Meatloaf is a truly comforting meal. I love how simple it is to prepare and how much it makes everyone happy at the dinner table. It’s a real favorite in my home for an easy, hearty dinner.
Today, I’m sharing three different meatloaf recipes. You’ll find a classic version, one with a cheesy center, and another with a simple ingredient for a big flavor boost. I hope you find your new go-to meatloaf recipe here!
Jump to Recipe:
Classic Meatloaf with Rich Mushroom Gravy
This recipe makes a tender meatloaf with a fantastic homemade mushroom gravy. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Ground Beef Choice: I like to use 80/20 ground beef for the best overall flavor and texture. It helps keep the meatloaf moist as it cooks.
- Homemade Mushroom Gravy: Making your own gravy from scratch adds so much extra goodness. It’s easy with fresh mushrooms and a little beef broth.
What You Need for Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For gravy: fresh mushrooms, beef broth, flour, butter
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 min🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix Meatloaf Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and chopped onion. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Bake and Make Gravy
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf in a baking pan. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until cooked through. While it bakes, you can make your mushroom gravy in a saucepan on the stovetop.
📝 Final Note
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking before you slice it. This helps it hold its shape and keeps it nice and juicy.
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf for Dinner
Imagine cutting into your meatloaf and finding gooey, melted mozzarella cheese inside! This recipe is a delightful surprise that everyone at your table will love.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Choosing Mozzarella Cheese: Use a block of low-moisture mozzarella and cut it into thick strips. This way, you get big pockets of melted cheese throughout.
- Stuffing Technique: Make sure to fully enclose the cheese in the meat mixture. This helps prevent it from leaking out during baking and keeps all that cheesy goodness inside.
What You Need for This Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into strips
- Salt and black pepper
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 10 min🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make This Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare Meat Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a big bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and tomato sauce. Season it well with salt and pepper. Divide the meat mixture in half.
Step 2: Stuff and Bake
Press half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape in a baking dish. Place the mozzarella strips down the center, then top with the remaining meat mixture, making sure to seal the edges completely. Bake for about 60 minutes.
📝 Final Note
A quick broil for the last few minutes can give the top a nice browned crust, especially if you add a little extra sauce on top before the final bake.
Easy Onion Soup Mix Meatloaf Recipe
This meatloaf uses a simple trick for a big flavor boost without extra chopping. Onion soup mix adds wonderful depth to your meatloaf quickly and easily.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- The Power of Onion Soup Mix: Just one packet is all you need for amazing flavor. It already has the right balance of dried onions and seasonings, saving you time.
- Gentle Mixing is Key: Don’t overmix the meatloaf ingredients. Mixing too much can make the meatloaf tough. Just combine everything until it’s blended.
What You Need for This Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup water or milk
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 5 min🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make This Meatloaf
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, onion soup mix, egg, breadcrumbs, and water or milk. Use your hands to gently bring everything together until just combined.
Step 2: Shape and Cook Meatloaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until it’s cooked through.
📝 Final Note
For extra flavor and a nice glaze, you can spread a simple mixture of ketchup and brown sugar over the top during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.