10 Unique Meatloaf Recipes to Try Tonight

Meatloaf has been a beloved comfort food for generations. While some may think of it as a standard dish, it can actually be turned into a canvas for a variety of flavors and culinary techniques. In this article, we will explore 10 unique meatloaf recipes that will revive this classic dish and make dinner exciting. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

1. Classic Italian Meatloaf

This meatloaf recipe is infused with the rich flavors of Italy, featuring marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground beef

• • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

• • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• • 1 teaspoon salt

• • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• • 2 large eggs

Instructions:

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

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and eggs. Mix until combined.

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

1. 1. Spread a bit of marinara sauce over the top and bake for about 1 hour.

1. 1. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

2. Southwestern Chipotle Meatloaf

This spicy meatloaf packs a punch with chipotle peppers and a Southwestern flair. It’s perfect for those who love bold flavors!

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground turkey

• • 1 cup cornmeal

• • 1 cup diced bell pepper

• • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

• • 1/2 cup diced onion

• • 1 teaspoon cumin

• • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• • 1 teaspoon salt

• • 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, cornmeal, bell pepper, chipotle peppers, onion, cumin, paprika, cilantro, salt, and eggs.

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

1. 1. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.

3. Asian-Inspired Meatloaf

This meatloaf incorporates soy sauce, ginger, and scallions to deliver an unexpected yet delightful flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground beef or pork

• • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• • 2 green onions, finely chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• • 2 large eggs

Instructions:

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

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, panko, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, scallions, garlic, pepper, and eggs.

1. 1. Form into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan.

1. 1. Bake for around 1 hour or until fully cooked. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

4. BBQ Bacon Meatloaf

For the barbecue fanatics, this meatloaf is wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

• • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for topping

• • 8 slices of bacon

• • 1/2 cup diced onion

• • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

• • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• • 1 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, onion, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and egg.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and wrap with bacon slices, tucking the ends underneath.

1. 1. Place the loaf in a baking dish, brush with more BBQ sauce, and bake for about 1 hour.

5. Mediterranean Stuffed Meatloaf

This flavorful meatloaf is stuffed with spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground lamb or beef

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach

• • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

• • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• • 1 teaspoon oregano

• • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • 1 large egg

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

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

1. 1. In a bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, egg, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Shape half the mixture into a loaf, press a well in the center, and fill it with the remaining mixture. Shape it back into a loaf.

1. 1. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Let it rest before slicing.

6. Meatloaf Muffins with Sweet Potato Mash

These individual meatloaf muffins topped with creamy sweet potato mash are as cute as they are delicious.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground turkey or beef

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1 small onion, finely diced

• • 1 egg

• • 1 teaspoon salt

• • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• • 2 tablespoons butter

• • 1/4 cup milk

• • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Grease a muffin tin and fill each cup with the meat mixture.

1. 1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them with butter, milk, and cinnamon.

1. 1. Top each muffin with a dollop of sweet potato mash and bake for 25-30 minutes.

7. Breakfast Meatloaf with Sausage and Eggs

This hearty breakfast meatloaf includes ground sausage and soft-boiled eggs for a delicious breakfast twist.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground breakfast sausage

• • 1/2 pound ground beef

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 4 soft-boiled eggs, peeled

• • 1/4 cup milk

• • 1 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• • 1 small onion, finely diced

• • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, combine sausage, beef, breadcrumbs, milk, pepper, garlic, onion, and Worcestershire sauce.

1. 1. Shape half the mixture into a loaf, create wells, place soft-boiled eggs in, and cover with the remaining meat mixture.

1. 1. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

8. Teriyaki Meatloaf with Pineapple

Bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with this sweet and savory teriyaki meatloaf topped with sliced pineapple.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground beef

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

• • 1/4 cup diced onion

• • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained

• • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

• • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• • 1 large egg

Instructions:

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

1. 1. Mix all the ingredients (except for the pineapple slices) in a large bowl until well combined.

1. 1. Shape into a loaf and place on a lined baking sheet. Top with pineapple slices.

1. 1. Bake for 1 hour, brushing occasionally with teriyaki sauce.

9. Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

For a plant-based twist, this lentil meatloaf is packed with veggies, nuts, and spices. It’s hearty and satisfying!

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup lentils, cooked

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

• • 1/2 cup grated carrots

• • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1/4 cup flaxseed meal mixed with 1/2 cup water (flax egg)

Instructions:

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

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

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

1. 1. Bake for 45 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

10. Pumpkin Spice Meatloaf

This creamier version of meatloaf incorporates pumpkin puree and warm spices for a unique autumnal flavor.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground beef

• • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• • 1 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

• • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• • 1 large egg

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

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

1. 1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and form into a loaf.

1. 1. Place in a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour.

Conclusion

Meatloaf is not just a classic dish; it can be a versatile and exciting choice for dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, savory, or vegan, these 10 unique meatloaf recipes have something for everyone. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients to create your own special twist on this beloved dish. So tonight, try one of these recipes that not only satiate your hunger but also elevate your dining experience!

FAQs

1. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in a meatloaf?

You can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked quinoa as a substitute for breadcrumbs in meatloaf recipes.

3. How can I keep my meatloaf from drying out?

To prevent your meatloaf from drying out, you can add moisture with ingredients like diced vegetables, eggs, or sauces. Avoid overcooking it, as that can also lead to dryness.

4. Can I freeze meatloaf?

Yes, cooked meatloaf can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to reheat it.

5. What are some good side dishes to serve with meatloaf?

Some classic side dishes include mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, or a simple salad. Feel free to pair it with whatever you enjoy!