14 Meatloaf Recipes That Taste Just Like Sunday Supper at Mom’s House

Some smells take you right back home, and meatloaf in the oven is one of them. Maybe it was Sunday supper, maybe it was a busy Tuesday, but it always felt like love on a plate. These meatloaf recipes start with the classic sweet glaze, then bring back vintage favorites and a few fun new twists. Pull up a chair..

Classic Meatloaf Recipes Start With a Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

This is the meatloaf most of us grew up on, with a shiny, sticky glaze that caramelizes on top. The secret to a tender loaf is soaking the bread crumbs in milk first, so the meat stays juicy. Do not pack it too tight. Brush on half the glaze before baking and the rest near the end. Did your mom make it with ketchup on top, or did she skip the glaze?

You will need: 2 lb ground beef (80/20), 1 cup bread crumbs, 3/4 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 small onion (grated), 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Glaze: 3/4 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Soak the crumbs in milk for 5 minutes. 3. Mix in the beef, eggs, onion, Worcestershire, salt and pepper by hand. 4. Shape into a loaf on a lined pan and brush with half the glaze. 5. Bake 60 minutes, add the rest of the glaze, and bake 10 to 15 minutes more until it reaches 160F.

Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipes From a Newspaper Clipping

Many families have a yellowed newspaper clipping tucked in a recipe box, and very often it is a meatloaf. Old column recipes were simple and generous, with crushed crackers, a little green pepper, and a can of tomato sauce poured over the top. It bakes into a soft, saucy loaf that slices like a dream. Do you still have a recipe clipped from the paper by someone you loved?

You will need: 2 lb ground beef, 1 cup crushed saltine crackers, 1 egg, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped green pepper, 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (divided), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Mix the beef, crackers, egg, onion, pepper, half the tomato sauce and seasonings. 3. Press into a 9×5 loaf pan. 4. Pour the rest of the sauce on top. 5. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes until it reaches 160F, then rest 10 minutes.

Diner Style Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

This is the blue plate special version. Instead of a sweet glaze, thick slices get smothered in rich brown gravy, just like the corner diner served it with mashed potatoes. The gravy comes together in the same pan using the drippings. Pour extra over the potatoes, because nobody wants a dry plate. Quick poll: A) glaze on top, B) gravy all over, C) ketchup on the side, D) all of the above.

You will need: 1 classic meatloaf (baked without glaze), 2 tablespoons butter or pan drippings, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Bake the meatloaf at 350F until it reaches 160F. 2. Melt the butter with drippings in a skillet. 3. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute. 4. Slowly whisk in the broth and Worcestershire. 5. Simmer 5 minutes until thick and pour over the slices.

Italian Meatloaf With Marinara and Mozzarella

Think of this as one giant meatball, and that is exactly why kids love it. Ground beef and Italian sausage get mixed with parmesan, garlic and herbs. Marinara goes on top, then a layer of mozzarella melts into gooey, golden spots. Serve it with spaghetti or tuck slices into a toasted roll. Of all the meatloaf recipes here, this is the one that turns picky eaters into fans.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed), 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup parmesan, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup marinara, 1 cup shredded mozzarella.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Mix the meats, crumbs, milk, eggs, parmesan and garlic. 3. Shape into a loaf on a lined pan. 4. Bake 50 minutes, then spread with marinara and top with mozzarella. 5. Bake 10 to 15 minutes more until it reaches 160F.

Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipes for Burger Lovers

Everything you love about a cheeseburger, baked into one big loaf. Cubes of cheddar hide inside and melt into pockets of cheese. The glaze is a mix of ketchup and yellow mustard, just like the bottles on a backyard picnic table. Top slices with pickles and shredded lettuce for the full experience. Would you add bacon to this one, or keep it classic?

You will need: 2 lb ground beef, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup diced onion, 1 cup cubed cheddar, 1 teaspoon salt. Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon brown sugar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Mix the beef, crumbs, milk, eggs, onion and salt. 3. Gently fold in the cheddar cubes. 4. Shape into a loaf and spread with the glaze. 5. Bake 60 to 70 minutes until it reaches 160F, then rest 10 minutes.

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

This one is made for the bacon lovers. Strips of bacon get woven over the top of the loaf, and they turn crisp while keeping the meat moist underneath. Brush it with your favorite barbecue sauce in the last few minutes. The edges get sticky and smoky. It is one of the most showstopping meatloaf recipes for a fall weekend dinner, and it tastes like a cookout in the middle of October.

You will need: 2 lb ground beef, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup diced onion, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 8 to 10 slices bacon, 2/3 cup barbecue sauce.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Mix the beef, crumbs, milk, eggs, onion and seasonings. 3. Shape into a loaf on a rack set in a lined pan. 4. Lay the bacon over the top, tucking the ends under. 5. Bake 60 minutes, brush with barbecue sauce, and bake 10 minutes more until it reaches 160F.

Mini Meatloaf Recipes Baked in a Muffin Tin

Short on time? Bake meatloaf in a muffin tin and dinner is ready in about 25 minutes. Every little loaf gets its own shiny glazed top, which means no fighting over the end piece. They are perfect for kids, for packing in lunches, and for freezing. Pop a couple in the microwave on a busy night. Who in your family always fights for the crispy edge?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground beef, 3/4 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/4 cup diced onion, 1 teaspoon salt. Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F and grease a 12 cup muffin tin. 2. Mix the meatloaf ingredients. 3. Press the mix into the cups. 4. Spoon glaze on top of each. 5. Bake 22 to 25 minutes until they reach 160F.

Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Meatloaf

Slice into this one and a swirl of spinach and melted cheese spills out. It looks like one of those fancy meatloaf recipes, but the trick is easy. Flatten the meat mixture on parchment, cover it with spinach and cheese, then roll it up like a jelly roll. It is a great way to sneak more greens onto the plate. Serve it at a holiday dinner and watch the cameras come out.

You will need: 2 lb ground beef, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 package (10 oz) frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup marinara.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Mix the beef, crumbs, milk, eggs and seasonings. 3. Pat into a 10×12 rectangle on parchment. 4. Top with spinach and cheese, then roll up and pinch the seam. 5. Place seam side down, top with marinara, and bake 70 minutes until it reaches 160F.

French Onion Meatloaf

If you love French onion soup, this one will make you swoon. A packet of onion soup mix seasons the meat, and a pile of sweet caramelized onions and Swiss cheese melts over the top. Every slice tastes deep, savory and cozy. Use store bought caramelized onions to save time. Pair it with crusty bread and a simple green salad for a bistro style dinner at home.

You will need: 2 lb ground beef, 1 packet dry onion soup mix, 1 cup bread crumbs, 3/4 cup beef broth, 2 eggs, 1 cup caramelized onions, 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Mix the beef, soup mix, crumbs, broth and eggs. 3. Shape into a loaf on a lined pan. 4. Bake 60 minutes. 5. Top with the onions and Swiss and bake 10 minutes more until it reaches 160F.

Lighter Turkey and Veggie Meatloaf

Want something a bit lighter that still feels like comfort food? This turkey meatloaf is packed with grated zucchini and carrot, which keep it moist and add a little color. A tangy tomato glaze finishes it off. It is a nice option if you are trying to eat more vegetables without giving up a cozy dinner. Ground turkey needs to cook a little hotter, so check the center.

You will need: 2 lb ground turkey, 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry), 1/2 cup grated carrot, 3/4 cup bread crumbs, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Glaze: 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon honey.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Mix the turkey, vegetables, crumbs, egg and seasonings. 3. Shape into a loaf on a lined pan. 4. Spread with the glaze. 5. Bake 55 to 65 minutes until the center reaches 165F.

Meatloaf With a Savory Tomato Glaze

Not everyone wants a sweet glaze, and this one is for them. Tomato paste, a splash of balsamic vinegar, a little Dijon and garlic make a tangy, savory topping that bakes into a deep red crust. It tastes grown up but still cozy. Serve it with roasted potatoes and green beans. Poll time: are you team A) sweet glaze, B) savory glaze, C) no glaze at all?

You will need: 1 classic meatloaf mix (2 lb beef). Glaze: 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon sugar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Shape the meatloaf on a lined pan. 3. Whisk the glaze ingredients together. 4. Spread half the glaze on top and bake 60 minutes. 5. Add the rest and bake 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches 160F.

Easy Meatloaf Recipes: Sheet Pan Meatloaf and Potatoes

Dinner on one pan, and done faster. Shaping the meatloaf flat on a sheet pan means it cooks in about half the time, and baby potatoes roast right beside it. You get more glazed, crispy edges in every slice. Cleanup is one pan and a spatula. Craving more old school comfort food? See our retro dinners for more vintage favorites.

You will need: 2 lb meatloaf mix (beef, crumbs, milk, eggs, onion, salt), 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes (halved), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 cup ketchup glaze.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Toss the potatoes with oil, garlic powder and salt and spread on one side of a sheet pan. 3. Shape the meatloaf into a flat 1 inch thick rectangle on the other side. 4. Brush with the glaze. 5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until the meat reaches 160F and the potatoes are tender.

The Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich

Some people say the best part of meatloaf is the next day sandwich, and they might be right. A cold or warmed slice goes between two pieces of toasted bread with a swipe of ketchup or mayo. Add cheddar and run it under the broiler if you want it melty. It is simple, nostalgic and so good. Is a meatloaf sandwich the best leftover of all time?

You will need: 1 thick slice leftover meatloaf, 2 slices sandwich bread or a soft roll, 1 slice cheddar, 1 tablespoon ketchup or mayo, butter for toasting.

How to make it: 1. Warm the meatloaf slice in a skillet for 2 minutes per side. 2. Butter the bread and toast it in the same skillet. 3. Lay cheese on the meatloaf so it melts. 4. Spread ketchup or mayo on the bread. 5. Stack, slice and serve.

Five Glazes for All Your Meatloaf Recipes

Change the glaze and you have a whole new dinner. Keep these five in your back pocket and you can make meatloaf all season without getting bored. Each one covers a 2 lb loaf. Brush on half before baking and the rest near the end so it gets glossy without burning. Which one of these meatloaf recipes and glazes are you making first?

You will need: Sweet: 3/4 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vinegar. Tangy: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons mustard, 2 tablespoons honey. Spicy: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons sriracha, 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Balsamic: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons balsamic, 1 tablespoon honey. Mustard: 1/4 cup Dijon, 2 tablespoons maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Pick a glaze. 2. Whisk the ingredients in a small bowl. 3. Brush half over the loaf before baking. 4. Brush on the rest in the last 15 minutes. 5. Rest the meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing.