Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. Whether you prefer traditional recipes or creative twists, there’s a meatloaf for everyone. Below are 25 hearty meatloaf recipes, complete with ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Let’s dive in!

1. Classic Beef Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: For extra moisture, sauté the onions and garlic in a little butter before mixing them into the meat.

2. Turkey and Herb Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine panko and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tip: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor—thyme and parsley make a big difference.

3. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
• Wrap the loaf with bacon slices, tucking the ends underneath.
• Brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the bacon.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the meatloaf to ensure it gets crispy.

4. Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Flatten the mixture into a rectangle on a sheet of parchment paper.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the meat.
• Roll the meat into a loaf, sealing the edges.
• Place in a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Use cold cheese to keep it from melting too quickly and leaking out while baking.

5. Glazed Pork Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground pork, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, mix honey and Dijon mustard. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
• Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the top.
• Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tip: Let the glaze caramelize by brushing an extra layer on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Spicy Jalapeño Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, jalapeños, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Roast the jalapeños before adding them to mellow the heat while enhancing their smoky flavor.

7. Italian-Style Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, Parmesan, marinara sauce, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Mix some marinara sauce into the meat mixture for extra Italian flavor and moisture.

8. Mushroom and Swiss Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the mix for a deeper umami taste.

9. Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground chicken, onion, garlic, hot sauce, blue cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the meat mixture for an extra tangy kick.

10. Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Pour over the meatloaf.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Reduce the sauce on the stovetop before pouring it over the meatloaf for a thicker, more intense glaze.

11. Greek-Style Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground lamb or beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground lamb or beef, onion, garlic, feta, olives, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Drain and pat dry the Kalamata olives before adding them to prevent excess moisture.

12. Tex-Mex Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, corn, black beans, salsa, egg, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Toast the chili powder and cumin in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes to bring out their full aroma.

13. Spinach and Feta Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, spinach, feta, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Squeeze out any excess water from the spinach to prevent the meatloaf from becoming soggy.

14. Maple-Glazed Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• In a small bowl, mix maple syrup and ketchup. Spread over the meatloaf.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Warm the maple syrup slightly before mixing it with ketchup to help it spread more easily.

15. Cajun-Style Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, bell pepper, egg, ketchup, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Use a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to add both heat and smoky depth.

16. Asian-Inspired Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, egg, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the hoisin sauce glaze to make it stick better to the meatloaf.

17. Loaded Baked Potato Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Use leftover mashed potatoes for the best texture and a richer, creamier filling.

18. Mediterranean Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, basil, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely and mix them evenly for bursts of sweetness in every bite.

19. Smoked Gouda Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, smoked Gouda, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Shred the smoked Gouda yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese for a smoother melt.

20. Apple and Sage Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 apple, peeled and grated
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, apple, sage, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Grate the apple right before mixing to prevent browning and to keep the meatloaf juicy.

21. Chipotle Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Blend the chipotle peppers with ketchup before adding to the meat for a smooth, smoky glaze.

22. Pesto and Mozzarella Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, pesto, mozzarella, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Use a high-quality basil pesto for the best flavor, and make sure to gently mix it into the meatloaf so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

23. Caramelized Onion Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 onions, caramelized
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, caramelized onions, garlic, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Caramelize the onions slowly on low heat to bring out their sweetness, which will enhance the overall flavor of the meatloaf.

24. Zucchini and Parmesan Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, grated and drained
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, zucchini, Parmesan, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini to avoid the meatloaf becoming too soggy while baking.

25. Bacon and Cheddar Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef, onion, garlic, cheddar, bacon, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Use thick-cut bacon for this recipe to ensure it stays crispy during baking and adds a satisfying crunch to each slice.

Conclusion

These 25 hearty American meatloaf recipes are perfect for family dinners, offering a variety of flavors and styles to suit every taste. From classic beef to creative twists like buffalo chicken and Mediterranean-inspired options, there’s something for everyone. Try these recipes and enjoy the comforting, delicious taste of homemade meatloaf!