15 Meatloaf Recipes Easy to Try at Home

Meatloaf, a classic comfort food, has been a staple in many households for generations. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

This blog post will explore 15 easy meatloaf recipes that are sure to become family favorites. From classic recipes to innovative twists, we’ve got you covered. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, tips, and variations to help you create a delicious meal.

What is Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a baked dish made from ground meat, typically beef, mixed with other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, and vegetables.

It is often seasoned with spices and herbs and can be served with a variety of sauces and side dishes. Meatloaf is not only comforting but also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and meats.

Why Make Meatloaf?

1. Versatility: Meatloaf can be made with different types of ground meat, including beef, pork, turkey, and even vegetarian options.
2. Cost-Effective: It’s an economical way to feed a family, as it uses affordable ingredients and can be stretched with fillers like breadcrumbs.
3. Customizable: You can add your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables to create a unique flavor profile.
4. Make-Ahead: Meatloaf can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

1. Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

2. Cheesy Bacon Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slices bacon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Lay the bacon slices over the cheese, overlapping slightly.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

3. Turkey Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. Bake for 45 minutes.
5. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the gravy. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are soft and browned.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
7. Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens.
8. Season the gravy with salt and pepper.
9. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour the gravy over the top.
10. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
11. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

4. Italian-Style Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix the marinara sauce and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Also Read: 15 Delicious Salmon Recipes to Try This Week

5. Gluten-Free Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, gluten-free breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

6. Sweet and Spicy Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix the honey and hot sauce and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

7. Low-Carb Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

8. Vegetarian Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Also Read: 15 Delicious Banana Bread Recipes You Need to Try

9. Spicy Jalapeño Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped jalapeño peppers
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and chopped jalapeño peppers. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

10. BBQ Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.