Meatloaf has been a family dinner staple for generations. At its most basic, it is made with ground meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, liquid, and seasonings, then baked into a loaf. Yet two meatloaves made with the same basic ingredients can taste completely different.
Part of the reason is the little extras cooks add along the way. A splash of milk, a handful of vegetables, a strip of bacon, or even a spoonful of hot sauce can change the texture and flavor of the finished loaf.
Meatloaf has a long history, too. Meatloaf-like dishes appeared in ancient Roman cooking, and versions of the dish eventually became popular in the United States, including among German immigrants who settled in southeastern Pennsylvania in the 1700s.
Those old family recipes often relied on inexpensive ingredients already sitting in the kitchen. That is part of what makes them so memorable. Here are 15 additions that can give homemade meatloaf that familiar, old-fashioned taste.
Milk-Soaked Breadcrumbs
If Grandma’s meatloaf was always soft and juicy instead of dry and crumbly, milk-soaked breadcrumbs may have been her secret.
The milk gives the breadcrumbs time to soften before they go into the meat mixture. This creates a tender texture and helps hold the loaf together without making it heavy.
Whole milk adds a little richness, while dairy-free milk can work if needed. It is a small step, but it can make a noticeable difference in the finished meatloaf.
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Bacon
Bacon can turn an ordinary meatloaf into something much more indulgent. Chopped bacon can go directly into the mixture, or strips can be laid over the top before baking.
As the bacon cooks, its fat works its way into the meat and keeps the loaf moist. The smoky, salty flavor also pairs nicely with ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, or mustard.
A bacon-wrapped meatloaf is especially good for a Sunday dinner or family gathering.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning might not be the first thing that comes to mind for meatloaf, but it works surprisingly well.
A packet of taco seasoning brings cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and other spices into the mixture without requiring a long list of individual seasonings.
Add salsa or diced tomatoes for extra moisture. Corn, black beans, or shredded cheese can push the recipe even further in a Southwestern direction.
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Boiled Egg
A hard-boiled egg tucked inside the meatloaf gives everyone a little surprise when the loaf is sliced.
This style of stuffed meatloaf has appeared in different forms in European and South American cooking. The egg adds another layer of texture and makes the slices look especially interesting.
For something different, season the eggs before placing them inside the meat mixture. A little paprika, pepper, or soy sauce can give them more flavor.
Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes have another job beyond becoming tomorrow’s side dish.
They can be tucked into the center of a meatloaf, creating a creamy layer surrounded by seasoned meat. Garlic mashed potatoes, cheddar mashed potatoes, or potatoes mixed with chives all work well.
It is also a clever way to use leftovers instead of letting them sit forgotten in the refrigerator.
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Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce gives meatloaf a sweeter, smokier flavor than traditional ketchup.
Brush it over the loaf near the end of baking so it has time to thicken and caramelize without burning. A spicy barbecue sauce gives the meatloaf some heat, while a sweeter sauce works well for a family-friendly dinner.
You can also mix a little barbecue sauce directly into the meat for more flavor throughout the loaf.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a good choice for anyone who wants more moisture and savory flavor in their meatloaf.
Finely chopped mushrooms blend into the meat without taking over the dish. Sautéing them before adding them to the mixture removes some of their moisture and gives them a deeper flavor.
White mushrooms work well, but cremini or shiitake mushrooms can give the loaf a richer taste.
Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki takes meatloaf in a completely different direction. The cool yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs make a refreshing topping for a rich meatloaf.
It works particularly well with ground beef or lamb seasoned with oregano, dill, garlic, and black pepper.
Rather than baking the sauce into the meat, spoon it over each slice just before serving. The cool sauce makes a nice contrast to the warm, savory loaf.
Cheese
Adding cheese to meatloaf can give the center a gooey surprise.
Cheddar, mozzarella, and even blue cheese can work well. You can mix shredded cheese into the meat or place it in the middle before shaping the loaf.
A cheese-filled center is especially fun when the loaf is sliced at the table and the melted cheese runs out.
Grated Vegetables
Zucchini, carrots, and celery can all find a place in meatloaf.
Grating the vegetables makes them easy to mix into the ground meat, and they add moisture while bringing a little natural sweetness to the recipe. This can also be a handy way to get more vegetables into a family meal without making them the star of the dish.
A food processor can make quick work of chopping or grating larger amounts.
Hot Sauce
A little hot sauce can wake up a traditional meatloaf.
Adding hot sauce to the meat mixture gives every bite a mild kick, while a sauce such as buffalo sauce can be brushed over the top for a tangy finish.
Start with a small amount and add more if your family likes heat. Chipotle-based sauces are a good choice if you prefer smoky heat.
Tomato Sauce and Italian Seasoning
For an Italian-style meatloaf, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning make a natural pairing.
Basil, oregano, garlic, and tomato give the meat a familiar flavor that works well with ground beef or a beef-and-pork mixture. Add Parmesan or mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Serve it with pasta and garlic bread, and the meatloaf suddenly feels like an entirely different dinner.
Puff Pastry
Wrapping meatloaf in puff pastry gives the dish a crisp, flaky outside.
The meat cooks inside the pastry while the crust turns golden brown. An egg wash brushed over the pastry before baking gives it a glossy finish.
This version takes more time than a basic meatloaf, so it makes sense for holidays, dinner parties, or a weekend meal.
Rolled Oats
Breadcrumbs aren’t the only ingredient that can help bind a meatloaf. Rolled oats can do the same job while giving the loaf a slightly different texture.
The oats absorb moisture from the meat mixture and help keep the loaf together as it cooks. They also have a mild flavor, so they don’t compete with the seasonings.
Certified gluten-free oats can be used for a gluten-free version, provided the other ingredients are also suitable.
Pickles
Chopped pickles might sound unusual in meatloaf, but their salty, tangy flavor works well with rich ground beef.
Dill pickles give the loaf a sharper bite, while bread-and-butter pickles add a little sweetness. Finely chop them before mixing them into the meat so the flavor spreads throughout the loaf.
Pickles also pair nicely with mustard or a ketchup-based glaze, giving a classic meatloaf a fun twist.
