,and ketchup.I add eggs mixed with milk,green onions,red onions,mushrooms,garlic,and a couple of cups of shredded mexican and sharp cheddar cheese.
dentistvschef says
who could resist spicy and hot meatloaf??
Preety suits for my asian licking!
Georgette C says
Holy cow...I love chili, so this meatloaf looks fantastic!!! I usually have to spice it up with something. There's a great place in Chicago called the Meatloaf Bakery. There is a Meatloaf Bakery cookbook by Cynthia Kalile that y'all should check out for some great extraordinary meatloaf recipes. My favorite way is to have turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Delicious!
[email protected](Georgette C)
Abbe Odenwalder says
I'm going to have to look for this book! My brother lives in Berwyn so next time I come to visit we will check this place out! Yup. Gotta have mashed potatoes. Thanks!
Anonymous says
I hardboil 2 or 3 eggs and after I mix the ground beef with onion soup mix I wrap the meat around the eggs. I bake it at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and then cover with Pillsbury crescent rolls opened flat. Cook another 15 minutes and serve with jar beef gravy Rosanne [email protected]
Abbe Odenwalder says
My mom used to do onion soup but not the hard boiled egg thing. but this Pillsbury crescent rolls makes this sound really spectacular! Thanks, Roseanne.
John Leahy says
Not sure my first post "took." I like a meatloaf in a round or oval shape, with herbs.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks for trying again, John! A round shape-that's a new one. Any particular reason?
Catherine Shaw says
I like a basic meatloaf made with whole wheat bread crumbs and plenty of herbs.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Lots of herbs-always a good thing! Thanks, Catherine!
Laura Dembowski says
So cool that you're working with Whole Foods! Congrats! Those gummy worms would be mine for sure. My mom makes the best meatloaf because she makes mini ones. They are adorable and cook faster and we each get out own.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks, Laura! You and my daughter would be good friends. She loves anything gummy! And mini meatloaves seems to be popular!
Amy says
This is totally comfort food to me. Perfect for cooler weather nights. I love my meatloaf with bacon wrapped on top. I know, so good and hard to resist. 😛
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Abbe Odenwalder says
I'm with you, Amy!
Beth says
I have never loved meatloaf but my grandmother loves to make it
bethany
[email protected]
Abbe Odenwalder says
So does that mean you eat it? Just curious!
Priscilla says
I do make a very traditional meatloaf recipe but recently we've really enjoyed Italian Meatloaf using Parmesan cheese, Italian spices and topped with marinara. Very yummy!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Lots of folks like it this way, it seems. I'm going to have to give it a try!
Asha Butterflys says
I dont ever make meatloaf it is something only my dad makes and I love it. Made with 80-20, ritz crackers, eggs ketchup and a bunch of other stuff he tosses in.
Abbe Odenwalder says
My dad never made meatloaf but the Ritz cracker part sounds pretty good. You better write it down!
Tamar says
I make a really yummy meatloaf with brown sugar and sauteed onions. It's really yummy. But I love spicy/chili so I really want to try yours. tamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com
Abbe Odenwalder says
I've done brown sugar and mustard on top and that is really good. I'm liking the sound of yours!
Mikaela Walker says
I like to use meatloaf mix with beef, pork and veal, with tomato sauce, chopped onion, garlic, oregano and basil.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Classic and good!
Anna E. says
I love my meatloaf with alot of Ketchup on top!
supergirl198296atyahoo.com
Abbe Odenwalder says
Ditto!
danw78704 says
twitted this today, 27/19
http://www.twitter.com/myspotme
Abbe Odenwalder says
You are my man, Dan!
Mary Callan says
I think my favorite way is your delicious sounding recipe!
Mary x
Abbe Odenwalder says
Awww, Mary. That's sweet!
Diane52 says
We are a meatloaf loving family
Diane Baum
[email protected]
Abbe Odenwalder says
Then you must make a good meatloaf, Diane!
Meryl says
I hate meatloaf! But, I'd love to win this giveaway.
Abbe Odenwalder says
That's OK, Meryl! there are other things in this world besides meatloaf!
Sara says
I like to make it with a vegan version of meat!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Can't say I've had that but if it works for you, Sara than that is what you need! Thanks for commenting!
ChgoJohn says
Congrats, Abbe! I don't have a meatloaf recipe. I keep trying various ones but none will take the place of Zia's. She made the best meatloaf ever. Unfortunately, she lost the recipe and cannot remember how she prepared it. For me, it's as if someone misplaced the Mona Lisa. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks John. Oh, that is soooo sad. There must be something she remembers. You need to invent your own. You will feel better. And so will I.
amkj2002 says
A pound of beef, 3oz. crushed rice krispies, 1/4-1/2 cup chopped sweet onion, 2 eggs, salt and pepper. Maybe a little parmesean if I have it. Top with ketchup for the last 15 minutes. My family loves it!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I am loving the rice krispie idea! This sounds really great!
Daraya says
I love making meat loaf with turkey rather than beef!
[email protected]
danw78704 says
twitted this today, 26/10
http://www.twitter.com/myspotme
Abbe Odenwalder says
I can count on you, Dan!
Anonymous says
Sorry, we really don't like meatloaf.
Carly Friebel says
Not too much breading!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Nothing worse that a meat loaf full of bread. I agree!
Spicie Foodie says
I love your take on a classic recipe -- the meatloaf looks great. Thanks for sharing and good luck to the giveaway participants.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Glad you like it and thanks for writing!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
What a fun Whole Foods Project! Those peanut butter cups were my favorite a hundred years ago when I was in High School and now I think they're too sweet. I blame corn syrup. I'll have to try this brand. Anyway, my favorite is a Chef Paul Prudhomme Cajun Meatloaf recipe. Your post reminds me that I've never blogged about it. And HA about Tayxus.
Abbe Odenwalder says
These are no too sweet. I promise. Definitely could be very addicting! Love Paul Prudhomme. I'm going to have to look that one up! Yeah. He is from Tayxus.
Amy Honious says
i make my meatloaf with 2/3 ground beef and 1/3 ground pork. i also love to put some shredded cheddar cheese in it. thanks for the yummy giveaway!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I've made them like that, too. And I wholeheartedly agree. It makes a great meatloaf!
Abkenterprises says
My favorite way to make meatloaf is to let my husband make it. He makes an awesome meatloaf. It is often requested by our friends when coming to dinner.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I think that would be my favorite way, too!
Biz says
Now that's a meatloaf I would like - you had me at green chiles!! Have a great weekend Abbe!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Biz. You can leave out the onions!
Urd-chan says
I love making mini-meatloaves using a muffin pan. They cook quickly, give everyone a nice, crisp edge, and pre-set servings so it's easier to resist the temptation to over-eat!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I've seen this before. It is a great idea and probably really good for a buffet!
momandsons says
I usually make a turkey meat loaf and my husband loves chili sauce on his.
betsy_349 at hotmail dot com
Abbe Odenwalder says
Definitely with you on the turkey! And my manservant loves chili sauce, too!
Cathy Shaw says
I love an Italian style meatloaf, with plenty of oregano!
catshaw2e (at) gmail (dot) com
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oregano is my favorite herb. I don't think it gets enough credit. So this sounds really good to me!
Jennifer Haile says
I actually can't stand meatloaf, so i'll never make it!
volta2173 at sbcglobal dot net
Abbe Odenwalder says
Lots of people like you, Jennifer.We all have our dislikes, fo sho!
Sharon Schoepe says
Hubby loves to make meatloaf with crushed cheez its and lots of onions. I'm more traditional.
wdwfla at gmail dot com
Abbe Odenwalder says
Crushed Cheez its. I'm liking this!
Nancy says
I love to make and eat meatloaf! Mine is fairly classic: ground beef, oatmeal or day old bread torn into small pieces, an egg, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and lots and lots of chopped onions. I form it into a loaf and top it very liberally with ketchup. It's great on day # 1 or on day # 2 in meatloaf sandwiches! Sometimes I even tuck a surprise in the middle of the meatloaf: 1 couple of hard-boiled eggs or chunks of cheese!
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Abbe Odenwalder says
Sounds great, Nancy. I love the lots of onions part!
Natalie says
I like to make meatloaf with lean ground beef and japanese bread crumbs, but no ketchup
Abbe Odenwalder says
No ketchup? Well, whatever works, Natalie!
yummychunklet says
What a tasty looking meatloaf!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks! It is hard taking photos of meatloaf!
Nazneen Hamilton says
I like the Italian seasoned one with eggs down the centre. I like meatloaf but hubby doesn't (I guess bad childhood memories) so I don't make it as much as I like to. Your chilli meat loaf looks fantastic. I may have to make this, hubby does like chilli a lot.
Nazneen
Abbe Odenwalder says
It is worth a try, Nazneen. Meatloaf stirs a lot of childhood memories, it seems!
kyl neusch says
just the basic with beef, onion, peppers, panko
Abbe Odenwalder says
You can't go wrong with the basics!
kellyr78 says
My husband makes meatloaf with chopped peppers and onions. I've never made it.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
Abbe Odenwalder says
I wish I had a husband like that!
danw78704 says
twitted this today, 25/10
http://www.twitter.com/myspotme
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks, Dan.
Abbe Odenwalder says
It does seem that meatloaf stirs the emotions in people. But it seems as we get older we appreciate it more! thanks for commenting, Angie!
Angie Agerter says
I used to HATE meatloaf - HATE it with every inch of my body. But the last few years i have grown to like it. and I like it just with a homemade BBQ sauce on top and some carrots and celery inside with it, yum!
Liz Berg says
Your meatloaf photos have suddenly made me very hungry. My favorite meatloaf has marjoram and thyme and is topped with bacon....but I think yours might give it some competition!
Abbe Odenwalder says
You can never go wrong with bacon, Liz!
Libby B. says
You are right. I never make meatloaf the same because I never had a recipe ! Yours sounds great. Funny, I'm making meatloaf tonight and plan to use ground beef, Italian sausage, pesto and fresh bread crumbs , egg, onion, etc. I'll try yours another day as I don't have all the ingredients on hand and I don't want to go to the store.Thanks, Abs, for all your wonderful blogs . Love, Mom
Abbe Odenwalder says
That sounds like a good meatloaf, Mom. to bad you didn't make it for me! And I 'm not sure that Dad would like this one-I think he is a more basic kind of guy! Love you, Mom!
Jenn says
I've never made meatloaf on my own, but I remember making meatloaf with my mom many times and we always made it spicy. Your Chili Lovers Meatloaf looks delicious, so I might have to try that.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks, Jenn. It is a good one and you can even make it spicier. My mom never cooked spicy!
clc408 says
I like to make my meatloaf with ground chuck, pork and veal, lots of garlic, onion, parsley, seasoned breadcrumbs, ketchup and parmesan cheese.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I love it like that, too! Just the basics is great!
Sharon says
I don't live in the US ~ I wasn't going to put in a comment but you have to know how I feel about this, Abbe. I have to tell you that this meatloaf looks amazing! Lol! ^.^
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh, Sharon. i always love hearing from you. Thanks!
Angie Schneider says
My husband loves the meatloaves, meatballs,patties...this chilli meatloaf looks divine! I guess I will have to leave the cheese out as he is not fond of them.
Abbe Odenwalder says
No need for cheese, Angie. Just more chilies!
Abbe Odenwalder says
That is really funny, John. You know I never like my mom's much because it was different every time I tasted it! But I did like the onion soup mix she used. Now I really like meatloaf and just used it up by making hash. You make great chili so I would adapt that! And thanks. I have no idea how they found me!
Kitchen Riffs says
You know, I have never made meatloaf. Ever! Weird, because I like it. Although it took me quite a while to get to that stage - my Mom used to make it once a week when I was a kid, and although she cooked some good things, her meat loaf wasn't for me. Although if I were to cook it, I'd have to give serious consideration to making your chili version. By coincidence we had chili for dinner tonight (leftovers from the freezer). Yours looks good. Congrats on the Whole Foods gig, BTW - that's really exciting!