10 Irresistible Meatloaf Variations to Try Tonight

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has stood the test of time. It’s hearty, satisfying, and can be customized to suit a wide range of tastes. If you’ve been sticking to the same recipe for years, or you’re simply looking for inspiration, you’re in for a treat! Here’s a roundup of 10 irresistible meatloaf variations that will elevate your dinner game tonight.

1. Classic Italian Meatloaf

Infuse your meatloaf with classic Italian flavors by incorporating herbs, breadcrumbs, and marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• • 1 egg

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.

1. 1. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.

1. 1. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.

1. 1. Serve with additional marinara sauce on top.

2. BBQ Bacon Meatloaf

This smoky, savory meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. The addition of bacon and BBQ sauce brings a delicious twist.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef

• • 4-6 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled

• • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• • 1 egg

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 onion, finely chopped

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients except 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce.

1. 1. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan.

1. 1. Brush the top with the remaining BBQ sauce.

1. 1. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.

3. Cheesy Mushroom Meatloaf

For cheese lovers, this meatloaf packed with mushrooms and gooey cheese is a must-try!

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef

• • 1 cup chopped mushrooms

• • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• • 1/2 onion, diced

• • 1 egg

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. Sauté mushrooms and onion until soft, then let cool slightly.

1. 1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, mushrooms, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.

1. 1. Bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through.

4. Greek Meatloaf

This variation offers a fresh, zesty taste with the addition of feta cheese, olives, and Mediterranean spices.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground lamb or beef

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• • 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives

• • 1 egg

• • 1 tbsp oregano

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

1. 1. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan.

1. 1. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.

5. Tex-Mex Meatloaf

Bring some heat to your dinner with this meatloaf that includes cilantro, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup chopped onion

• • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

• • 1 egg

• • 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese

• • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped

• • 1 tbsp taco seasoning

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and place in a loaf pan.

1. 1. Bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through.

6. Honey Mustard Meatloaf

This savory meatloaf has a touch of sweetness thanks to the honey mustard glaze—perfect for those who enjoy a balance of flavors.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground turkey or chicken

• • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1 egg

• • 1/2 onion, finely chopped

• • 1/4 cup honey mustard

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, 2 tbsp honey mustard, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan.

1. 1. Spread remaining honey mustard on top.

1. 1. Bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through.

7. Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

Even those following a plant-based diet can enjoy meatloaf with this wholesome lentil option that’s packed with flavor!

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup cooked lentils

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 onion, finely chopped

• • 1 carrot, grated

• • 1/2 tsp thyme

• • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• • 1/4 cup ketchup

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.

1. 1. Bake for 30-40 minutes until heated through.

8. Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

This meatloaf variation offers a delightful sweet and tangy taste that adds a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground pork

• • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1 egg

• • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper

• • 1/4 cup ketchup

• • 1/4 cup brown sugar

• • 1/4 cup vinegar

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. Mix meat, breadcrumbs, egg, bell pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and place in a loaf pan.

1. 1. In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Pour over the meatloaf.

1. 1. Bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through.

9. Mediterranean Quinoa Meatloaf

This gluten-free variation incorporates quinoa, making it not only healthier but also filling and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• • 1 cup cooked quinoa

• • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• • 1/2 cup feta cheese

• • 1/4 cup olives, chopped

• • 1 egg

• • 1/2 tsp oregano

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly mixed.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.

1. 1. Bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through.

10. Spicy Curry Meatloaf

Add some zing to your meal with this meatloaf that’s flavored with curry spices and chili sauce.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef or lamb

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 onion, finely chopped

• • 1 egg

• • 2 tbsp curry powder

• • 1/4 cup chili sauce

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. 1. Mix all ingredients until well combined.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan.

1. 1. Bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through.

Conclusion

Meatloaf is not just a dish; it’s a canvas for creativity in the kitchen! Each of these variations brings something unique to the table, allowing you to escape the usual routine and introduce exciting new flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, spicy, or even vegan, there’s a meatloaf recipe here for everyone. Try one—or several—of these irresistible meatloaf variations tonight, and make dinner a delightful adventure!