12 Meatloaf Recipes to Make for a Classic Comfort Food Meal
Meatloaf brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. This post shares 12 meatloaf recipes for a classic comfort food meal.
Each recipe offers a unique twist, simple ingredients, and clear instructions. Readers enjoy easy steps and delicious results.
Whether you love traditional flavors or want a fresh take, these recipes deliver. Explore the list, find your favorite, and cook a hearty dish tonight.

1. Classic Beef Meatloaf
About: This recipe creates a juicy beef meatloaf with a tangy glaze. It uses basic pantry staples and ground beef. Families love its familiar taste. The dish cooks in one hour and serves six. Enjoy tender slices with mashed potatoes or veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, milk, 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir until ingredients combine evenly.
- Shape mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Combine 1/4 cup ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Spread glaze over loaf.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Check internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove loaf from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve hot.
2. Turkey Meatloaf
About: This turkey meatloaf offers a leaner option with bold flavor. It swaps beef for turkey and adds herbs. The recipe takes 50 minutes and feeds four. Light yet filling, it pairs well with a salad. Readers enjoy its healthy twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup oats
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine ground turkey, oats, egg, carrots, celery, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix ingredients well.
- Form mixture into a loaf shape.
- Place loaf on a baking sheet.
- Brush barbecue sauce over top.
- Bake loaf for 50 minutes.
- Ensure temperature hits 165°F inside.
- Let loaf cool for 5 minutes.
- Cut into slices and serve.
3. Cheesy Meatloaf
About: This cheesy meatloaf melts cheddar into every bite. Ground beef blends with simple spices. It bakes in 55 minutes and serves five. Kids and adults love the gooey center. Serve it with fries for a fun meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir until blended.
- Add cheddar cheese and mix lightly.
- Shape mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a greased pan.
- Spread ketchup on top.
- Bake loaf for 55 minutes.
- Check temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest loaf for 10 minutes.
- Slice and enjoy warm.
4. BBQ Meatloaf
About: This BBQ meatloaf packs smoky flavor into every slice. It uses ground beef and a sweet sauce. Ready in 1 hour, it serves six. The tangy topping makes it a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with coleslaw for a summer vibe.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix everything together.
- Shape mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Stir barbecue sauce and honey in a small bowl.
- Pour sauce over loaf.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Confirm temperature hits 160°F.
- Let loaf sit for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
5. Italian Meatloaf
About: This Italian meatloaf blends beef with Parmesan and herbs. It cooks in 1 hour and serves six. The recipe adds a marinara topping for zest. Readers enjoy its pizza-like flavor. Serve it with pasta for a full meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Combine ingredients evenly.
- Form mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Spread marinara sauce on top.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Check temperature reaches 160°F.
- Cool loaf for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve hot.
6. Spicy Meatloaf
About: This spicy meatloaf heats up dinner with jalapeños. It uses ground beef and takes 1 hour. The recipe serves six and delivers bold taste. Fans of spice love this kick. Enjoy it with rice to balance the fire.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, jalapeños, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Shape mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Drizzle hot sauce over top.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Ensure temperature hits 160°F.
- Rest loaf for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
7. Mushroom Meatloaf
About: This mushroom meatloaf adds earthy flavor to beef. It bakes in 1 hour and serves six. Mushrooms keep it moist and tasty. Readers enjoy its hearty texture. Pair it with gravy for extra richness.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, mushrooms, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir until blended.
- Form mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Spread ketchup on top.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Check temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let loaf sit for 10 minutes.
- Slice and enjoy.
8. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
About: This bacon-wrapped meatloaf adds crispy strips to beef. It takes 1 hour and serves six. The bacon locks in juices and flavor. Meat lovers cheer for this treat. Serve it with roasted veggies for a feast.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 bacon strips
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix ingredients well.
- Shape mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Lay bacon strips over loaf.
- Spread ketchup on top.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Confirm temperature hits 160°F.
- Rest loaf for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
9. Veggie-Packed Meatloaf
About: This veggie-packed meatloaf blends beef with colorful vegetables. It cooks in 1 hour and serves six. Carrots and zucchini add nutrition. Families love its hidden health boost. Enjoy it with a light salad.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, carrots, zucchini, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Combine evenly.
- Shape mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Spread ketchup on top.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Ensure temperature reaches 160°F.
- Cool loaf for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
10. Sweet Potato Meatloaf
About: This sweet potato meatloaf mixes beef with mashed sweet potato. It bakes in 1 hour and serves six. The sweetness balances savory flavors. Readers enjoy its unique taste. Pair it with greens for contrast.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, sweet potato, salt, pepper, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Form mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Spread ketchup over top.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Check temperature hits 160°F.
- Rest loaf for 10 minutes.
- Slice and enjoy.
11. Mini Meatloaf Muffins
About: These mini meatloaf muffins bake fast in 30 minutes. They use beef and serve four. Kids love the small size. The recipe makes dinner fun and quick. Dip them in ketchup for extra smiles.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir until combined.
- Divide mixture into muffin tin cups.
- Press mixture down in each cup.
- Top each with ketchup.
- Bake muffins for 30 minutes.
- Check temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove muffins from oven.
- Serve warm.
12. Glazed Pork Meatloaf
About: This glazed pork meatloaf uses ground pork for a twist. It takes 1 hour and serves six. A honey glaze adds shine and flavor. Pork fans love its juicy bite. Serve it with applesauce for a cozy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix ingredients evenly.
- Shape mixture into a loaf.
- Place loaf in a baking dish.
- Stir honey and ketchup in a small bowl.
- Spread glaze over loaf.
- Bake loaf for 1 hour.
- Ensure temperature hits 160°F.
- Let loaf rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve.

Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.