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Remember those crazy delicious 7-layer dip deep fried taquitos that I made for Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans? Well, we decided to try out another recipe using the same refried beans and this turkey meatloaf was quite adventurous for me. I know, meatloaf seems the opposite of adventurous, but other than this meatloaf recipe I’ve never really had one that I love. Until now. This meatloaf is to die for delicious and so moist!
Both Mr. Handsome and I feel that many meatloaf recipes are so dry and grainy in texture. It’s like a bad hamburger. We lightened things up with turkey versus ground beef and threw out a little Mexican love with a delicious enchilada theme, which is where the secret ingredient comes from. Old El Paso Refried Beans, baby! Alright, I’ll admit that putting refried beans in meatloaf does sound a little crazy, but honestly they kept the meat together and really moist. Plus we added an egg and Panko breadcrumbs from Progresso to help.
So now that we’ve gotten everything all tender and moist, we needed to bump up the flavor. I mean, this is enchilada meatloaf right?! We stuffed this baby full of Tillamook Pepperjack cheese (you all know how I feel about my dairy) and cumin and chili powder seasoning. And I promise it is not spicy at all. All of these things just provide and umph of spice and depth of flavor to the meat. Once everything was placed in the loaf pan we decided to really make this like an enchilada and we whipped up a delicious enchilada sauce to pour over the top.
That sauce keeps the meat wonderful and adds a yummy dip for serving. It was really simple to make too. Just three ingredients and you can use the leftover for real enchiladas later in the week. Ohhhhh, actually that’s a good idea! I totally need to do that! We used Old El Paso Red Enchilada Sauce, Cacique Crema (or sour cream if you can’t find it) and honey. That’s it! Easy peasy, and the whole family will love it. We served ours with a big salad full of pico de gallo, avocado, veggies, and a spicy ranch dressing.
Is Ground Turkey Healthier Than Ground Beef?
Ground turkey is slightly higher in cholesterol than ground beef.
Turkey is a lean protein, but, if you buy lean ground beef, 95% lean, it is about the same as lean ground turkey.
Ground turkey is usually less expensive than lean ground beef.
What Kind Of Beans Are Used In Refried Beans?
Refried beans are most commonly made from pinto beans.
Pinto beans are high in fiber, which helps to stabilize blood sugar, and improve digestive health.
What Are Panko Bread Crumbs Made From?
Turkey Meatloaf Enchilada Style
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Pounds Lean Ground Turkey
- 1 Cup Refried Beans, Old El Paso Traditional
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 Cup Pepperjack Cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt and Pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 Cup Enchilada Sauce
- 1/2 Cup Crema Mexicana
- 1/2 Cup Honey
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place the turkey in a large bowl. Add the refried beans, egg, chili powder, cumin, panko bread crumbs, cheese and salt and pepper. Stir everything together, being careful not to overmix.1 1/2 Pounds Lean Ground Turkey, 1 Cup Refried Beans, 1 Cup Pepperjack Cheese, 1 Egg, 1/4 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder, 1/2 teaspoon Cumin, 1/4 teaspoon Salt and Pepper
- Press the meat loaf mixture into a small loaf pan, and set in the fridge, covered, for 10-15 minutes. [b]see note[/b]
- Meanwhile, whisk together the enchilada sauce, crema mexicana and honey.1 Cup Enchilada Sauce, 1/2 Cup Crema Mexicana, 1/2 Cup Honey
- Remove the meat loaf from the fridge and pour the enchilada sauce over the top. We had some left over which we reserved for enchiladas later in the week.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool, tented with tinfoil for 10-15 minutes so the meat doesn't break apart when you are trying to remove that first piece.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Great Meatloaf Recipes
The Perfect Meatloaf-Sweet Basil
I made this for dinner tonight. I added chopped onions and used a layer of sliced pepper jack between two layers of the turkey mixture. My husband said it looked bad as it was cooking, but then he loved it…and so did the rest of the family! I always struggle with what to do with ground turkey, so thanks for a new, very delicious option!
I’m so glad! And what a great idea with the pepperjack!
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This sounds awesome! But I am trying to eat healthy ! Would you say that this is pretty healthy ? Or should I go with something else !? Lol
We eat pretty healthy too and these are on our good list. Obviously we put a small amount of cheese inside and use a nonstick pan so we don’t have to add and oil, plus no pasta keeps it lighter!