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Slow Cooker Taco Meat Loaf

Here's how you make Slow Cooker Taco Meat Loaf
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  • Servings: 8
  • Prep: 30m
  • Cook: 5 to 6h
  • The following recipe serves 8 people.

Ingredients

The ingredients are:
  • FOR TACO MEATLOAF
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted, see first ingredient for Smoky Tomato Salsa)
  • 3/4 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or chili powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 pound lean ground pork
  • 1 cup corn (frozen whole-kernel)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Pepper Jack cheese, about 2oz)
  • FOR SMOKY TOMATO SALSA
  • 1 can (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted, minus 1/2 cup which is used for the meat loaf)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped finely
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and seeded
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • OPTIONAL - FOR SERVING
  • Warmed tortillas
  • Additional toppings (such as chopped green onions, whole kernel corn, or chopped cilantro)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime wedges, garnish
We recommend you get your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Once you're ready, here are the steps to making this delicious recipe

How to Make

  • Step 1: In large bowl combine eggs, 1/2 cup of the crushed tomatoes (reserve remaining tomatoes for Smoky Tomato Salsa), and crushed tortilla chips. Stir in onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper. Add beef, pork, and corn; mix well. Shape mixture into a round or oblong loaf to fit the slow cooker.

  • Step 2: Crisscross three (18-inch) strips of foil, each strip folded for double thickness. [See "Tips" (below) for more thorough instructions on how to make the crisscrossed foil sling.] Place meat loaf in center of the foil strips. Bring up foil strips, then lift and transfer meat loaf to a 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker. If needed, push meat away from sides of slow cooker to avoid burning.

  • Step 3: Cover slow cooker. Cook on Low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on High heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until center of meat loaf reaches 160°F.

  • Step 4: Using foil strips, carefully lift meat loaf from slow cooker, and place it on a cutting board. Pull foil away from meat; discard foil. Scrape away any drippings from meat; discard drippings. Sprinkle meat loaf with cheese, and let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

  • Step 5: While meat loaf is standing, prepare Smoky Tomato Salsa - In a medium bowl, mix together remaining tomatoes, sweet pepper, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice and salt.

  • Step 6: To serve, spoon Smoky Tomato Salsa on top of meat loaf slices. Top with any additional toppings, if desired (such as chopped green onions, whole kernel corn, fresh cilantro). Serve with warmed tortillas, avocado slices and lime wedge (garnish).

  • Step 7: TO OVEN BAKE - Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare meat loaf as instructed in Step #1. Place meat loaf in shallow baking pan. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes or until center reaches 160°F. Sprinkle with cheese, let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Follow Steps #5 and #6.


Tips & Variations

Don't forget the following tips and variations.
  • 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker
  • 3 (18-inch) strips of foil
  • HOW TO MAKE A CRISSCROSS FOIL SLING (Step #2) - To crisscross the foil, you'll start by folding the 1st strip of foil in half (for double thickness) and lie it in a horizontal direction on a counter. Then place a 2nd folded strip of foil on top of it, but lie this one in a vertical direction. Then place 3rd strip of folded foil on top, with this one in a horizontal direction (in the same direction as the 1st strip of foil). It makes a "sling" that helps you to easily lift the hot, cooked meatloaf out of the slow cooker.

We hope you enjoy this recipe!

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