The 13 Best Traditional Meatloaf Recipes You’ll Ever Try for Delicious Comfort Food

Every time I make Traditional Meatloaf Recipes, I feel like I am creating a meal that is hearty and comforting because the seasoned meat bakes into a rich, flavorful loaf.

I love serving Traditional Meatloaf Recipes with sides that balance the flavors and textures, like roasted garlic vegetables, a fresh winter salad, or even leftover mashed potato. Sometimes I add a light cucumber salad, and each pairing makes the meatloaf feel complete, filling, and enjoyable for the whole table.

13. Classic American Meatloaf

Classic American meatloaf is a delicious comfort dish that combines ground beef with onions and breadcrumbs, mixed together with eggs so everything holds perfectly. You then bake it slowly, allowing the flavors to develop wonderfully. Serve it hot for a satisfying meal that everyone will love, enjoying it with mashed potatoes or fresh vegetables while keeping the traditional meatloaf taste at its heart.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
  4. Spread ketchup evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until cooked through.
  6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

12. Cheesy Meatloaf

Cheesy meatloaf is a tasty twist on traditional meatloaf, where gooey cheese is mixed inside the meat mixture. As it cooks, it melts beautifully so each bite is full of flavor while keeping the traditional meatloaf essence intact. This makes it a perfect dinner idea for family gatherings, pairing wonderfully with steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes, and giving a cheesy surprise in every slice.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup milk

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Combine beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, and salt.
  3. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese carefully.
  4. Shape into a loaf and place in the pan.
  5. Spread ketchup over the top.
  6. Bake for 60–70 minutes and let cool slightly before slicing.

11. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a deliciously smoky version of traditional meatloaf. Strips of bacon wrap the beef mixture, and while baking, the bacon crisps beautifully while the meat stays juicy and tender. This creates an amazing combination of flavors and textures, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions, while still keeping the classic taste everyone loves.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 8–10 slices bacon
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking tray.
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and seasoning.
  3. Shape beef mixture into a loaf.
  4. Wrap the loaf with bacon slices, overlapping slightly.
  5. Spread ketchup over the bacon.
  6. Bake for 60–70 minutes until cooked through and bacon is crispy.

10. Italian-Style Meatloaf

Italian-style meatloaf combines traditional meatloaf with Italian seasonings, giving a rich and flavorful dish that includes herbs like oregano and basil, mixed with parmesan cheese and tomato sauce. This enhances the classic taste and makes each bite aromatic and delicious while keeping the comforting essence of traditional meatloaf, ideal for pasta nights or family meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp basil
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, parmesan, oregano, basil, and salt.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
  4. Spread tomato sauce on top.
  5. Bake for 60–70 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

9. Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf is a lighter version of traditional meatloaf, using ground turkey instead of beef. It is mixed with breadcrumbs and vegetables so it stays moist and flavorful, while the traditional meatloaf taste remains comforting and familiar. This makes it perfect for healthy dinners, while still enjoying the homestyle flavors everyone loves in a family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup milk

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, and seasoning.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
  4. Spread ketchup on top.
  5. Bake for 60–70 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

8. BBQ Meatloaf

BBQ meatloaf adds a sweet and tangy twist to traditional meatloaf, where barbecue sauce replaces ketchup. Each slice is juicy and flavorful, with smoky notes enhancing the beef. The traditional meatloaf essence stays intact, making it an amazing dinner option for gatherings or casual meals, pairing well with coleslaw and baked potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup milk

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and milk.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
  4. Spread barbecue sauce on top.
  5. Bake for 60–70 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let rest before slicing.

7. Mushroom Meatloaf

Mushroom meatloaf is a rich and hearty variation of traditional meatloaf, where sautéed mushrooms are mixed into the beef, adding deep flavor and juicy texture. The classic meatloaf taste remains comforting and satisfying, making it an excellent dinner option while keeping familiar flavors everyone enjoys for a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Sauté mushrooms with onions until soft.
  3. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and mushroom-onion mixture.
  4. Shape into a loaf and place in the pan.
  5. Spread ketchup on top.
  6. Bake for 60–70 minutes and rest before slicing.

6. Italian Sausage Meatloaf

Italian sausage meatloaf is a flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf, where ground Italian sausage adds a rich and spicy taste. It blends beautifully with breadcrumbs and onions, so every bite bursts with savory flavor. The traditional meatloaf essence stays comforting, making it perfect for family dinners or weekend meals while adding a little Italian flair to a classic dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and milk.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
  4. Spread tomato sauce over the top.
  5. Bake for 60–70 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let rest before slicing.

5. Glazed Meatloaf

Glazed meatloaf is a classic traditional meatloaf topped with a shiny, sweet glaze made from ketchup and brown sugar. It caramelizes beautifully while baking, keeping the beef moist and flavorful. The traditional meatloaf flavor stays intact, making it a perfect family dinner dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and milk.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
  4. Combine ketchup and brown sugar and spread over the meatloaf.
  5. Bake for 60–70 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

4. Veggie-Infused Meatloaf

Veggie-infused meatloaf is a healthy take on traditional meatloaf, where finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini are added. They boost flavor and nutrition while keeping the meatloaf moist and tender. The traditional meatloaf taste remains comforting, making it perfect for kids and adults who want a hearty meal with extra vegetables and family-friendly flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, and vegetables.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
  4. Spread ketchup on top.
  5. Bake for 60–70 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

3. Spicy Chipotle Meatloaf

Spicy chipotle meatloaf is a bold version of traditional meatloaf, where chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are blended into the beef mixture. This adds smoky heat and depth of flavor, enhancing the traditional meatloaf taste with a little kick. It’s perfect for spice lovers and family dinners that want something flavorful and exciting while staying comforting.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, and chopped chipotle peppers.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
  4. Spread ketchup over the top.
  5. Bake for 60–70 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let rest before slicing.

2. Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Mini meatloaf muffins are a fun and convenient take on traditional meatloaf. The beef mixture is divided into muffin tins so each portion cooks faster and looks adorable. The traditional meatloaf flavor stays comforting, making it perfect for meal prep, kids’ lunches, or family dinners, while keeping the classic taste in a smaller, manageable size.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin.
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and milk.
  3. Divide mixture evenly into muffin cups.
  4. Spread a little ketchup on each muffin.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let rest before serving.

1. Slow-Cooked Meatloaf

Slow-cooked meatloaf is a super tender version of traditional meatloaf, where the beef mixture cooks slowly in a crockpot. All flavors meld together, and the meat stays juicy and soft while keeping the traditional meatloaf taste comforting. This makes it perfect for busy days and easy dinners, giving a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal that the whole family will enjoy without fuss.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup ketchup

Directions

  1. Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and milk.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the slow cooker.
  4. Spread ketchup on top.
  5. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  6. Let rest before slicing.

Conclusion

Traditional meatloaf recipes are timeless comfort foods that everyone will love because they are versatile, flavorful, and easy to make. Each of these 13 recipes keeps the traditional meatloaf taste while adding unique twists, so your dinners can always feel fresh and exciting. Enjoy family meals with delicious, home-cooked meatloaf, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more tasty traditional meatloaf recipes and cooking inspiration.

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