Cooking with Rod

By Rod Cohenour

Having grown up in the Land of Enchantment, one learns to appreciate the many different ways that Mexican food blend spices can be used. One many people may not think about but which is imminently delightful is Ms Mexican Queso Meatloaf.

Serve this once and, I guarantee, it will become a repeat entree on your food repertoire.

~Bon appetit!

M's Mexican Queso Meatloaf

(Serves 6-8)

Ingredients:

Meatloaf:

* 3 lbs lean (at least 80%) ground beef

* 1 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs OR dry 6 slices bread then crumble (or amount required for one cup crumbs)

* 1/2 cup thick & chunky salsa

* 1 lg. Bell Pepper, diced small

* 1 sm. white or yellow onion, diced small

* 1/4 cup red enchilada sauce

* 2 eggs

For Topping:

* 1/2 cup thick & chunky salsa

Queso:

* 1/2 brick Velveeta style cheese

* 4 oz. brick Pepper Jack cheese, grated

* 2 cups shredded Fiesta Blend cheese

* 1 (7 oz.) can Green chiles, diced, (use liquid)

* 1/2 Bell Pepper, diced with membrane and seeds removed

* 1/2 cup whole milk (add as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. In large bowl mix all Meatloaf ingredients together, reserving 1/2 cup thick & chunky salsa for later. Press mixture into two ungreased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Top each with 1/2 cup salsa.

3. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of loaf reads 160°F. (We like our meatloaf to have a bit of a crusty top.)

4. While meatloaf is baking, allow about half an hour to prepare queso.

Melt Velveeta in double boiler. Add both the Pepper Jack and Fiesta Blend cheeses. Add bell pepper. Continuously stir, allowing all ingredients to slowly blend, achieving a silky smooth texture. If needed, add milk in portions to keep Queso at right thickness.

5. To serve, arrange meatloaf slices on plate over choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or Knorr Mexican rice blend.


Drizzle queso over meatloaf.


Offer crisp salad featuring lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper (plus your favorites). A dressing of salsa blended with sour cream is a delightful choice.

6. Offer the following for guest's optional toppings:
Sour cream
Cilantro leaves, finely diced
Crisp radishes
Green onion stalks
Bell Pepper sticks
Pico de Gallo
Sliced chilled jicama and lime slices
Hot buttered tortillas
Tortilla chips
Extra salsa
Extra queso

See pic below of serving the meatloaf topped with Queso.