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Our 31 Best Meatloaf Recipes

Our 31 Best Meatloaf Recipes

Updated October 02, 2007

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Credit: Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Meatloaf is a clear winner for a weeknight dinner: It's a crowd-pleaser that just so happens to be easy. Check out our best meatloaf recipes, ranging from classic meatloaf just like mom made, to upgrades like slow cooker meatloaf, mini meatloaf muffins, and meatloaf burgers.

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Meatloaf Spaghetti

Credit: Gina DeSimone; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson; Food Styling: Ivy Odom

Meatloaf Spaghetti Recipe

This hearty, family-friendly recipe marries two comfort food classics—meatloaf and spaghetti—for one epic rib-sticker of a dinner. The tangy-sweet, boldly beefy sauce delivers both surprising depth of flavor and a delicious sense of familiarity… consider it a bolognese inspired by the classic flavors of meatloaf. And because no meatloaf is complete without breadcrumbs, we finish this fun play on pasta night off with buttery toasted panko (the perfect final touch of crunch!). While we love how this dish can be thrown together on a moment’s notice with a package of ground beef and pantry staples, we highly recommend prepping the sauce a day ahead if possible, because it’s definitely one of those that tastes even better the next day. If you do make your sauce ahead, when you’re ready to serve, simply heat it on the stove with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water or chicken stock to help loosen it up.

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Chili Pepper-Spiked Meat Loaf

Chili Pepper-Spiked Meat Loaf Recipe

Chili powder, poblano chiles, and a spicy tomato sauce give everyday meat loaf a makeover. Use two spatulas when removing the meat loaf from the slow cooker.

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Mini BBQ Meat Loaves with Smashed Blue Cheese Potatoes

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Mini BBQ Meat Loaves with Smashed Blue Cheese Potatoes Recipe

Make a small indentation with your thumb in the center of each meat loaf before baking. This keeps the proteins from shrinking too much, which could result in a dense, dry meat loaf.

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Flax-Boosted Meatloaf

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Flax-Boosted Meatloaf Recipe

We call for organic ketchup because it's usually sweetened with sugar, not high-fructose corn syrup. Feel free to toss in chopped fresh herbs for more flavor.

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Diner Meat Loaf 'Muffins'

Credit: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro

Diner Meat Loaf 'Muffins' Recipe

Use a muffin tin to bake mini meatloaves. It decreases bake time and is ideal for making extra, freezer-friendly loaves for later. Thanks to the shorter cook time, you can get this recipe on the table in less than 30 minutes. Order's up!

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Veggie-Packed Meat Loaf

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Veggie-Packed Meat Loaf Recipe

A little meat goes a long way in this version of the classic--bringing that powerful pop of umami to this mostly plant-based take. You can double up and freeze one for later: Simply cover one loaf in plastic wrap before baking, pressing to remove air. Wrap with heavy-duty foil, and store in the freezer up to 2 months. Thaw completely in refrigerator before unwrapping and baking as directed.

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Old-fashioned Meatloaf

Old-fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

Make your mama proud, and maybe a little jealous, with a robust meatloaf recipe packed with Greek and Creole seasonings and a hint of garlic. Spice up the traditional ketchup topping with a few tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.

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Turkey-Bacon-Cheddar Meatloaf

Credit: Photographer: Stephen Devries; Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners

Turkey-Bacon-Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe

Why settle for regular meatloaf when you could be having meatloaf studded with bacon and cheddar cheese? These additions, along with White BBQ Sauce, guarantees a deliciously moist turkey meatloaf. This budget- and family-friendly comes from $10 Dinners: Delicious Recipes for a Family of 4 that Don’t Break the Bank, available on shelves (and Amazon) now. You can find cookbook author Julie Grimes’ simple recipe for White BBQ Sauce there (on page 222), or substitute bottled white barbecue sauce from the supermarket.

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Meatloaf Burger Steaks with Tomato Gravy

Credit: Photography: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Thom Driver.

Meatloaf Burger Steaks with Tomato Gravy Recipe

These burger steaks deliver classic meatloaf flavor with more glazy, crispy crust. A quick tomato gravy mimics a savory ketchup topping.

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Slow Cooker Santa Fe Meatloaf

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower.

Slow Cooker Santa Fe Meatloaf Recipe

Oven-baked meatloaf can turn dry, but the moisture-sealing magic of the slow cooker makes this one melt in your mouth.

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Classic Meat Loaf

Credit: Greg DuPreeFood Styling: Rishon HannersProp Styling: Thom Driver

Classic Meat Loaf Recipe

This is the iconic, classic meat loaf like your mom used to make (or that you wished your mom would make). Mix the ingredients gently, just until combined, and don't compact the meat when shaping the loaf for best results.

The ideal meat loaf temperature is about 160°F. The easiest way to measure this is with a meat thermometer, a handy tool that ensures your meatloaf is perfectly juicy every single time. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans—and sprinkle over a little parsley for extra pizzazz.

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Southwestern Meat Loaf

Credit: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Lynn Miller

Southwestern Meat Loaf Recipe

Presentation is everything! If you have a picky eater, segment the food using a fun container.

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Farro and Mushroom Meat Loaf

Credit: Oxmoor House

Farro and Mushroom Meat Loaf Recipe

While writing this book, I had a sudden craving for farro and mushrooms. I had just experienced success with the Chicken-Pecan Meatballs recipe, so I wanted to create another texturally similar dish. And that "NeutralQue" needed another use, and--oh, cool--a mostarda-like direction would work perfectly with a farro and mushroom meat loaf. And that's how a food craving became a recipe.

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Asian-Style Meat Loaves

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Asian-Style Meat Loaves Recipe

If the last time you had meatloaf was in your high school cafeteria, it's time to try it again. Fresh ginger, water chestnuts, and a spicy-sweet hoisin sauce topping update the dish with dynamic flavor.

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Herb-and-Veggie Meatloaf

Herb-and-Veggie Meatloaf Recipe

Make an Italian-style version of the all-American classic by starting with ground beef and pork sausage and adding spinach, Italian seasoning, and a garlic-and-herb pasta sauce. Use a store-bought sauce to save time.

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Basil-Tomato Meatloaf Sandwich

Basil-Tomato Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe

The best thing about meatloaf, next to that first piping hot forkful, is the leftovers. Use the Old-fashioned Meat Loaf recipe for dinner, then save the leftovers to make this tasty brown-bag treat for tomorrow's lunch. Top a couple slices of meatloaf with a homemade basil spread. It's so good, you'll want to double the recipe.

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Serve a Classic

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make our featured meatloaf recipes perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Start with ground meat, add a few seasonings and veggies, and a binder (usually breadcrumbs or eggs) to hold it all together, then bake. It doesn't get much easier than this.

Recipe: Classic Meat Loaf

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Meatloaf With Green Chile-Tomato Gravy

Meatloaf With Green Chile-Tomato Gravy Recipe

Spice up any meatloaf meal with a zesty Green Chile-Tomato Gravy. The bright flavor from the green chiles complements the mild meatloaf. Serve to dinner guests that enjoy a little heat.

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French Market Meat Loaf

French Market Meat Loaf Recipe

Serve a spicy, Louisiana-style meatloaf made with Cajun sausage links, dried thyme and oregano, and beef broth (to keep the loaf moist). A mild Tomato Gravy accents the bold Creole flavors of the meatloaf.

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Italian Turkey Meatloaves

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Italian Turkey Meatloaves Recipe

Round out the meal with Brussels sprouts and your favorite rice pilaf.

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Meatloaf Mexicana

Credit: Gooseberry Patch

Meatloaf Mexicana Recipe

Try this south-of-the-border Meatloaf Mexicana for your next family dinner. With the added kick from the jalapeños and taco sauce, you will never go back to traditional meatloaf again.

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Sirloin and Parmesan Meat Loaf

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Thom Driver

Sirloin and Parmesan Meat Loaf Recipe

For even shaping, use a loaf pan as a mold to shape the meat loaf; then invert onto the baking sheet.

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Turkey Meat Loaf with Cranberry Glaze

Credit: Andrew McCaul; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Turkey Meat Loaf with Cranberry Glaze Recipe

Turkey Meat Loaf with Cranberry Glaze delivers those favorite Thanksgiving flavors. Continue the theme by serving Turkey Meat Loaf with mashed potatoes and gravy.

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Everyday Meat Loaf

Credit: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Paige Hicks

Everyday Meat Loaf Recipe

The meat loaf cooks in the microwave for just 8 minutes, a fraction of the time it takes for traditionally baked meat loaf. Broiling the cheese on top of the cooked meat loaf until it's brown and bubbly lends the dish a pleasing, oven-baked look.

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Meatloaf Bundt Cake

Credit: Sara Tane

Meatloaf Bundt Cake Recipe

When you thought meatloaf couldn’t go more retro, we found a way. Spiced with Creole seasoning, garlic powder, and butter-coated vegetables, this meatloaf recipe finds it’s home in a bundt pan. This traditional recipe truly takes the cake and will be at the center of attention at any dinner party. And like any good cake, our meatloaf needs proper frosting and decor. Thus, we finished our tomato-glazed meatloaf bundt with a drizzle of gravy, freshly piped mashed potatoes, crispy onions, and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley. Oh, and we filled the center with French onion dip… because it felt like the right thing to do. Dinner is served.

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Cremini Mushroom Meat Loaf

Credit: Jason Wallis; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Cremini Mushroom Meat Loaf Recipe

Mushrooms replace half the beef in our Cremini Mushroom Meat Loaf. Not only do the mushrooms slash calories, they also add deep, earthy flavor while keeping the meat loaf moist. If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs in place of traditional panko breadcrumbs.

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Italian-Style Turkey Meat Loaf

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Gerri Williams

Italian-Style Turkey Meat Loaf Recipe

Italian-Style Turkey Meat Loaf is a lightened-up comfort food favorite. Chop up leftover meat loaf and serve in pasta with marinara sauce.

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Turkey and Roasted Red Pepper Meat Loaf

Credit: Kana Okada

Turkey and Roasted Red Pepper Meat Loaf Recipe

For an easy weeknight meat loaf without the beef, combine ground turkey with egg, onion, breadcrumbs and roasted red peppers and bake in a large metal or glass pan with sides instead of a loaf pan.

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Meat Loaf Bolognese

Credit: Johnny Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Meat Loaf Bolognese Recipe

This dish contains many of the flavors of sauce Bolognese, the classic Italian ragù of pancetta, a mixture of ground meats, and aromatic ingredients stewed together. Round out the meal with polenta. Garnish with chopped fresh rosemary, if desired.

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Mama's Meat Loaf

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Martin

Mama's Meat Loaf Recipe

This old-fashioned meat loaf is packed with tender chopped onion and bell pepper and topped with ketchup. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a meal that will remind you of Sunday dinner at Mama's table.

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Meat Loaf Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Credit: Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Meat Loaf Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Meat loaf is shaped into individual burgers that are just as comforting as their namesake. The burgers are delicate, so take extra care when flipping them.

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Our 31 Best Meatloaf Recipes

1 of 31

Meatloaf Spaghetti

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Chili Pepper-Spiked Meat Loaf

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Mini BBQ Meat Loaves with Smashed Blue Cheese Potatoes

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Flax-Boosted Meatloaf

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Diner Meat Loaf 'Muffins'

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Veggie-Packed Meat Loaf

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Old-fashioned Meatloaf

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Turkey-Bacon-Cheddar Meatloaf

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Meatloaf Burger Steaks with Tomato Gravy

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Slow Cooker Santa Fe Meatloaf

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Classic Meat Loaf

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Southwestern Meat Loaf

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Farro and Mushroom Meat Loaf

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Asian-Style Meat Loaves

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Herb-and-Veggie Meatloaf

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Basil-Tomato Meatloaf Sandwich

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Serve a Classic

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Meatloaf With Green Chile-Tomato Gravy

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French Market Meat Loaf

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Italian Turkey Meatloaves

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Meatloaf Mexicana

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Sirloin and Parmesan Meat Loaf

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Turkey Meat Loaf with Cranberry Glaze

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Everyday Meat Loaf

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Meatloaf Bundt Cake

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Cremini Mushroom Meat Loaf

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