14 Meat Loaf Recipes to Spice Up Your Comfort Food Dinner Plans

Slow Cooker Taco Meat Loaf
Photo: Andy Lyons

Taste the ways budget-friendly, back-to-basics meat loaf can incorporate the fresh flavors you love. We've given the classic comfort food a makeover with international ingredients, healthy spins, and even use of some of your favorite appliances (i.e. slow cookers and air fryers). Don't worry, we've still got the traditional meat loaf recipes you know and love as well.

01 of 14

Best Meat Loaf

The Best Meatloaf on white plate
Blaine Moats

When it comes to classics, our tried-and-true best meat loaf recipe is hard to beat. Sauteéd vegetables, two types of ground meat, and bread crumbs combine for a moist, flavorful family meal. Combine ketchup and brown sugar for a classic glaze, or try one of our four fantastic variations featuring fruit preserves.

02 of 14

Italian-Style Slow Cooker Meat Loaf

Italian-Style Slow-Cooker Meat Loaf
Jacob Fox

Tuck roasted red peppers, onion, and zucchini into a ground beef and lamb mixture to boost this slow cooker meat loaf's flavor and nutrients. Balsamic vinegar and crumbled feta cheese add Italian flavor to the simple supper.

03 of 14

Meat Loaf Muffins

Meat Loaf Muffins
Blaine Moats

Rethink dinner with this super cute meat loaf recipe made with a little muffin tin magic. A scoop of sour cream-and-chive mashed potatoes joins the mini loaves with an irresistible chili-cranberry glaze filling.

04 of 14

Pizza-Topped Meat Loaf

Pizza-Topped Meat Loaf
Hannah Bigot

Piled with slices of roma tomatoes and seasoned with plenty of fresh parsley, basil, and garlic, this pizza-inspired meat loaf recipe is baked in a round "pie" and is brimming with flavor. Serve with a side of marinara for spooning on top of each cheesy slice.

05 of 14

Slow Cooker Taco Meat Loaf

Slow Cooker Taco Meat Loaf
Andy Lyons

We've slow-cooked meat loaf to perfection and piled it into a warm corn tortilla. The Mexican-inspired meat loaf recipe joins smoky homemade salsa, creamy avocado, and spicy jalapeños.

06 of 14

Air-Fried Mini Italian Meatloaves Stuffed with Cheese

Mini Italian Meatloaves Stuffed with Cheese on white rectangular platter with small round dish of chopped basil in foreground
Brie Passano

Yes, your trusty air fryer can make comforting meat loaves, too. With pepperoni, basil pesto, and fresh mozzarella involved, this stuffed meat loaf recipe gives major pizza flavors (with way fewer carbs). Bonus: these beauties are ready in less than an hour.

07 of 14

Mix-and-Match Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf
Blaine Moats

Our well-loved homemade meat loaf recipe gives options for ground beef recipes galore. Mix and match sage, basil, or oregano with beef, pork, or lamb. Opt for our brown sugar-ketchup topper, or simply substitute barbecue sauce.

08 of 14

Next-Day Grilled Meat Loaf Sandwich

Next-Day Grilled Meat Loaf Sandwich
Andy Lyons

Leftovers never tasted better. These hearty sandwiches—filled with provolone cheese, roasted red pepper, and last night's meat loaf—are simple to grill indoors on a grill pan. The roasted garlic mayo makes an excellent topper.

09 of 14

Pasta and Meatballs Meat Loaf

Pasta and Meatballs Meat Loaf
Andy Lyons

With penne pasta folded into mini meat loaves, these open-face sandwiches combine all the favorites of a traditional Italian supper, right down to the garlic bread. The all-in-one dinner recipe yields six individual servings, so no one will have to share the hearty family favorite.

10 of 14

Mini Meat Loaves with Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes

sheet pan with Mini Meat Loaves with Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
Jason Donnelly

This meat loaf recipe features teriyaki sauce to give an umami-rich finish. Bonus: It's a freezer-friendly recipe that makes enough for 8 servings, so you can save half for a quick meal in the future.

11 of 14

Moroccan Meat Loaf

Moroccan Meat Loaf
Jason Donnelly

Lighten up your menu with this hearty turkey meat loaf recipe. It's got an irresistible blend of raisins, couscous, curry powder, and cinnamon. Topped with spiced tomato chutney, this Moroccan-inspired spin on traditional meat loaf is about to become a new favorite.

12 of 14

Greens, Eggs, and Ham Loaf

Greens, Eggs, and Ham Loaf
Andy Lyons

Take a cue from the classic children's book and bake this pork and ham loaf for a weekend brunch or delicious dinner. A no-cook mock Hollandaise sauce adds rich, tangy flavor.

13 of 14

Nutty Meatless Loaf

Nutty Meatless Loaf
Andy Lyons

This vegan meat loaf recipe is so good, even the carnivores will ask for second helpings. Lentils, brown rice, vegetables, and nuts combine to make a hearty vegetarian meal that's packed with protein and flavor. Garam masala (a blend of warm spices such as cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and dried chiles) provides an unforgettable flavor.

14 of 14

Mini Turkey Meat Loaves with Walnut-Parsley Gremolata

Mini Turkey Meat Loaves with Walnut-Parsley Gremolata
Jason Donnelly

When you want a comforting meal that's light on calories, opt for this turkey meat loaf recipe. Each mini loaf only has 270 calories and is bulked up with healthy ingredients such as mushrooms, oats, dried tomatoes, and onion. The gremolata topping featuring walnuts, lemon peel, and parsley makes one refreshing, crunchy bite.

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