A More Flavorful Meatloaf Starts With This Packet For Under $1

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Meatloaf is one of those classic American dishes that's been around for ages. Grocery stores even sell pre-packaged meatloaf mixture blends in the ground beef section to make this dish as simple as possible. But if you want to give this age-old dish a refresh, don't make the meatloaf mistake of skipping the seasonings. Try adding a packet of taco seasoning. It adds a bold flavor with a hint of heat that brings something new to the standard meatloaf profile. For less heat, use mild or original taco seasoning, but if you love spice, go with the hot version; most cost less than $1 at places like Walmart, or you can get a 12-pack of McCormick's on Amazon for less than $1 per packet. 

There are a few ways to add taco seasoning to your meatloaf. The first is to fold it into the actual meatloaf mixture. This ensures that it's evenly distributed throughout the loaf, so you know you'll get that flavor in every bite. Another option is to rub the mixture over top of the meatloaf. This will flavor the crispy exterior crust, but keep the same classic meatloaf flavor throughout the dish. 

The taco seasoning is one part of the dish, but you can also add different ingredients and flavors to complement the seasoning blend and give the dish a more taco-forward flavor. Chopped sweet onions are common in meatloaf recipes already, and they work nicely in a taco-style meatloaf, too. But for a little more heat, you can also add chopped fresh jalapeños throughout the loaf. Other add-ons, such as black beans, are great to fold into the mixture as well, and beans are an affordable way to make even more meatloaf on a budget. Be careful about adding chopped tomatoes or bell peppers because they contain so much water and could water down the meatloaf.

Just before the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and add some shredded taco blend cheese over top. To serve the meatloaf and embrace that taco profile, add a dollop of sour cream and salsa on top of each slice. Garnish the meatloaf slices with a little cilantro for freshness and brightness that'll contrast the rich meat dish.