Mexicana Meatloaf With Cilantro Pesto And Crispy Tortilla Strips

Serves: 5

Ellsworth Rath

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

58

Spice

40

Sweetness

41

Sourness

43

mins

Prep time (avg)

5.8

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1 cup

Milk

2 tbsps

Olive Oil

2 cloves

Garlic

1 tsp

Ground Cumin

1.5 tsps

Oregano (dried)

Directions:

1

For the meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

2

In a small bowl, stir together the panko and milk and set aside

3

Place the brisket and sirloin on a baking sheet and transfer to the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up

4

(This will make grinding cleaner and easier

5

) Grind the meat in a food processor or bench top grinder, following manufacturer's instructions

6

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ground beef until ready to use

7

Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat

8

Add the onion, carrot, celery, poblano and garlic

9

Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent

10

Add the cumin, oregano and ancho powder and cook for another 2 minutes

11

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and set aside to cool to room temperature

12

When cool, add the ground beef, the chorizo, the milk-soaked panko, and the egg, black beans and corn

13

Sprinkle with salt and pepper

14

Mix until just combined (don't overwork the meat)

15

Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape into a free-form loaf

16

Bake until the internal temperature registers 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 45 minutes to 1 hour

17

Meanwhile, make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, pepitas, cumin, garlic and some salt and pepper

18

Pulse to a coarse paste; then slowly drizzle in the olive oil, while pulsing

19

Transfer the pesto to a bowl and fold in the cotija and Parmesan

20

Set aside

21

When the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and immediately spread some of the pesto over the top

22

Tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes

23

For the tortilla strips: Fill a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven with 2 inches of oil, and heat the oil to 350 degrees F over medium-high heat

24

Working in batches, fry the tortilla strips until golden and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes

25

Drain on paper towels

26

Season with salt

27

To serve: Cut the meatloaf into thick slices

28

Top with a dollop of cilantro pesto and some crispy tortilla strips

29

Serve