5 Simple Meatloaf Recipes for Family Dinners

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has been gracing dinner tables for generations. It's versatile, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners when you need something hearty yet simple to prepare. Here, we explore five simple meatloaf recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Traditional Meatloaf

The traditional meatloaf recipe stands the test of time with its straightforward ingredients and timeless flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₂ cup ketchup

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix until well incorporated.
3. Press the mixture into a loaf shape in a baking dish or use a loaf pan.
4. Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf’s internal temperature is 160°F (70°C).

👨‍🍳 Note: For a juicier meatloaf, you can cover it with foil for the first 45 minutes of cooking, then remove it for the final 15 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.

Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf

Elevate your meatloaf experience with a surprise of melted cheese inside.

Ingredients:

• All ingredients for traditional meatloaf
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

1. Follow the steps for the traditional meatloaf up until you shape the mixture.
2. On a sheet of plastic wrap, shape half of the meat mixture into a rectangle. Place the cheese down the center.
3. Using the plastic wrap, roll the meatloaf into a log shape, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
4. Place the log into a loaf pan or baking dish, seam-side down.
5. Continue with the ketchup glaze and baking as per traditional recipe.

Vegetarian Lentil Loaf

For those seeking a meatless option, this lentil loaf delivers the essence of meatloaf without the meat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and thyme
• ¹⁄₂ cup tomato sauce

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except tomato sauce. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Press the mixture into a loaf shape in a baking dish or loaf pan.
4. Top with tomato sauce.
5. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until firm and cooked through.

Turkey Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy

This healthier version of meatloaf uses ground turkey, making it leaner but still packed with flavor, especially when paired with a rich mushroom gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or oatmeal
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk or almond milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons flour

Steps for Meatloaf:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Shape into a loaf.
3. Bake for about 1 hour.

Steps for Mushroom Gravy:

1. In a pan, melt butter or heat oil. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Simmer until the gravy thickens. Season to taste.

Spicy Southwest Meatloaf

Inject some heat and Southwestern flair into your meatloaf with this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₂ cup salsa for topping

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all ingredients except salsa. Mix well.
3. Shape into a loaf and top with salsa.
4. Bake for 1 hour or until done.

At the heart of these recipes is the desire to bring families together around a delicious and comforting meal. Whether you're following a traditional recipe, experimenting with new flavors, or accommodating dietary preferences, meatloaf remains a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any palate or occasion. From the classic, juicy traditional meatloaf to the vibrant, Southwestern-inspired version, these recipes provide a range of options that ensure every family dinner is both satisfying and memorable. Enjoy the simplicity of preparation and the joy of savoring a dish that can be tailored to bring everyone to the table with enthusiasm.

Related Terms:

• meatloaf recipe