Meatloaf is one of those comforting meals that always feels right. It’s a simple, hearty dish that reminds me of home. I love how versatile it is; you can make it classic, fun, or give it a whole new flavor!
Today, I’ve put together some of my favorite meatloaf recipes for you to try. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a family dinner, I have something here that I think you will enjoy making and eating.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Meatloaf Bites for Any Occasion
- 2. Meatloaf Cupcakes With Mashed Potato Frosting
- 3. Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy
- 4. Zesty Mexican Meatloaf
Meatloaf Bites for Any Occasion
These small meatloaf bites are perfect for snacks, parties, or when you want a smaller portion of your favorite meal. They cook up quickly and are so easy to serve.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Meatloaf Bites
- Ground Beef: Use ground beef with about 20% fat for the best taste and juiciness in your meatloaf bites.
- Binding Agents: Breadcrumbs and eggs help hold these little meatloaf shapes together so they don’t crumble while baking.
- Quick Cook Time: Because they are small, these meatloaf bites cook much faster than a full loaf. Keep an eye on them!
What You Need for Meatloaf Bites
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup, plus more for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: Prep 15 min, Cook 25 min🍽️ Yields: About 24 bites
How to Make Meatloaf Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Try not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 2: Shape and Bake Your Bites
Roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet. You can top each bite with a little extra ketchup if you like. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned.
📝 Final Note
These meatloaf bites are great served with your favorite dipping sauces, like barbecue sauce or even a simple garlic aioli.
Meatloaf Cupcakes With Mashed Potato Frosting
Here’s a fun and appealing way to serve meatloaf, especially for families with kids! These meatloaf cupcakes are topped with creamy mashed potatoes, making dinner feel like a treat.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Meatloaf Cupcakes
- Muffin Tin Use: Using a muffin tin gives these meatloaves their fun cupcake shape. Make sure to grease the tin well.
- Smooth Mashed Potatoes: For the best “frosting,” make your mashed potatoes extra smooth. A potato ricer helps a lot!
- Creative Toppings: A sprinkle of chives or paprika on the mashed potato frosting makes these look even more like real cupcakes.
What You Need for Meatloaf Cupcakes
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- For Mashed Potato Frosting: 3 large potatoes, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tbsp butter, salt
⏱️ Time: Prep 20 min, Cook 30 min🍽️ Yields: 12 cupcakes
How to Make Meatloaf Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare Meatloaf and Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and chop potatoes, then boil them until soft. Drain and mash with milk, butter, and salt until smooth. In another bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, bell pepper, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Bake and “Frost” Your Cupcakes
Press the meatloaf mixture into a greased 12-cup muffin tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let them cool slightly, then remove from the tin. Pipe or spread the mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf, just like frosting a cupcake.
📝 Final Note
For a nice finish, you can lightly brown the mashed potato tops under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy
Sometimes you just want the classic, comforting meal. This meatloaf recipe, served with a rich brown gravy, is a timeless favorite that will make everyone at your table happy.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Classic Meatloaf
- Moist Meatloaf: Don’t overmix your meatloaf ingredients. Gentle handling keeps it tender and prevents it from becoming too dense.
- Resting Time: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, making it easier to slice and more moist.
- Pan Drippings for Gravy: The best brown gravy starts with the drippings from the meatloaf. They add a deep, meaty base to your sauce.
What You Need for Classic Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup, plus more for topping
- For Gravy: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 2 cups beef broth, pan drippings
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
⏱️ Time: Prep 15 min, Cook 60-70 min🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Classic Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix and Bake the Meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, 1/4 cup ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf in a baking dish and spread extra ketchup on top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Brown Gravy
Carefully drain excess fat from the baking dish, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings. Place the dish on the stovetop over medium heat (if oven-safe, or transfer drippings to a saucepan). Add butter and melt, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until the gravy thickens. Season to taste.
📝 Final Note
Serve your meatloaf slices with a generous amount of warm brown gravy for the ultimate comfort meal.
Zesty Mexican Meatloaf
If you like a little extra zing in your meals, this Mexican meatloaf is for you. It’s packed with vibrant flavors and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mexican Meatloaf
- Mexican Spices: Chili powder and cumin are key to getting that authentic taste. Don’t be shy with them!
- Salsa Topping: Instead of traditional ketchup, use your favorite salsa as a topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- Optional Mix-ins: Adding canned corn or black beans to the meatloaf mixture can add texture and more Mexican flair.
What You Need for Mexican Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup salsa, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped green chilies
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: Prep 20 min, Cook 60-70 min🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Mexican Meatloaf
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, 1/2 cup salsa, chopped green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together gently until just combined.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. Spread a layer of extra salsa over the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Let it rest before slicing.
📝 Final Note
Serve this Mexican meatloaf with toppings like diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or extra fresh salsa for a complete meal.