July 4, 2026 · 10 min

Smoky Ancho Cheddar Meatloaves with Sweet Potato Wedges

Dinner10 min1660 cal / serving

These aren’t your average meatloaves. Tender ground beef is seasoned with smoky ancho chili powder and mixed with panko and beef stock concentrate for extra juiciness. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and a glossy red pepper jam glaze, each bite is a balance of savory, sweet and spicy.

Alongside, golden roasted sweet potato wedges and sautéed bell pepper and onion complete the meal. This dish transforms humble meatloaf into a weeknight masterpiece that’s sure to impress.


Recipe details

Dinner10 min1660 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1660 kcalProtein67.4 gFat119.3 gCarbs73.7 gSugar26.7 gFiber5.6 gSodium2695 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Green Bell Pepper1 unit Green Bell PepperView ingredient guide
Cheddar Cheese0.5 cup Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guide
BBQ Sauce4 tablespoon BBQ SauceView ingredient guide
Onion1 unit OnionView ingredient guide
Ground Beef15 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guide
Sweet Potato2 unit Sweet PotatoView ingredient guide
Red Pepper Jam1 unit Red Pepper JamView ingredient guide
Panko Breadcrumbs0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Salt3 teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Adjust rack to top position (top and middle positions for 4 servings) and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Cut sweet potatoes into ½-inch-thick wedges. Halve, peel and thinly slice onion. Core, deseed and thinly slice bell pepper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beef stock concentrate, panko, ancho chili powder, half the cheddar, salt (¾ tsp for 2 servings, 1¼ tsp for 4) and pepper. Form into two 1-inch-tall loaves (four loaves for 4 servings). Place on one side of a baking sheet. (For 4 servings, spread loaves across entire sheet.)
  3. On the opposite side of the sheet, toss sweet potato wedges with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper. (For 4 servings, use a second baking sheet for sweet potatoes.) Roast on top rack for 20 minutes. (For 4, roast sweet potatoes on top rack and meatloaves on middle rack.)
  4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine red pepper jam and BBQ sauce. Set aside.
  5. Heat a drizzle of oil in a medium pan (large for 4 servings) over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and softened, 6-7 minutes. Add garlic powder and cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Remove from heat.
  6. After 20 minutes, remove sheet from oven. Brush each meatloaf with 1 tablespoon glaze and top with remaining cheddar. Return to top rack and roast until cheese melts and meatloaves are cooked through, 2-3 minutes more.
  7. Divide sautéed onion and bell pepper between plates. Top with meatloaves. Serve with sweet potato wedges and remaining glaze on the side for dipping.

Recipe Tips

For extra juicy meatloaves, avoid overmixing the beef mixture.

If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne to the jam mixture.

Sweet potato wedges can be cut into even sizes for uniform roasting.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well, but note that the cooking time may vary slightly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for ancho chili powder?

You can use regular chili powder or a mix of paprika and cayenne for a similar smoky heat.

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