13 Easy Meatloaf Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

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These easy meatloaf recipes include classic turkey meatloaf, meatloaf with brown gravy, cheesy stuffed meatloaf, air fryer meatloaf and mini meatloaves. Find your next dinner favorite, with simple ingredients and plenty of ways to change things up.

Meatloaf Recipes

Meatloaf is on regular rotation in my house, especially my classic turkey meatloaf with its tangy ketchup topping. Over the years, I’ve made so many variations, from adding grated zucchini or sweet potato to stuffing the middle with spinach and cheese. Here, I’ve gathered 13 of my meatloaf recipes so you can find the one that works for tonight’s dinner.

Which Meatloaf Should I Make?

• For a classic: My Turkey Meatloaf has a simple ketchup and Worcestershire glaze.
• If you love gravy: Try Meatloaf and Brown Gravy, made with a combo of ground beef and turkey.
• For dinner on one pan: Sheet Pan Turkey Meatloaf and Broccoli cooks individual meatloaves alongside the vegetables.
• For a cheesy center: Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf has spinach and melted cheddar tucked inside.
• For an air fryer option: Try my Air Fryer Meatloaf when you want to make meatloaf without turning on the oven.

13 Easy Meatloaf Recipes

Browse the recipes below for classic loaves, individual portions, and variations with barbecue sauce, enchilada sauce, and more.

What Is the Secret to Moist Meatloaf?

A few simple tips help keep homemade meatloaf juicy and tender:

• Mix gently: Use your hands to combine the ingredients just until incorporated. Overmixing can make meatloaf dense.
• Use the vegetables called for: Grated zucchini, carrots, and mashed sweet potato add moisture in several of my recipes. Follow the recipe’s amounts so the mixture doesn’t become too wet.
• Build in flavor: Onion, herbs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and other seasonings flavor the meat itself. A glaze or gravy adds another layer.
• Avoid overcooking: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying only on cooking time.
• Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

What Keeps Meatloaf From Falling Apart?

Many meatloaf recipes use eggs along with breadcrumbs, oats, or another binder to help hold the mixture together. My recipes use different combinations, including gluten-free breadcrumbs and mashed sweet potato. Follow the specific recipe rather than swapping binders one-for-one, and let the meatloaf rest before slicing.

What to Serve with Meatloaf

I love meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a vegetable on the side. Roasted broccoli, air fryer green beans, or a crisp green salad are easy options. For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, try cauliflower mash.

How to Store and Freeze Meatloaf

• Use leftovers: Tuck sliced meatloaf into sandwiches for an easy lunch.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Freeze: Freeze individual slices or a whole cooked loaf in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until the center reaches 165°F. A splash of broth can help keep slices moist.