12 Easy Homemade Meatloaf Recipes

If you ask me, meatloaf is one of the most underrated dinner ideas. try these 12 Easy Meatloaf Recipes made with juicy ground turkey or lean beef and flavorful ingredients for your next family dinner.

The Healthiest Homemade Meatloaf Recipes

If you need some weeknight dinner ideas, there’s plenty of inspiration here. Most of us have memories of meatloaf growing up (for better or worse!). Gone are the days of dry, flavorless meatloaf, or recipes loaded with saturated fat and sugary sauces. Homemade meatloaf is a wonderful way to pack tons of lean protein, healthy vegetables, and your favorite flavors into one recipe—if you know where to start.

While many traditional meatloaf recipes may be missing in the nutrition department, I share some of my best flavor-packed variations that fit perfectly into a balanced diet. By swapping out some or all of your ground beef for leaner ground turkey and high-carb fillings for vegetables, you can easily reduce the added fat and calories in your favorite meatloaf recipes.

These recipes are ready to guide you. Just mix the ingredients, shape and bake. It’s that easy, and you’ll never think of meatloaf the same way again.

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

Before I get into my favorite meatloaf recipes, here are some easy tips for making a meatloaf that is moist and tender instead of dense and dry:

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

How can I add flavor to my meatloaf?

Sure, there’s always salt and pepper. But don’t overlook the potential of other spices, herbs, and seasoning blends to enhance the flavors of your meatloaf recipes. Fresh herbs like garlic, thyme, parsley, and cilantro can work wonders. Then there are the sauces and seasonings: try adding a few drops of Worcestershire sauce, a tablespoon of ketchup or mustard, BBQ sauce, or even harissa paste for even deeper flavor.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

In order to hold the meatloaf together, you will need some type of binder. I use everything from oatmeal, breadcrumbs, gluten-free panko, and even mashed sweet potato.

The 12 Best Meatloaf Recipes to Make Tonight

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

1. The Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

My Homemade Meatloaf Recipe! I’ll never get bored of my best healthy turkey meatloaf smothered in spicy Worcestershire ketchup. It’s easy to make with juicy ground turkey, aromatic onions, eggs and breadcrumbs, and always delicious.

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2. Turkey Enchilada Meatloaf

This easy cheesy turkey meatloaf encompasses all the beloved flavors of a classic Mexican-style enchilada. It is stuffed with sweet corn, black beans, cilantro, and green chiles, topped with enchilada sauce and melted cheese.

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3. Meatloaf and Brown Gravy

This classic meatloaf recipe drizzled with brown gravy always provides a cozy setting for dinner. 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. Zucchini Turkey Meatloaf

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

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5. Turkey and Sweet Potato Meatloaf

My Turkey Sweet Potato Meatloaf ticks all the boxes: gluten-free, dairy-free, easy, and healthy. What could not be loved? Try this fun twist on the classic turkey meatloaf made with vitamin-rich, 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 juicy homemade meatloaf so much better, it’s by filling it with melted cheese. This satisfying recipe is stuffed with cheddar cheese and spinach, then rolled into a tasty bun that’s super tender and bursting with flavor.

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7. Meatloaf Foil Packets for Campfire Dinner

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

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10. Skillet Harissa Turkey Meatloaf

Give your meatloaf a Moroccan twist with this delicious 30-minute skillet dinner idea. The spicy harissa sauce is incorporated into the meat and covered on top for a flavorful and moist meatloaf that my family always loves.

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How to store

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