Meatloaf with Onion Soup is just one of those doleful dishes that makes me feel all warm inside and brings me right back to Sunday night dinners at my mother’s house.
She had a genius for transforming basic pantry staples into something unforgettable, and her not-so-secret secret weapon?
A packet of onion soup mix. The beef bouillon added such a depth of savory richness to the meatloaf that every bite was succulent and juicy, and nestled with comforting, nostalgic flavor.
It’s ideal for dinner with the family, potlucks, or anytime you want a classic with a twist. For me it’s simple comfort food: It’s made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs and that delicious onion soup mix — simple, satisfying, and just so popular at dinner time.
Why You’ll Love Meatloaf with Onion Soup
- Easy to make: No complicated steps or equipment required.
- Incredibly flavorful: Thanks to the Meatloaf with Onion Soup Recipe, you get bold flavor with minimal effort.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this classic meatloaf.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients or add a twist to make it your own.
Let’s get cooking!
Meatloaf with Onion Soup
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Course
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 6 servings
- Calories per Serving: 350 kcal

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet (1 oz.) onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup water or milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (plus more for glazing)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, eggs, bread crumbs, water (or milk), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, light brown sugar, black pepper, and kosher salt. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to form an even loaf shape.
- Add the glaze: Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf. For extra flavor, mix the ketchup with a little brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce before spreading it.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
Just concentrate on a few key elements and you’ll have the perfect texture in your savoury meatloaf. Resist the urge to overmix, it’s what leads to a dense and tough meatloaf. Mix only until the mixture is coming together and that’s it.
The right temperature of baking is important as well. Too high a temperature can dry it on the outside, and too low a temperature may not cook it through and through. B, and an intermediate temperature (from 350-375°F).
Here are some more tips for the perfect texture
Don't overbake: Take the meatloaf out when it's cooked but still juicy.
Use the right pan: A loaf pan or a baking dish with a rack helps it cook evenly.
Let it rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. This makes it even more tender and flavorful.
Follow these tips to make delicious food with love and attention to detail.
Video Tutorial
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing and reheating your homemade meatloaf recipe right is key. It keeps the meatloaf tasty and safe to eat. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for two months.
Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, put it in a covered container. To reheat, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F and heat for 15-20 minutes. For the microwave, heat on high for 30-60 seconds.
Proper Storage Methods
- Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below
- Freeze at 0°F (-18°C) or below
- Use airtight containers to prevent moisture and contamination
Reheating Techniques
Here are ways to reheat your meatloaf:
- Oven reheating: preheat to 350°F (180°C) and heat for 15-20 minutes
- Microwave reheating: heat on high for 30-60 seconds
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag. Remember to label the bag with the date and what’s inside. Store it in the freezer at 0°F or below.
Storage Method | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Refrigerate | 40°F (4°C) | Up to 3 days |
Freeze | 0°F (-18°C) | Up to 2 months |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatloaf
If you want tasty meatloaf with onion soup, then pay attention. Even tiny errors can lead to failed dishes. If you are aware of the common mistakes, you can avoid them when making the classic meatloaf recipe.
Keep in mind the temperature, the ratio of the ingredients and how you mix the mixture for a great meatloaf. Here are some advice on how to avoid these problems:
Using a meat thermometer is also a defense to help ensure meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Avoid overmixing, which can cause the meat loaf to become heavy and tough.
Make sure your ingredients, including the onion soup mix, are in just the right proportion to taste and texture.
If you follow these tips you can enjoy an onion soup recipe tasty meatloaf your whole family will enjoy. After all, practice makes perfect. So, don’t sweat it if your first attempt is a dud. But with practice, you’ll get down pat a classic meatloaf recipe that will knock your guests’ socks off.
Final Thought
Meatloaf with Onion Soup Mix I love a classic meatloaf recipe that’s made with onion soup mix, and this old fashioned family meatloaf recipe has been passed down to 3 generations so far, I am not sure what number that makes it to you, but I know it is somewhere up there.
The combination of mild chunks of meat and an intensive onion taste is rich and simple at the same time – just exactly as Saxon food usually is, very good for cozy weekends or celebrations.
Feel free to give it a go – (with your own twist) and tell me what you came up with! Maybe you experimented with another topping, or snuck in a secret ingredient?
Share your experiences or questions in the comments below and let’s keep comfort food alive together!
FAQ
What Is the Special Ingredient That Gives This Meatloaf Flavor?
The main ingredient that lend bold flavor to the meatloaf is the packet of onion soup mix.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook it, as turkey can dry out more easily than beef.
What makes this Meatloaf with Onion Soup recipe so special?
This Meatloaf with Onion Soup recipe is loved by many. The onion soup mix adds a unique flavor. It makes the meatloaf savory and rich, creating a comforting meal.
How Long Should I Bake the Meatloaf in the Oven?
Bake the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Meatloaf with Onion Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, eggs, bread crumbs, water (or milk), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, light brown sugar, black pepper, and kosher salt. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to form an even loaf shape.
- Add the glaze: Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf. For extra flavour, mix the ketchup with a little brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce before spreading it.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist and flavourful.
Notes
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