6 Easy Meatloaf Recipes

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These six meatloaf recipes will change the way you look at meatloaf forever! Homemade meatloaf doesn’t have to be the same boring recipe over and over. Whether you try our stove top stuffing flavor, classic meatloaf, taco-inspired, pizza meatloaf, or drizzled with brown gravy, there are so many ways to make a meatloaf recipe taste completely different than ordinary.

As popular as meatloaf is, it can also be boring and tasteless without a little help on the flavor side. That is why I’ve put together a list of six delicious meatloaf recipes to excite your family’s tastebuds. Read through this post for easy recipes and my best tips to get the perfect moist meatloaf with a crispy outside!

Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

There is a reason why meatloaf is a staple dinner recipe in North America. It’s easy to make, cheap and uses affordable ingredients, plus it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.

Why should you try a new meatloaf recipe? Because let’s face it, we all get bored with the same old dinner on repeat. That’s why I love these easy flavor additions! You can use a classic meatloaf recipe base and add simple ingredients like spices, cheese, new sauces, crackers and even Doritos to make regular meatloaf more interesting. Here’s what I love about these recipes:

• FLAVORFUL – There are so many wonderful flavors here that don’t require any extra work. From our classic flavor to using stove top stuffing, Italian inspired, taco flavored, drizzled with delicious brown gravy, or a family pizza night! Feel free to try one or try them all!
• CHEAP – All of the ingredients here are easy to find at your local grocery store and are inexpensive. You can use lean ground beef or a ground beef/ground pork blend which is cheaper. Making homemade meatloaf is a great budget-friendly dinner option.
• CONVENIENT – Meatloaf is a convenient weeknight dinner and is really easy to make. There are a few simple tips that will give you the best meatloaf recipe which I’ve shared in the “meatloaf tips” section below.

6 Meatloaf Flavors To Try

Now let’s go over the 6 easy meatloaf recipe ideas for you to try! For each of these recipes, you can use 1 ½ lbs of lean ground beef or a ground beef/pork blend. I like to use a beef/pork blend because it is cheaper and the results taste the same.

For the best meatloaf that is moist on the inside and crispy on the outside, you will need lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. These will all help to hold the meatloaf together. Every other ingredient adds flavor including sauces, spices, and cheese.

**Get My FREE Meatloaf Cheatsheet: I’ve created an easy print-out version of all six of these meatloaf recipes for your convenience. It’s free – Sign Up Here To Get It

Here’s an overview of meatloaf ingredients you’ll need for each flavor with full details in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. CLASSIC MEATLOAF – 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef, 1 cup finely chopped onion, ¾ cup bread crumbs, ⅓ cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp tomato paste, ¾ cup ketchup, 1 Tbsp white vinegar.

2. STOVE TOP STUFFING MEATLOAF – 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef, 1 box stove top stuffing mix, 1 cup finely chopped onion, ⅓ cup milk, 2 eggs, ¾ cup ketchup, 1 Tbsp white vinegar.

3. TACO MEATLOAF – 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef, 2 cups crushed Dorito chips (or tortilla chips), 1 cup finely chopped onion, ¼ cup taco seasoning, ⅓ cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 cup taco sauce, 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese.

4. ITALIAN MEATLOAF – 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef, 1 cup finely chopped onion, ¾ cup bread crumbs, ⅓ cup milk, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, 2 eggs, 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 cup spaghetti sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella.

5. BROWN GRAVY MEATLOAF – 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef, 1 cup finely chopped onion, ¾ cup bread crumbs, ⅓ cup milk, 2 eggs, 2 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 Tbsp minced onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried parsley, 1 packet brown gravy mix.

6. PIZZA MEATLOAF – 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef, 1 cup finely chopped onion, ¾ cup bread crumbs, ⅓ cup milk, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, 2 eggs, 2 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 cup pizza sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella.

**Get My FREE Meatloaf Cheatsheet: I’ve created an easy print-out version of all six of these meatloaf recipes for your convenience. It’s free – Sign Up Here To Get It

How To Make Meatloaf Recipes

Here’s the easiest way to make homemade meatloaf, with more details in the recipe card at the bottom.

1. PREP – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. MIX – Add all the ingredients (except the sauce toppings) to a large bowl, including ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, and any other ingredients including spices. Mix everything together well.
3. PRESS – Create a loaf shape by forming with your hands or by packing the beef mixture into a greased loaf pan and then flipping it over onto the baking sheet. Remove the loaf pan and it will create the perfect loaf shape.
4. BAKE – Bake the meatloaf uncovered and without the sauce topping for 40 minutes.
5. SAUCE – While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the sauce toppings. Remove the meatloaf from the oven, then pour on the sauce and spread it around the top and sides. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until fully cooked inside.
6. SERVE – Once cooked, Let meatloaf sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices to distribute. Use a large wooden spatula to scoop under the entire cooked meatloaf. This will help you transfer it to a serving dish. Slice it with a sharp knife and serve.

Pro Tip: You can bake two meatloaf flavors at the same time on one baking sheet! These can be cooked for the same time and temperature as one. If you make two, consider letting it cool and then freezing it for a future meal.

What Temperature Do You Cook Meatloaf?

The best temperature to cook meatloaf is 350°F. You do not want to set the temperature higher as it can overcook the meatloaf too fast and cause it to dry out.

How Do You Know When Meatloaf Is Cooked?

You can use a meat thermometer and poke it into the middle of the loaf. The temperature will reach 160°F internally once it’s cooked. Also, the ground beef will be brown and no longer pink once you slice it.

Should You Use A Loaf Pan Or Baking Sheet?

Although many people are used to baking meatloaf in loaf pans, this can actually cause the meatloaf to steam which will create that wet soggy meatloaf you may remember as a kid.

If you bake it on a baking sheet or even a large baking dish with enough room around the meatloaf, this will allow the sides to become crispy and even caramelize.

Fun Fact: Some people like to put slices of bread underneath the meatloaf as it bakes. This will act like a sponge absorbing the excess grease and moisture as it cooks.

How To Store Baked Meatloaf Leftovers

Here’s how to store leftover meatloaf for the best results:

• REFRIGERATE – Allow the baked meatloaf to cool fully before placing it in an airtight container or plastic wrap. You can keep this in your fridge for about 4-5 days.
• MICROWAVE – Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

These meatloaf recipes will store great in the fridge and the freezer! Consider making two and freezing one of them for a future meal.

• FREEZE – Bake the meatloaf without the sauce. Leftover meatloaf can be added to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatloaf can be stored for up to 6 months for best freshness.
• REHEAT FROM FROZEN – If frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Add it back to the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Spread the sauce topping in the last 10 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning on freezing meatloaf for a future meal, do not add the sauce. Instead, add spread the sauce in the last 10 minutes of re-heating in the oven, just before you’re ready to serve.

Meatloaf Variations

One of the best things about meatloaf is its versatility. You can add different ingredients to create unique flavors and textures. Here are a few variations to try:

• Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs – The breadcrumbs are essential for absorbing moisture and keeping the meatloaf from falling apart. But there are some ways to work around this. You can make a meatloaf without breadcrumbs by substituting it with rolled oats, crushed crackers, tortilla chips, gluten-free bread, or even quinoa instead of breadcrumbs. If you want your meatloaf to be entirely without breadcrumbs, see my recipe here.
• Meatloaf Without Eggs – Eggs are not necessary, but they do help bind the meatloaf together. If you don’t want to use eggs, you can use a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute instead.
• Meatloaf Without Milk – Meatloaf does need a liquid to help the ingredients mix together. However, you can skip the milk and swap it with broth, tomato sauce or ketchup.
• Meatloaf Without Ground Beef – Use ground turkey instead of beef for a healthier option. Add some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to give it extra flavor. Or try using a combination of beef, pork, and/or veal. You can also use ground chicken or lamb for a different taste. You can even make a salmon loaf using canned salmon!
• Adding Vegetables – Sauté mushrooms and onions and mix them into the meat mixture. Or add some carrots, green peppers, peas, and corn. Frozen veggies work easily here.

Best Toppings For Meatloaf

There are so many ways to add toppings to your meatloaf! Here are just a few ideas:

• Ketchup – Ketchup mixed with white vinegar makes an easy sauce topping. You can also add 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 Tbsp of brown sugar, salt, and pepper for more flavor.
• BBQ Sauce – Substitute ketchup for your favorite bbq sauce. You will need to add white vinegar to create the right consistency. You can also play around with garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper to get the desired taste.
• Spaghetti Sauce – Spaghetti sauce has the right consistency and can the drizzled right overtop of the meatloaf in the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Chili Sauce – Add half chili sauce and half ketchup to a meatloaf sauce base.
• Pizza Sauce – Pizza sauce makes a great topping too! No need to add anything, just drizzle it on top. Sprinkle some dried oregano for more of a pizza taste.
• Taco Sauce – Try drizzling taco sauce on top along with crushed Doritos (or tortilla chips) and shredded Monterey jack cheese with jalapeno for added flavor. Feel free to add hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Gravy – Use a packet of brown gravy mix. Follow the instructions on the side of the packet (usually you just need to add water). Drizzle the gravy overtop of the baked meatloaf just before serving.
• Cheese – Add shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack, grated parmesan or any other favorites.

Meatloaf Success Tips

• Use a baking sheet – Cooking in a loaf pan will produce soggy meatloaf as it sits in the juices and begins to steam while it bakes. Instead, add it to a baking sheet which will create the perfect crispy outside layer.
• Choose the right meat – Use high-fat meat for a moist and tender meatloaf. A mix of beef and pork is a classic choice, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
• Mix Evenly – Be sure to mix the ingredients evenly so that the ground beef is fully coated with egg and breadcrumbs. This will help to prevent it from falling apart during the baking process.
• Add flavors – Mix in ingredients like grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and herbs to add flavor to your meatloaf.
• Cook at 350°F temperature – This is the best temperature to cook the loaf slowly without drying it out.
• Use a meat thermometer – To ensure your meatloaf is cooked through, use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Add sauce toppings at the end – If you add sauce at the beginning of baking it will lose a lot of moisture and bake along with the loaf. Spread it on in the last 10 minutes of baking instead.
• Let cooked meatloaf rest – After removing from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more flavorful and moist meatloaf.
• Use lean meat – There needs to be some fat in the ground beef to help it stay moist and stick together. Use lean ground beef or pork and skip the extra lean meat.
• Dice Onion Small – You want to chop the onion into small pieces to help create a better texture overall. Large chunks will prevent the loaf from sticking together properly.

How Many Calories In Meatloaf?

This is an estimate of the calories for each meatloaf with 8 servings per meatloaf. People always ask me for calorie information so I plugged the ingredients into an online nutrition calculator for you. This nutrition info is just an estimate and may or may not be accurate. The specific ingredients you use and the portion size will also affect calories.

• CLASSIC MEATLOAF: 250 calories with 7.2g fat, 15.5 g carbohydrates, 29.5 g protein, 118 mg cholesterol, and 403 mg sodium.
• STOVE TOP STUFFING MEATLOAF: 289 calories with 7.4 g fat, 23.8 g carbohydrates, 30.4 g protein, 118 mg cholesterol, and 665 mg sodium.
• TACO MEATLOAF: 596 calories with 27.3 g fat, 51.3 g carbohydrates, 35.7 g protein, 130 mg cholesterol, and 1989 mg sodium.
• ITALIAN MEATLOAF: 291 calories with 10.6 g fat, 14.3 g carbohydrates, 32.9 g protein, 126 mg cholesterol, and 366 mg sodium.
• BROWN GRAVY MEATLOAF: 250 calories with 7.2g fat, 15.5 g carbohydrates, 29.5 g protein, 118 mg cholesterol, and 403 mg sodium.
• PIZZA MEATLOAF: 233 calories with 7.2g fat, 11.8 g carbohydrates, 29.4 g protein, 118 mg cholesterol, and 200 mg sodium.

Meatloaf Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving meatloaf, there are a variety of options to choose from. Use them to make sandwiches, add to soups or stews, or even make a meatloaf hash for breakfast. Here are a few suggestions:

• Top with gravy or tomato sauce and serve with a side of mashed potatoes and garlic butter green beans.
• Slice leftovers and serve on a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
• Crumble leftovers and use as a topping for a salad, similar to our burger salad bowl.

For a fun twist, try making mini meatloaves in a muffin tin. This is a great option for portion control and can be served as an appetizer or main dish.

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always satisfying. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking with different meats, seasonings, and toppings. Whether you prefer a traditional meatloaf recipe or something more adventurous like our pizza, stove top stuffing, Italian or taco meatloaf flavors, there is a recipe here for everyone.

More Ground Beef Recipes

• Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
• One Pot Spaghetti
• Hamburger Casserole
• Homemade Cheap Chili
• Pizza Sloppy Joes
• Crockpot Hamburger Soup
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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