10+ Best Meatloaf Recipes for Easy and Delicious Family Dinners

Meatloaf really hits the spot when you want something hearty and comforting. There are so many versions out there, each one bringing a little twist to the table.

It’s a go-to for family dinners, partly because it’s so easy and makes plenty for everyone.

The best meatloaf recipes use simple ingredients to create something tender and packed with flavor. Maybe you’re into a sweet glaze, or maybe you want bold seasonings—there’s definitely a meatloaf out there for you.

1) Classic Meatloaf with Worcestershire Glaze

This classic meatloaf is all about simple, satisfying flavors. You’ll grab some ground beef, onions, and a handful of seasonings to get things rolling.

Worcestershire sauce brings a savory edge that just works. The glaze—ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire—gets all caramelized and sticky in the oven.

It’s a breeze to make and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. You get a juicy, homemade dinner that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
4. Stir glaze ingredients together and spread over the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temp hits 160°F (71°C).
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

2) Ground Beef and Pork Blend Meatloaf

Mixing ground beef and pork gives your meatloaf a flavor boost and keeps it moist. Beef brings that classic taste, while pork makes it extra tender.

Try tossing in onions, celery, and carrots for more depth. A quick glaze of ketchup or ketchup mixed with mustard gives the top a little shine.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) so it cooks through without drying out. Let it rest before slicing so it stays together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 pound ground pork (80% lean)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix beef, pork, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, carrots, eggs, and milk.
3. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
4. Shape into a loaf and set in a baking dish.
5. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top.
6. Bake for 1 hour, or until it reaches 160°F (71°C) inside.
7. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

3) Mom’s Traditional Meatloaf with Onion Soup Mix

Here’s a classic, no-fuss meatloaf you can count on every time. Onion soup mix does most of the heavy lifting for flavor.

Just mix ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, and that dry soup mix. Shape it, glaze with ketchup, and bake.

This one’s great for busy nights or meal prep. It’s easy, filling, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine ground beef, onion soup mix, eggs, breadcrumbs, and water in a big bowl.
3. Mix just until combined, then shape into a loaf on a baking sheet.
4. Spread ketchup over the top.
5. Bake for 1 hour, or until it hits 160°F (70°C) inside.
6. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.

4) Juicy Meatloaf with Sweet and Tangy Glaze

You want a meatloaf that’s moist and loaded with flavor, right? This one mixes ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg for a tender bite.

The sweet and tangy glaze—ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire—really makes it pop. It caramelizes as it bakes, so you get that sticky, tasty finish.

Serve it with mashed potatoes or some simple veggies. It’s comfort food at its best.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, and Worcestershire in a bowl.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
4. Combine ketchup and brown sugar for the glaze.
5. Spread glaze over the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temp hits 160°F (71°C).
7. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

You can find more tips and a detailed recipe at the sweet and tangy meatloaf page.

5) Oatmeal and Herb Meatloaf with Paprika

Oatmeal keeps this meatloaf moist and soft, which is honestly a nice change from the usual. Mix in ground beef, eggs, onions, garlic, and herbs like parsley and thyme.

Paprika brings a gentle smokiness and a pop of color. Use quick or rolled oats, soaked a bit so they don’t dry things out.

The herbs and paprika give it a fresh, warm vibe. It’s simple but surprisingly flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 ½ cups quick oats
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup ketchup (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine ground beef, oats, onions, garlic, eggs, paprika, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Mix gently until just combined.
4. Shape into a loaf on a baking pan.
5. If you want, spread ketchup on top.
6. Bake 60-70 minutes until it’s cooked through.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

For more details, see this meatloaf recipe with oatmeal and herbs.

6) Easy Grandma’s Tomato Glazed Meatloaf

This one’s got that simple, old-school flavor that just feels right. The tomato glaze is sweet and tangy, keeping the meatloaf moist but not heavy.

Mix ground beef with onions, breadcrumbs, and a few spices. Spread the tomato glaze on before baking so you get a flavorful crust.

It’s quick—under an hour from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you don’t want to fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Shape into a loaf and put it in a baking pan.
4. Stir together tomato sauce and brown sugar, then glaze the loaf.
5. Bake 50-55 minutes, until cooked through.
6. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.

7) Tender Meatloaf with Breadcrumbs and Eggs

Breadcrumbs and eggs make this meatloaf soft and hold it all together. They keep things from drying out.

Add diced onions for a little extra flavor. A splash of milk softens the mix even more.

Top with ketchup or a glaze if you’re into that. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour.

Let it sit a few minutes before slicing so it stays juicy.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix ground beef, onions, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
4. Spread ketchup on top.
5. Bake about 60 minutes, until fully cooked.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

8) Spiced Meatloaf with Vegeta Seasoning

Love meatloaf but want more flavor? Try tossing in some Vegeta seasoning. It’s a blend of herbs and veggies that brings a savory punch.

This stuff works great with ground beef and a few fresh vegetables. I like to mix in chopped onions, garlic, and a little sausage for extra richness.

Chop up some celery or bell pepper if you’ve got them. They help keep things moist and add a bit of crunch.

As it bakes, the Vegeta wakes up all the natural flavors. It’s not spicy—just a nice twist if you’re bored with the same old loaf.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• ½ pound Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Vegeta seasoning
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, sausage, onion, celery, garlic, Vegeta, bread crumbs, egg, and milk.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking pan.
4. Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf hits 160°F (71°C) inside.
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

9) Moist Meatloaf with Italian Herbs

If you’re after a juicy meatloaf with a little Italian flair, this one’s a winner. Ground beef, Italian seasoning, and garlic come together with plenty of cheese.

Breadcrumbs or panko keep the loaf sturdy but tender. I always spread marinara on top—it gives a tangy finish and keeps everything nice and moist.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and set it in a baking dish.
4. Spread marinara sauce evenly on top.
5. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

10) Simplified Meatloaf with Pantry Staples

Got ground beef and a few basics? You can whip up a quick meatloaf with almost no fuss. Eggs, milk, and whatever seasonings you have on hand work just fine.

I usually grab a box of stuffing mix instead of breadcrumbs—less measuring, more flavor. For the glaze, I mix ketchup with a bit of brown sugar. Not too sweet, but just enough.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) and you’ll have dinner in about an hour. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, even if you’re low on groceries.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 box stuffing mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• Salt and pepper
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grab a bowl and add the ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix everything together until it looks well combined.

4. Shape that mixture into a loaf and set it in a baking dish.

5. Spread ketchup over the top.

6. Sprinkle brown sugar on the ketchup layer.

7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want it cooked through.

8. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.