How many people say not meatloaf? I certainly remember thinking that in my childhood. Why does meatloaf have such a bad name? I know if we served it to our kids, they were like – “I am not hungry.” Notwithstanding the negative karma with meatloaf, my wife loves meatloaf. I love meatloaf too. So I created a Mexican Smoked Meatloaf loaded with Mexican spices.
Mexican Smoked Meatloaf
What is the origin of meatloaf? Turns out that MEATLOAF has European origins. Meatloaf dates back to Rome in the 5th century. Minced meat was created into a loaf (GO FIGURE) and put into an oven to cook. In more modern times, it is associated with Germany, Scandinavia and Belgium. In America it owes its origins to the German Americans of Pennsylvania. Meatloaf is ultimately a variation of the meatball. Ground meat that is spiced.
The key to a good recipes is having great ingredients and a smoker. As a total aside, tonight (which is a month or two after I made this meatloaf) I threw some chicken that I had smoked in a pan with some New Mexican chili powder and some of my ancho BBQ sauce. Mixed in some onions and peppers and I had a terrific dinner. My wife kept saying, this is so good. I said it is all about the ingredients. That knowledge was really a light bulb moment for me. This Mexican Meatloaf is so good. The meatloaf is spiced with Guajillo chili powder, my favorite Oaxaca (a Mexican coffee rub), cumin, Spanish smoked sea salt, and to spice it up, some Sambal Oelek. I know, that is not Mexican but it is good.
The cast of characters.
Ingredients
The meat and spices, and then, the loaf formed.
Meat & Spices
Meatloaf Formed
The Mexican Meatloaf plated.
Mexican Smoked Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon Guajillo chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Oaxaca powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Spanish smoked sea salt
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Place the ground turkey in a bowl and set aside.
- In a second bowl, combine all the spices, liquids and breadcrumbs - mix well.
- Add the spice to the ground turkey and mix well.
- Form into a loaf and place into tented aluminum foil.
- Place into a smoker heated to about 300 degrees.
- Cook for about 75 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Peter, this is just fabulous! Sounds so comforting.
Comforting is exactly what it is. Thx Suzy.
I have never tried making a homemade meatloaf but after seeing this recipe, I think that I will have to! Looks amazing!
It will surprise you. Give it a try.
The flavors sound so good and Meatloaf makes such great family meal. Would love to try it.
Thx Molly.
My husband is going to love you. He is always looking for things to put in his smoker. Looks like this is his next project.
So glad I could be of help. Thx Tania.
Love the idea of changing up an old favourite with new flavours! Something I do a lot 🙂 I’ve not heard of the Oaxaca before but it sounds like something I need to try!
It is my new favorite spice. Not sure you can find it across the pond. It is a Mexican spice blend – coffee based.
I love the fusion of Indonesian and Mexican. The flavours must be awesome.
Tell me what is your favorite Indonesian and Mexican fusion?
Love the flavours you got going here!
lots of flavors for a meatloaf but well worth it.
I absolutely love all the flavors in this! I will have to give this a try.
Thx Evi. Do it if you can.
I love the name of your blog and the style of your logo! I am vegetarian and I can see a lot of veg recipes in here. See you around girl 🙂
thank you. I cook a lot of different stuff and I love Indian food. I often make vegetarian Indian dishes and I do blog about plenty of vegetarian recipes. Thx for stopping by.
I haven’t made meatloaf in ages! This looks great, love the Mexican idea!
Then you might need to try and make it again. It is so good!