35 of Mom’s Best Meat Loaf Recipes

Satisfy the meat-and-potatoes eaters in your house with this satisfying dish that all cooks up in one pot! Talk about classic comfort food. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California

Mom made the best meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I first met my husband, he didn't care for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

This is a family favorite requested for special occasions. We received it from a fellow faculty member when my husband and I were in our first years of teaching. —Judy Knaupp, Rickreall, Oregon

I also like to add Italian Castelvetrano olives to the meat loaf mixture. They're bright green, very mild and fruity, and are available in the deli section of the grocery store. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Chopped onion and garlic plus spicy seasonings add outstanding flavor to this slow-cooked meat loaf.—Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia

We still can’t settle on our favorite salsa, but, honestly, why bother? There are so many fantastic options! We love trying them all in this twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days—perfect for meat loaf sandwiches topped with a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland

Healthful oats and flaxseed amp up the nutrition in this tasty meat loaf. —Kylie Werning, Candler, North Carolina

I'm not big on leftovers, so I've pared down my recipes to serve two. This meat loaf is simple and quick to prepare, plus it helps you eat your veggies. It's great served with cheddar-topped baked potatoes. —Judi Brinegar, Liberty, North Carolina

It's fun to make miniature meat loaves instead of one big loaf...plus, they cook up quickly in a skillet rather than in the oven. This recipe is one of my old standbys for a speedy supper. —Paula Martin, Paxinos, Pennsylvania

I gave classic meat loaf a tasty twist by adding barbecue sauce. My kids usually get bored with beef entrees, but they keep asking for this dish. It's become a dinner staple at my house. —Vicki Smith, Okeechobee, Florida

Most people wouldn't think of serving meat loaf for a holiday gathering, but think again! It's wonderful for a crowd because its hearty, zesty flavor appeals to all. —Vera Sullivan, Amity, Oregon

Put this zippy twist on your meatloaf dinner. It is a sweet and sour taste which will delight your family. They will be requesting all the time.—Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska

Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.

My family loves meat loaf—and this one in particular. I created this bacon meatloaf after trying and adjusting many other recipes over the years. Cheddar cheese tucked inside and a flavorful bacon topping dress it up just right for Sunday dinner! —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana

I got this recipe from my aunt when I was a teen and have made these miniature loaves many times since. My husband and three children count this main dish among their favorites. —Kathy Bowron, Cocolalla, Idaho

Topped with a sweet sauce, this meat loaf tastes so good that you might want to double the recipe so everyone can have seconds. It also freezes well. —Gail Graham, Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Take a classic comfort food to delicious new heights with this impressive recipe. Sausage, pizza sauce and mozzarella give Italian meatloaf roll extra personality. —Megan Krumm, Schererville, Indiana

I combined a few great-tasting meatloaf recipes to create this flavorful 15-minute version, which my husband loves. And because it's made in the microwave, the entree is perfect for busy nights. For an extra boost, I flavor the meatloaf with onion soup mix.—Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska

I'm a working mom. Even with my busy schedule, I can make this in the morning and pop it into the oven when I get home. —Barb Jacobsen, Campbell, Nebraska

My husband and I like basic, hearty meat-and-potatoes meals. The sweet-and-sour flavor adds a deliciously different twist to this longtime standby. —Debbie Haneke, Stafford, Kansas

This simple, easy-to-make meat loaf is one of my personal favorites. I'm often asked for the recipe. —Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota

You'll love this moist, tender entree. Not only is it loaded with flavor, it's low in carbohydrates and saturated fat. —Wanda Bannister, New Bern, North Carolina

This is definitely a different gyro meat recipe, yet it is so good! I slice leftover meat in individual portions and freeze for any time I crave a gyro. —Sharon Rawlings, Tampa, Florida

Onion soup mix and stuffing are the surprise ingredients in these incredibly simple mini meat loaves. They're definite family-pleasers. —Nicole Russman, Lincoln, Nebraska

Our kitchen staff gives Italian flair to this lightened-up meat loaf by mixing in tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The recipe yields a large loaf, so save the extras for sandwiches! You can eat this sun-dried tomato meat loaf for days! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal. —Suzanne Codner, Starbuck, Minnesota

My daughter likes the cheese stuffed into this tasty meat loaf made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage. Served with a salad and sourdough bread, the meal is special enough for company. —Laura Lawrence, Salinas, California

I used to have a catering business, and my specialty was comfort food. I once needed a gluten-free meat loaf, and my clients went nuts over this recipe. I often use an 8x8-in. pan or a loaf pan, but a muffin tin really cuts the cooking time. —Vangie Panagotopulos, Moorestown, New Jersey

Fix and freeze these moist little meat loaves packed with pizza flavor. They're great to reheat for an after-school snack or quick dinner on soccer night. My family likes to drizzle extra pizza sauce on top. —Susan Wollin, Marshall, Wisconsin

My family enjoys meat loaf, but sometimes I can't spare the hour or more it takes to bake in the traditional shape. A quick alternative is to divide the meat mixture into muffin cups for individual servings that are ready in less than 30 minutes. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

A simple blend of seasonings results in a hot and hearty meat loaf that's big on flavor and very satisfying. —Lauree Buus, Rapid City, South Dakota

Serve these tangy meat loaf muffins for dinner or slice them up for a take-along sandwich lunch. They're just as flavorful after freezing. —Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia

Nothing says comfort food better than meat loaf! Get this one started in the morning and you’ll have a fantastic hot meal ready even by lunchtime. —Deanna Martinez Bey, Wake Forest, North Carolina

I made meat loaf with wing sauce for my guy, who prefers food with big flavors. He went crazy for it, and now likes it even more than traditional Buffalo wings! —Latesha Harris, Beaverton, Oregon

Here's a zesty, flavorful meat loaf you can really sink your teeth into! Great with black beans, rice, green salad with lime vinaigrette, or any of your favorite Tex-Mex sides. —Kristen Miller, Glendale, Wisconsin