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 or a fresh winter salad or even leftover mashed potato and sometimes I add 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 and mixes them together with eggs. Hence, everything holds perfectly and then you bake it slowly. Hence, the flavors develop wonderfully and serve it hot for a satisfying meal that everyone will love and enjoy 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 10 minutes before slicing

12. Cheesy Meatloaf

Cheesy meatloaf is a tasty twist on traditional meatloaf where you mix gooey cheese inside the meat mixture and as it cooks it melts beautifully so each bite is full of flavor and the traditional meatloaf essence stays intact which makes it a perfect dinner idea for family gatherings and it pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes while 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 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 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 where strips of bacon wrap the beef mixture and while baking the bacon crisps beautifully and the meat stays juicy and tender which creates an amazing combination of flavors and textures that makes this meatloaf 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 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
  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 so you get a rich and flavorful dish that includes herbs like oregano and basil and mixes them with parmesan cheese and tomato sauce which enhances the classic taste and makes each bite aromatic and delicious while still 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 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 pan
  4. Spread tomato sauce on top
  5. Bake 60-70 minutes until cooked through
  6. Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing

9. Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf is a lighter version of traditional meatloaf which uses ground turkey instead of beef and mixes it with breadcrumbs and vegetables so it stays moist and flavorful and the traditional meatloaf taste remains comforting and familiar which makes it perfect for healthy dinners while still enjoying the homestyle flavors that everyone loves for 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 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 pan
  4. Spread ketchup on top
  5. Bake 60-70 minutes until cooked through
  6. Rest 10 minutes before slicing

8. BBQ Meatloaf

BBQ meatloaf adds a sweet and tangy twist to traditional meatloaf where barbecue sauce replaces ketchup so every slice is juicy and flavorful and the smoky flavor enhances the beef perfectly and the traditional meatloaf essence stays intact which makes it an amazing dinner option for gatherings or casual meals and it pairs 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 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 pan
  4. Spread barbecue sauce on top
  5. Bake 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 so they add a deep flavor and juicy texture and the classic meatloaf taste remains comforting and satisfying and it makes an excellent dinner option while still keeping the 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 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 pan
  5. Spread ketchup on top
  6. Bake 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 and blends beautifully with breadcrumbs and onions so every bite bursts with savory flavor and the traditional meatloaf essence stays comforting which makes it perfect for family dinners or weekend meals while giving 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 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 pan
  4. Spread tomato sauce over the top
  5. Bake 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 so it caramelizes beautifully while baking and keeps the beef moist and flavorful and the traditional meatloaf flavor stays intact which makes it a perfect family dinner dish and it 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 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 pan
  4. Combine ketchup and brown sugar and spread over meatloaf
  5. Bake 60-70 minutes until cooked through
  6. Let rest 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 so they boost flavor and nutrition while keeping the meatloaf moist and tender and the traditional meatloaf taste remains comforting which makes 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 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 pan
  4. Spread ketchup on top
  5. Bake 60-70 minutes until cooked through
  6. Let rest 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 so it adds smoky heat and depth of flavor and the traditional meatloaf taste is enhanced with a little kick which makes it perfect for spice lovers and family dinners that want something flavorful and exciting while still 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 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 pan
  4. Spread ketchup over the top
  5. Bake 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 where the beef mixture is divided into muffin tins so each portion cooks faster and looks adorable and the traditional meatloaf flavor stays comforting which makes 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 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 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 so all flavors meld together and the meat stays juicy and soft while keeping the traditional meatloaf taste comforting which makes it perfect for busy days and easy dinners while 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 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 and each of these 13 recipes keeps the traditional meatloaf taste while adding unique twists so your dinners can always feel fresh and exciting and you can 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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