Go Back Email Link
–+ servings per meatloaf
Image with six meatloaf flavor recipes including italian, classic, taco, pizza, brown gravy and stuffing.

6 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (Classic, Taco, Italian + More)

This recipe collection includes six family-friendly meatloaf recipes with bold flavors and simple ingredients. Try classic homestyle, taco-inspired, pizza meatloaf, brown gravy, Stove Top stuffing, and Italian herb meatloaf—perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
4.50 from 2 votes
Save Recipe! Pin This Print
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 8 servings per meatloaf

Ingredients

Classic Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef - or beef/pork blend
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs - or panko bread crumbs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • ¾ cup ketchup - for topping
  • 1 Tbsp white vinegar - for topping

Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef - or beef/pork blend
  • 1 box stove top stuffing mix
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • ¾ cup ketchup - for topping
  • 1 Tbsp white vinegar - for topping

Taco Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef - or beef/pork blend
  • 2 cups crushed dorito chips
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • ¼ cup taco seasoning
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 cup taco sauce - for topping
  • 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese - for topping

Italian Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef - or beef/pork blend
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs - or panko bread crumbs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup spaghetti sauce - for topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella - for topping

Brown Gravy Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef - or beef/pork blend
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs - or panko 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 parsely
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix - for topping

Pizza Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef - or beef/pork blend
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs - or panko 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 - for topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella - for topping

Instructions

All Meatloaf Recipes

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Mix the ingredients for your chosen meatloaf in a large bowl until just combined:
    Classic Meatloaf: Mix ground beef, finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and tomato paste.
    Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf: Mix ground beef, stove top stuffing mix, onion, eggs, and milk.
    Taco Meatloaf: Mix ground beef, 2 cups crushed Dorito chips, chopped onion, taco seasoning, eggs and milk.
    Italian Meatloaf: Mix ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, grated parmesan, eggs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
    Brown Gravy Meatloaf: Mix ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, tomato paste, minced onion, garlic powder, onion powder and dried parsley.
    Pizza Meatloaf: Mix ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, parmesan cheese, eggs, dried parsley, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Shape into a loaf: Lightly grease a loaf pan and pack in the mixture, then flip onto the prepared baking sheet OR shape by hand directly on the sheet. Loaf pan helps with shaping; baking sheet ensures crispy edges.
  • Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
  • Prepare the sauce topping while it bakes:
    Classic & Stuffing: Mix ketchup + vinegar.
    Taco: Use taco sauce, add more crushed Doritos + shredded cheese.
    Italian: Spread spaghetti sauce + mozzarella.
    Brown Gravy: Prepare gravy as per packet instructions.
    Pizza: Spread pizza sauce + mozzarella.
  • Add sauce topping (except for brown gravy) and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 160°F.
  • Rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.

Recipe Notes:

  • Mix gently – Overmixing the meat can lead to a dense texture. Combine ingredients just until mixed for the most tender meatloaf.
  • Meat blend tip – A mix of 80/20 ground beef and ground pork adds extra flavor and moisture without drying out.
  • Double batch = freezer win – Make two loaves and freeze one (unbaked or baked) for a future easy dinner.
  • Topping timing – Always add sauce or cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking for the best texture and flavor.
  • Rest before slicing – Don’t skip this! Resting the loaf locks in juices and helps it hold together when slicing.
  • Meat thermometer tip – Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the loaf. Avoid touching the baking sheet, as it can give a false high reading.
  • Sauce flexibility – Feel free to swap toppings between recipes based on your family’s preferences—each topping works well with any base.
  • All flavors, same cook time – No matter which variation you make, they all bake at 350°F for 50 minutes total (40 minutes without sauce, 10 minutes with sauce).

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving.

Save This Recipe:Follow us on Pinterest @MadeByAndi
QR Code linking back to recipe