Made relatively simply, this Meatloaf recipe with onion soup mix is juicy and delicious! While a sweet and sour glaze elevates every bite, the savory onion soup mix imbues each with great flavor. This family favorite dish goes great with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a sandwich the following day!
Pair this soup with the baked beans recipe for a warm and hearty meal.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
✔ Super Flavorful: The onion soup mix gives just the ideal depth of taste.
✔ Moist & Tender: The breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk help to provide exactly the right texture.
✔ Simple to Make: Mix, form, bake, and enjoy!
✔ Perfect for Leftovers: Cut it for wraps, sandwiches, or meal prep.
✔ Classic Comfort Food: Never disappointing, this classic, sentimental dish never ages.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- Ground beef (80/20 for Best Flavor): Juicy and tasty with an ideal fat balance.
- Onion soup mix: The secret component giving incredible depth.
- Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatloaf together and retain moisture.
- Large eggs: Necessary for binding everything together.
- Milk: Gives moisture for a soft texture.
- Black pepper: A small spice meant to counter the tastes.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the flavorful taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Offers rich umami depth.
- Ketchup: Gives the blend a little sharpness and wetness.
For the Glaze:
- Ketchup: Foundation of the sweet and sour coating.
- Brown sugar: Accentuates caramelized richness and sweetness.
- Mustard (Yellow or Dijon): Gives a tiny taste to offset the glaze.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Make Meatloaf with Onion Soup Mix
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
1️⃣ Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Combine the components – Mix ground beef, onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, black pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup in a large bowl.
3️⃣ Combine just until blended using your hands or a spoon gently.
💡 Meatloaf can turn out dense from overmixing!
Step 2: Form the Meatloaf
4️⃣ Spoon mixture into a loaf pan or shape it on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Create the Glaze
5️⃣ Whisk in a little bowl: ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
6️⃣ Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf’s top.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
7️⃣ Bake for 45 minutes, then top with the remaining glaze.
8️⃣ Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Rest & Present!
9️⃣ Before cutting, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes.
🔟 Present warm with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Looking for an alternative protein? Check out these ground chicken recipes for ideas to enhance your meal plan.
Best Meatloaf Pro Advice
✔ Use 80/20 Beef : This guarantees juiciness free of excessive greasiness.
✔ Don’t Overmix : Mix only until blended for a soft texture.
✔ Let It Rest : Resting lets the fluids disperse before cutting.
✔ Use a Baking Sheet for a Crispier Edge : Shape it free-form on a sheet pan for more caramelized edges instead of a loaf pan.
✔ Want Extra Moisture? Stir ½ cup shredded carrots or grated zucchini into the mixture.
How to Serve
This traditional meatloaf is ideal for:
🥔 Creamy Mashed Potatoes : Pure comfort is derived from meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
🥕 Steamed or Roasted Veggies : A light, nutritious side dish.
🍞 Garlic Bread : Perfect for sopping up extra glaze.
🥗 Side Salad : Provides a fresh contrast to the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating (Oven): Wrap in foil and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Reheating (Microwave): Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing:
- Unbaked: Freeze securely for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then bake as advised.
- Cooked: Freeze portions for up to 3 months in an airtight jar.
FAQs
Could I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Surely! Use ground turkey or chicken, but cut baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Could I toss vegetables into the meatloaf?
Absolutely! Try grated mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for additional moisture and nutrition.
Why did my meatloaf come apart?
- Insufficient binders (eggs and breadcrumbs).
- Overmixing the meat results in a too-crumbly texture.
- Not allowing the meatloaf to rest before cutting.
Could I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
True! Cover and assemble up to 24 hours ahead, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion
Juicy, tender, and flavorful, this Meatloaf with Onion Soup Mix delivers every mouthful of rich glaze that caramelizes brilliantly, making it sweet, savory, and absolutely enticing!
🔥 Always a favorite, make this traditional comfort meal for dinner on a weeknight, a family event, or meal prep! 😋
Meatloaf with Onion Soup Mix
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
- 1 oz onion soup mix 1 packet
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard yellow or Dijon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, black pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer mixture to the loaf pan or shape into a loaf on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes and vegetables.