25 Meatloaf Recipes to Revive a Classic Favorite

Meatloaf is a comforting dish that has stood the test of time, but it doesn’t have to be predictable. Here are 25 detailed recipes with ingredients and steps to bring variety to your table.

1. Classic Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup ketchup (divided)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, half of the ketchup, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Spread the remaining ketchup over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Tip: For a juicier meatloaf, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes before mixing them into the meat. This helps retain moisture during baking.

2. BBQ Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce (divided)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, half of the barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.

Tip: Add a smoky flavor by mixing a teaspoon of liquid smoke into the meat mixture before baking. This enhances the BBQ vibe.

3. Turkey Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup ketchup

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix turkey, panko, onion, egg, yogurt, mustard, and half the ketchup.
• Form into a loaf and place in a pan.
• Spread remaining ketchup on top.
• Bake for 50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tip: To prevent dryness, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or grated zucchini to the mixture. Turkey is leaner than beef, so it needs extra moisture.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 8-10 slices of bacon

Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a pan.
• Wrap the loaf with bacon slices, tucking edges underneath.
• Bake for 1 hour or until bacon is crispy and meatloaf is fully cooked.

Tip: Par-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping it around the meatloaf. This ensures the bacon crisps up perfectly without overcooking the meat.

5. Italian-Style Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, marinara, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
• Form into a loaf and place in a pan.
• Bake for 1 hour, then top with marinara sauce and bake 10 more minutes.

Tip: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and add a tablespoon of fresh basil for an extra burst of Italian flavor.

6. Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup ketchup

Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk.
• Flatten meat mixture, place cheddar cheese in the center, and roll into a loaf.
• Place loaf in a pan and cover with ketchup.
• Bake for 1 hour.

Tip: Freeze the shredded cheddar cheese for 10 minutes before stuffing it into the meatloaf. This prevents it from melting too quickly and leaking out.

7. Meatloaf Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup ketchup

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
• Divide mixture evenly into a muffin tin.
• Spread ketchup over each muffin.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Tip: Use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion the meat mixture into the muffin tin for uniform cooking and presentation.

8. Southwest Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 small can of diced green chilies
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ cup salsa

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, black beans, corn, green chilies, eggs, chili powder, cumin, and half of the salsa.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Spread the remaining salsa over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour or until fully cooked.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a dash of lime juice to the mixture for a zesty, smoky kick.

9. Veggie-Packed Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• ½ cup ketchup

Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, zucchini, carrots, spinach, and half of the ketchup.
• Form into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Spread remaining ketchup over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.

Tip: Squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini and spinach before adding them to the mixture. This prevents the meatloaf from becoming soggy.

10. Mini Meatloaf Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• Slider buns

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and half of the barbecue sauce.
• Shape mixture into small patties.
• Bake patties for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
• Serve on slider buns with your favorite toppings.

Tip: Toast the slider buns and add a slice of melted cheese on top of each mini meatloaf patty for extra flavor and texture.

11. Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef broth

Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and milk.
• Shape into a loaf and bake for 1 hour.
• Sauté mushrooms in butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
• Gradually add beef broth, stirring until thickened.
• Serve gravy over sliced meatloaf.

Tip: Use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for a richer, more complex gravy flavor.

12. Low-Carb Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• ½ cup almond flour or crushed pork rinds
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup sugar-free ketchup

Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine all ingredients except the ketchup.
• Form into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Spread ketchup over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.

Tip: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly option that adds a crispy texture.

13. Asian-Style Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (for glaze)

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Brush hoisin sauce over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour or until fully cooked.

Tip: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving for an authentic Asian touch.

14. French Onion Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup caramelized onions
• ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• ½ cup beef broth

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and caramelized onions.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Pour beef broth over the top and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
• Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.

Tip: Use a caramelized onion jam instead of plain caramelized onions for a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.

15. Meatloaf Wrapped in Puff Pastry

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Steps

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk.
• Shape into a loaf and partially cook for 30 minutes.
• Cool, wrap in puff pastry, and seal edges.
• Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Tip: Brush the puff pastry with an egg wash mixed with a pinch of salt for a golden, glossy finish.

16. Chipotle Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
• ½ cup ketchup

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and chipotle peppers.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Spread ketchup over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour or until fully cooked.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers to the ketchup glaze for extra heat and smokiness.

17. Meatloaf with Cranberry Glaze

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup homemade or canned cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and milk.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Mix cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey, and spread over the top of the meatloaf.
• Bake for 1 hour or until fully cooked.

Tip: Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for a chunkier, more textured glaze.

18. Mediterranean Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground lamb or beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
• Form into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.

Tip: Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

19. Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan version)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine lentils, breadcrumbs, onion, carrot, mushrooms, eggs, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until firm and golden brown.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the mixture for a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.

20. Breakfast Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground pork sausage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 large eggs, scrambled
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix ground sausage, beef, onion, bell pepper, scrambled eggs, cheese, and hot sauce.
• Form into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Bake for 50 minutes or until fully cooked.

Tip: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a side of breakfast potatoes for a hearty morning meal.

21. Meatloaf with a Pretzel Crust

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed pretzels
• ½ cup mustard
• ½ cup ketchup

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and eggs.
• Form into a loaf and coat with crushed pretzels.
• Mix mustard and ketchup, spread on top of the meatloaf.
• Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.

Tip: Crush the pretzels finely and mix them with a little melted butter before pressing them onto the meatloaf for a crispier crust.

22. Meatloaf with Bacon Jam

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup bacon jam (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and eggs.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Spread bacon jam on top of the loaf and sprinkle with brown sugar.
• Bake for 1 hour or until fully cooked.

Tip: Make your own bacon jam by cooking bacon, onions, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar until thick and caramelized.

23. Greek-Style Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, feta, olives, dill, and lemon zest.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint to the mixture for a bright, refreshing flavor.

24. Meatloaf Stuffed with Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mashed potatoes (prepared ahead of time)
• ½ cup ketchup

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and onion.
• Shape into a loaf, then create a cavity in the center.
• Fill the cavity with mashed potatoes, then seal the loaf.
• Spread ketchup over the top and bake for 1 hour.

Tip: Season the mashed potatoes generously with garlic and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

25. Spaghetti-Stuffed Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cooked spaghetti
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, and eggs.
• Flatten the meat mixture into a large rectangle on a sheet of parchment paper.
• Layer cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese in the center.
• Roll the meat mixture around the spaghetti and form a loaf.
• Place in a baking pan and bake for 1 hour.

Tip: Toss the cooked spaghetti with a little olive oil and garlic before stuffing it into the meatloaf for added flavor.

Conclusion

Meatloaf is a versatile dish that adapts beautifully to countless flavor combinations. These 25 recipes showcase how you can make this classic comfort food exciting and fresh. Whether you stick with the traditional version or venture into more creative territory, there’s a meatloaf here for everyone to enjoy. Let these recipes inspire your next dinner!