American Comfort Food With A Mexican Twist

I think that there nothing more comforting on chilly night than a meatloaf in the oven filling the kitchen with wonderful aromas. Ok, don’t make a face. Meatloaf is like Rodney Dangerfield…it gets no respect. While most people love a good meatloaf, there are those of you that grew up hating the unappealing, blah, loaf that was grossly overcooked and dry.

Maybe we should give meatloaf another name and people might try it. Take a slice of cold meatloaf and serve it on a plate garnished with grainy mustard and cornichons (the French word for a crisp, tart gherkin pickle) and you would have a rustic country pate.

When I first started my blog, I did a post called Simple Comfort Food. It was about my recipe for Crusty Meatloaf. My husband and I like meatloaf because it is a recipe that can be changed to suit your mood. I make my meatloaf into two smaller loaves for two reasons. One is that it gives you lots of crispy edges and the second is that you will have another loaf for cold meatloaf sandwiches the next day or served like a pate with some toast points.

Mexican Meatloaf with Pan Sauteed Corn

The recipes I have created are for traditional comfort food with a Mexican twist. The Mexican Meatloaf is loaded with flavor but not too hot. I like to serve it with pan sauteed corn and an avocado and tomato salad.

Mexican Meatloaf

• 1 1/4 lb. ground beef, more or less (I use 85% lean)
• 1/2 c. corn tortilla chips, ground
• 1/2 c. fresh breadcrumbs, torn small (use more if you use more beef)
• 1/2 c. chopped onion
• 1 diced jalapeno, more if you like
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro*
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 Tbsp. ketchup
• 1 Tbsp. chipotle tabasco
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. ancho chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

*Many people do not care for cilantro. You can substitute parsley, if you wish, or omit it  all together.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.  Add all ingredients to a large bowl. With a fork mix all the ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix the ingredients as that will make the meatloaf tough. Place the meat on the baking sheet and form into a loaf (or two smaller loaves).  Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until the meatloaf registers 135 to 140 on a meat thermometer. Let cool for a few minutes to make slicing easier. Top with the warm tomato salsa and serve.

Fresh Ingredients

Warm Tomato Salsa 

• 1 c.  chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro*
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 c. dry white wine
• 1/3 c. ketchup
• 2 Tbsp. chipotle tabasco

In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and saute until it just starts to turn slightly golden. Add the white wine and let reduce to one half. Add the chopped tomatoes, ketchup, chipotle tabasco, and spices. Cook to the desired consistency and then add the fresh cilantro.

Avocado and Tomato Salad

Avocado and Tomato Salad

This is a simple and delicious salad. No recipe is needed but I will tell you how I prepare it. I make a bed of shredded romaine lettuce on a platter. Next, I slice avocados and place on top. Cut tomatoes and place on top of the avocado. At this point, if I have a sweet red onion, I slice it very thin and then place on top of the tomatoes. I then add some chopped fresh cilantro. I make a light and tasty dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, green jalapeno tabasco (which I think makes this salad), salt and pepper. I slowly drizzle the dressing over the salad. Just don’t drown the salad in dressing.

Pan Sauteed Corn

This is also a dish that doesn’t need an exact recipe. Just saute some corn, onion, and peppers (regular or hot) in butter, add garlic if you would like. Season with cumin, salt and pepper and continue until the corn has some brown edges and starts to have a smell like popcorn.

I do hope you will try either my regular Crusty Meatloaf or my Mexican Meatloaf. I think you will enjoy either one as they are very moist, have loads of delicious flavor and have a lovely crust on the outside. If you are a meatloaf hater and you try one of my recipes and like it, I would love to know that I have converted you to a meatloaf lover.