12 Easy Homemade Meatloaf Recipes

If you ask me, one of the most underrated dinner ideas is meatloaf. Try these 12 easy meatloaf recipes Made with succulent ground turkey or lean beef and flavorful ingredients for your next family dinner.

The Healthiest Homemade Meatloaf Recipes

If you’re in need of weeknight dinner ideas, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Most of us have memories of growing up Meatloaf (for better or worse!). Gone are the days of dry, tasteless meatloaf or recipes full of saturated fats and sugar-coated sauces. Homemade meatloaf is a wonderful way to cram tons of lean protein, healthy veggies, and your favorite flavors into one recipe — if you know where to start.

While many traditional meatloaf recipes might be missing in the nutrition department, I’m sharing some of my best flavor-packed variations that are perfect for a balanced diet. By swapping some or all of the ground beef for leaner ground turkey and high-carb fillers for veggies, you can easily reduce the added fats and calories in your favorite meatloaf recipes.

These recipes are ready to walk you through them. Simply whisk the ingredients together, shape and bake. It’s that easy, and you’ll never think of meatloaf the same way again.

What’s the secret to moist meatloaf?

Before we get to my favorite meatloaf recipes, here are a few simple tips for preparing a meatloaf that’s moist and tender rather than dense and dry:

• Do not overexert the meat: Make sure to combine the ingredients well, but don’t overwork your meat mixture. The best way to mix is ​​to use your hands.
• Add vegetables: Vegetables retain a lot of moisture. Adding shredded zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots to your meatloaf can help keep it tender and juicy.
• Add sauces: Mixing in additional seasonings like tomato paste, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce not only adds flavor but keeps the meatloaf moist.

How can I add flavor to my meatloaf?

Of course there is always salt and pepper. But don’t overlook the potential for other spices, herbs, and spice blends to enhance the flavors of your meatloaf recipes. Fresh herbs like garlic, thyme, parsley, and cilantro can work wonders. Then there are sauces and condiments: try adding a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, a spoonful of ketchup or mustard, BBQ sauce, or even harissa paste for even more depth of flavor.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart

To hold your meatloaf together, you’ll need some sort of binder. I use everything from oatmeal, breadcrumbs, gluten-free panko, and even mashed sweet potatoes.

12 best meatloaf recipes for tonight

Who’s ready to level up a good old-fashioned meatloaf? Try these easy recipes made with lean, wholesome ingredients.

1. The Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

My Homemade Meatloaf Recipe! I never get bored of my Best Healthy Turkey Meatloaf with Spicy Worcestershire Ketchup. With juicy ground turkey, flavorful onions, eggs and breadcrumbs, it’s easy to make and always delicious.

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2. Enchilada Turkey Meatloaf

This easy and cheesy turkey meatloaf encompasses all the popular flavors of a classic Mexican enchilada. It’s stuffed with corn, black beans, cilantro, and green chilies, topped with enchilada sauce and melty cheese.

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3. Meatloaf and Brown Gravy

This classic brown gravy meatloaf recipe always sets a cozy dinner vibe. Made with a blend of ground beef, ground turkey, and nutritious oats, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s good for you too.

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4. Turkey Meatloaf with Zucchini

This juicy turkey meatloaf is packed with healthy zucchini. The extra veggies not only make this recipe ultra moist and tender, but also load it up with extra vitamins and nutrients. Serve these slices with your favorite sides.

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5. Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf

My Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf ticks all the boxes: it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, easy, and healthy. What’s not to love? Try this fun twist on the classic turkey meatloaf, made with vitamin-packed, high-fiber sweet potatoes instead of breadcrumbs.

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6. Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

If there’s one way to make a succulent homemade meatloaf that much better, it’s to fill it with melted cheese. This filling recipe is stuffed with cheddar and spinach, then rolled into a hearty loaf that’s super tender and packed with flavor.

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7. Meatloaf Foil Packets for campfire dinner

We make these aluminum foil packets when we go camping or when we’re craving an easy all-in-one dinner. Made with succulent turkey meatloaf with BBQ sauce, cooked in foil with a simple veggie succotash.

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10. Skillet Harissa Turkey Meatloaf

Add some Moroccan flair to your meatloaf with this delicious 30-minute skillet dinner idea. Spicy harissa sauce is worked into the meat and poured over it for a flavorful, moist meatloaf that my family always loves.

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How to save

Many meatloaf recipes are great to make ahead of time and will keep for days if stored properly. Store your leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in either the oven or microwave. We’ll even enjoy our leftovers cold in meatloaf sandwiches. Meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 months.