35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (2024)

Recipes

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (1)

Courtesy of McCormick

Madeline Buiano|

Meatloaf may seem like a vintage recipe no one makes anymore, but these recipes will have you wondering why. It's the perfect home-cooked meal that the entire family will enjoy. You don't have to just stick to the basics, here are 35 meatloaf recipes that prove the dish can be made in a variety of creative ways.

Instant Pot Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (2)

Courtesy of Corrie Cooks

There are endless recipes you can make in an Instant Pot, but this meatloaf might beat them all. Seasoned to perfection with just seven ingredients, this dish is ready in 20 minutes.

For the Instant Pot Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Meatloaf Sliders

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (3)

Courtesy of King's Hawaiian

These meatloaf sliders are one of those sandwich recipes better than what mom used to make. Mini meatloaves are served on sweet rolls and topped with ketchup.

For the Meatloaf Sliders recipe, click here.

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Sliders

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (4)

Courtesy of King's Hawaiian

If your kids aren't too keen on meatloaf, try wrapping bacon around it. This double meat whammy is sure to turn anyone into a meatloaf believer. And to take this dish to the next level, try rendering out the bacon fat for a super crispy finish.

For the Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Sliders recipe, click here.

Mug Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (5)

carpaumar/Shutterstock

If you had a busy day and you're not sure what to make for dinner, this mug of meatloaf is always the answer. Just divide the meatloaf mixture into four mugs and microwave for 11 minutes, cooking at 30-second intervals until the meatloaves are cooked throughout.

For the Mug Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (6)

Courtesy of Perdue

This turkey quinoa meatloaf is perfect if you want leftovers. Mini meatloaves are made with quinoa, pickles, garlic and more. The dish serves 24 people, so if you have any extras, be sure to store them in a freezer bag so that they don't go bad.

For the Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Italian Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (7)

Courtesy of McCormick

If you're craving Italian food, this meatloaf recipe is here to help. Loaded with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and tomato sauce, this dish is reminiscent of home-cooked meals with mom and dad.

For the Italian Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (8)

Courtesy of McCormick

The best part about meatloaf is that it doesn't need bells and whistles to be delicious, and this recipe is a testament to that statement. The classic comfort dish is made with the usual suspects: chopped onion, tomato sauce and ground beef.

For the Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Instant Pot Potluck-Favorite Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (9)

Courtesy of Corrie Cooks

This Instant Pot meatloaf is sure to be a potluck favorite. Lamb, rosemary and feta cheese add a little Greek-inspired twist to this classic childhood dish that is ready in less than one hour.

For the Instant Pot Potluck-Favorite Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Mexican Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (10)

Courtesy of McCormick

Meatloaf recipes can be inspired by many different cuisines, and this dish in particular draws from Mexican fare that can be made at home thanks to salsa, cumin and garlic powder. This dish is sure to be afavorite.

For the Mexican Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Baked Alaska Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (11)

Courtesy of McCormick

You've heard of baked Alaska — a difficult and impressive dessert — but have you heard of baked Alaska meatloaf? Instead of being covered with meringue, the meatloaf is covered in mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese for a look reminiscent of the classic dessert.

For the Baked Alaska Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Athenian Beef Meatloaf with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (12)

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

This Greek-inspired meatloaf recipe is made with diced cucumbers, Greek-style yogurt and lean beef, making it a healthier alternative to classic meatloaf. Once you devour this dish, try more of our foods from around the world that you can make at home.

For the Athenian Beef Meatloaf with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce recipe, click here.

Slow Cooker Beef Meatloaf and Vegetables

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (13)

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

Use your slow cooker to make this hearty dinner dish. Just arrange the potatoes and carrots around the meatloaf in the slow cooker and add in the broth. Let it sit for about eight hours while you go to work or do some household chores.

For the Slow Cooker Beef Meatloaf and Vegetables recipe, click here.

Easy Sheet Pan Meatloaf and Potatoes

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (14)

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

If you want to cut down on dishes but you're still looking to serve an amazing dinner, this easy sheet pan meatloaf is the way to go. It dirties just one pan and makes enough food to feed the whole family.

For the Easy Sheet Pan Meatloaf and Potatoes recipe, click here.

Olive Tapenade Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (15)

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

Olive tapenade may seem like an unusual way to flavor meat, but this recipe is sure to be your next go-to. You need only four ingredients and a little salt and pepper to make this flavorful dish.

For the Olive Tapenade Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Summertime Beef Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (16)

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

Just like there are plenty of chicken recipes perfect for summer, there are also a handful of meatloaf dishes great for warmer months when you just want comfort food. This dish contains stuffing in the middle for a fun surprise.

For the Summertime Beef Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Southwest Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (17)

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

The flavors of the American Southwest are prevalent in this take on meatloaf. Flavored with cumin, corn and red onion, this recipe will bring that down-home flavor straight to your dinner table.

For the Southwest Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Classic Beef Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (18)

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

Reminiscent of childhood dinners, this classic meatloaf dish has simple flavors of ketchup, onion, Worcestershire sauce and ground beef.

For the Classic Beef Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Apple Cheddar Chicken Meatloaves

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (19)

Courtesy of Perdue

This meatloaf recipe is chock-full of unexpected ingredients like apple butter, cheddar cheese, dijon mustard and even the base: ground chicken. Made in a muffin pan, these mini meatloaves are ready in just 35 minutes and can serve up to four people.

For the Apple Cheddar Chicken Meatloaves recipe, click here.

Five-Way Mini Meatloaves

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (20)

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

This is a fun recipe if you're looking for something hearty but easy to bring on a picnic. This totally adaptable recipe shows you how to make mini meatloaves with the flavors of Italian, Greek, Asian and Spanish cuisine.

For the Five-Way Mini Meatloaves recipe, click here.

Italian Meatloaf Cupcakes

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (21)

Courtesy of Eggland's Best

While you might not find this dish on the menu at your favorite Italian restaurant, there's no denying that it's amazing. These cupcake-shaped meatloaves are loaded with Italian seasoned bread crumbs, tomato pasta sauce and Italian turkey sausage.

For the Italian Meatloaf Cupcakes recipe, click here.

Weeknight Mini Meatloaves

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (22)

Courtesy of Ready Set Eat

Not only are these weeknight mini meatloaves perfect for dinners with your family, but they're also great to serve as a game day food. One batch makes 12 loaves, and they're packed with that hearty flavor one typically craves during football season.

For the Weeknight Mini Meatloaves recipe, click here.

Mini Tex-Mex Turkey Meatloaves

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (23)

Courtesy of Ready Set Eat

These mini turkey meatloaves are loaded with that classic Tex-Mex flare thanks to taco seasoning mix, Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes and green chilies.

For the Mini Tex-Mex Turkey Meatloaves recipe, click here.

Meatloaf Sheet Pan Dinner with Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (24)

Courtesy of Ready Set Eat

If you want your veggie fix, this sheet pan meatloaf dinner is a great option. It has bacon for added flavor and is packed with onions, Brussels sprouts and green bell peppers. The dish is so good that your kids won't even notice they're eating their greens.

For the Meatloaf Sheet Pan Dinner recipe, click here.

Guajillo & BBQ-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (25)

Courtesy of Blue Apron

The kick in this guajillo & BBQ-glazed turkey meatloaf will give your favorite hot sauce a run for its money. Guajillo pepper sauce is mixed with a barbecue glaze for a flavor-packed dish that is both new and familiar.

Cheesy Meatloaf Parmesan

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (26)

Courtesy of Jason Goldstein

You've never had meatloaf like this before — the dish combines two iconic meals: chicken Parmesan and, of course, meatloaf. It's loaded with ricotta cheese, tomato sauce and red pepper flakes.

For the Cheesy Meatloaf Parmesan recipe, click here.

Worcestershire Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (27)

Courtesy of McCormick

Meatloaf may be a quick and easy dinner option, but when it's done right, it can transform your evening into a restaurant experience. In this recipe, the classic dish is elevated with one secret ingredient: Worcestershire sauce.

For the Worcestershire Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Mexican-Style Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (28)

Courtesy of McCormick

Packed with flavors inspired by your favorite Mexican dishes, this meatloaf recipe is loaded with corn, onion and green pepper, as well as paprika, oregano and cayenne red pepper.

For the Mexican-Style Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Glazed Pork Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (29)

Courtesy of Blue Apron

This pork meatloaf recipe is far from boring. The dynamic savory-sweet soy glaze complements the meatloaf, and the sesame oil in the mashed potatoes adds a nice nutty flavor.

For the Glazed Pork Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Grandma’s Meatloaf with Mushrooms

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (30)

Courtesy of Chef Peter Chang and Pichet Ong

If you grew up with grandma's cooking, then you likely tried her meatloaf. Well, this recipe gives you the opportunity to relive the experience. Garnish the classic pork meatloaf with a homemade mushroom sauce, scallion rings and cilantro.

For the Grandma's Meatloaf with Mushrooms recipe, click here.

Italian Herb Meatloaf with Roasted Vegetables

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (31)

Courtesy of McCormick

The best part about this Italian herb meatloaf is that it gives you an entire meal in just a few steps. After creating the meatloaf mixture, toss it onto a pan with potatoes, add your seasoning mixture and let it bake for an hour. Be sure to resist the urge to open the oven door before the meatloaf is done — it's a bad cooking habit you need to stop doing.

For the Italian Herb Meatloaf with Roasted Vegetables recipe, click here.

Bag ‘n Season Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (32)

Courtesy of McCormick

The secret to any restaurant-quality dish is in the seasoning, and this Bag 'n Season meatloaf recipe does it right. Made with a dynamic seasoning, bell peppers and cubed potatoes, this dish is a great way to amp up the flavor in your next homemade dish.

For the Bag 'n Season Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Easy Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (33)

Courtesy of McCormick

This recipe is so easy that you can even invite your kids into the kitchen to help prepare it. Just put the meatloaf mixture into an oven preheated to 350 degrees, then pour the tomato sauce over the meatloaf and bake it for about an hour.

For the Easy Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Meatloaf Pizza

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (34)

Courtesy of Jason Goldstein

Make pizza night at home a family affair with this meatloaf pizza recipe. Load up your crust with pepperoni, basil, meatloaf, ricotta cheese and marinara sauce.

For the Meatloaf Pizza recipe, click here.

Italian-Style Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (35)

Courtesy of Eggland's Best

Craving Italian food but tired of the usual suspects? Try this Italian-inspired meatloaf recipe. It's made with ground beef, baby carrots, onion wedges and Italian seasonings.

For the Italian-Style Meatloaf recipe, click here.

Gluten Free Mexican Meatloaf

35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (36)

Courtesy of McCormick

This Mexican-inspired meatloaf ditches gluten by swapping corn tortilla chips in for breadcrumbs. It's a great recipe if you're craving a hearty dish but you're gluten intolerant. And now that we've covered all of the great ways to incorporate meatloaf into your dinner rotation, you have to try these incredible chicken recipes for busy weeknights.

For the Gluten Free Mexican Meatloaf recipe, click here.

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35 Easy Meatloaf Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the basic meatloaf formula? ›

The Basic Meatloaf Formula

All recipes for meatloaf start with the same basic formula: 2 pounds of ground meat and a “panade” made of bread or crackers soaked in milk. Along with a few eggs, this panade helps to hold the ground meat together and adds some essential moisture to the mix.

What is the secret to keeping meatloaf moist? ›

Fat Is Your Friend

This is the reason most cooks choose ground chuck since it has this ideal proportion of fat to meat. During cooking, the fat will liquefy, making the meatloaf moist.

Why milk instead of water in meatloaf? ›

Milk and other dairy products, like heavy cream and buttermilk, contain both water and fat, adding two types of moisture to our meatloaf. There's a long-held theory that milk can tenderize ground meat, and this is the reason often cited for cooking ground meat in milk to make a Bolognese-style ragù.

What's the easiest way to make meatloaf? ›

Combine ground beef, onion, milk, bread crumbs and egg in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Transfer into prepared loaf pan. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard together in a small bowl until well combined; pour over meatloaf and spread it evenly over the top.

What keeps meatloaf from falling apart? ›

When this happens, it's because you didn't use enough. Next time, try adding in an extra egg and/or some more breadcrumbs. Alternatively, rice, barley, corn flakes, crackers, and dried soup mix can also stand in as binding ingredients as well. Including larger quantities of these items should help solve the problem.

What not to put in meatloaf? ›

Onions, garlic and celery do pose one problem though: they don't cook down easily. Little bits of crunchy onion or celery or potent, hot garlic will spoil the comforting aspect of eating meatloaf.

Is it better to bake meatloaf in glass or metal? ›

Metal pans are great conductors of heat; in other words, they heat up quickly, but in turn, they also cool down more rapidly once removed from the heat source. Additionally, metal pans can withstand higher temperatures than glass.

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? ›

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? The meatloaf can be cooked uncovered. However, if you are concerned about it burning, you can cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes and uncover it for the final 15 minutes to allow the meatloaf to brown on top.

Is it better to bake meatloaf on a sheet pan or loaf pan? ›

If you want to make the best meatloaf possible, a sheet pan is a much better medium.

How to make a Bobby Flay meatloaf? ›

directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. ...
  3. Whisk together the eggs and herbs in a large bowl. ...
  4. Whisk together the remaining ketchup and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl then brush the mixture over the entire loaf.
  5. Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

What does adding an extra egg to meatloaf do? ›

Eggs. Sure, egg yolks add some rich flavor to a meatloaf, but the real reason we need eggs is for structure—to help bind the meatloaf together. This is especially important since we're making a free-form meatloaf, or one that you shape by hand, versus using a loaf pan.

What causes mushy meatloaf? ›

But what causes this to happen in the first place? The most common reason meatloaf is mushy is too much liquid added to the mixture.

What is the best binder for meatloaf? ›

If you don't have any bread, you can substitute it for breadcrumbs, crackers, cereal grains, oatmeal, instant rice, instant barley, or even potato flakes! However, bread is still the best choice of all the potential options.

What is meatloaf mix made of? ›

A lot of supermarkets sell a "meatloaf mix," a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal.

What percent ground beef is best for meatloaf? ›

Like meatballs, many meatloaf recipes include a blend of meat, which will determine whether you need fattier or leaner beef. If it's an all-beef recipe, avoid 90/10, and go for 80/20 or 85/15. Most recipes call for 70/30 or 80/20 ground beef, which makes a rich and juicy burger patty with a good exterior crust.

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