17 Homestyle Meatloaf Recipes That Belong in Every Family Cookbook

Meatloaf is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style, and every family seems to have their own way of making it. From traditional versions to creative updates, homestyle meatloaf recipes bring comfort to the table with simple ingredients and big flavor. Some stick to the basics, while others add a little something extra to keep things interesting. No matter how it’s made, a good meatloaf is easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and makes great leftovers. These recipes are the kind you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for weeknights, special occasions, and everything in between.

Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan

A plate with a serving of meatloaf topped with red sauce, accompanied by green beans and mashed potatoes.
Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Skip the hassle of a big loaf and go for these mini meatloaves instead. Baked on a sheet pan, they cook faster and crisp up beautifully on the edges. It’s an easy way to enjoy homestyle meatloaf recipes with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan

Meatloaf Casserole

A serving of shepherd's pie with a top layer of mashed potatoes and scattered green herbs, revealing seasoned ground meat underneath.
Meatloaf Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Why choose between meatloaf and a casserole when you can have both? This dish layers all the cozy flavors of a homestyle meatloaf recipe into one easy-to-serve bake. It’s comfort food at its most efficient.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Casserole

Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf

Bacon-wrapped meatloaf topped with parsley, served on a wooden table with mashed potatoes and peas with feta in separate dishes.
Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf. Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

If you think classic meatloaf is good, wait until you add sausage and a thick layer of crispy, peppered bacon. Cooked in a Dutch oven, this recipe locks in serious flavor and keeps every bite juicy. It’s a bold take on homestyle meatloaf recipes that proves bacon really does make everything better.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf

Bomb Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf topped with sauce on a white plate, with a spatula and garnished with parsley.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf means business. Juicy, flavorful, and slathered in a sweet and tangy glaze, it delivers everything you want in a homestyle meatloaf recipe. Don’t be surprised if there aren’t any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

A close-up of a serving of shepherd's pie, featuring a layer of mashed potatoes topped with crispy bacon bits over a layer of minced meat.
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This one’s for the hungry. Packed with beef, bacon, cheese, and mashed potatoes, this meatloaf casserole is the kind of meal that fills you up and keeps you happy. It’s got all the homestyle meatloaf flavors you want, plus an easy, no-fuss method that makes it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Smoked Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf on a wooden board with a shiny glaze, surrounded by bowls of corn and a striped napkin, alongside a fork and knife.
Smoked Meatloaf. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you think meatloaf can’t get better, try smoking it. This homestyle meatloaf recipe gets an extra dose of smoky goodness, making it a must-try for barbecue lovers.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatloaf

Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

A plate with two slices of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy, garnished with a sprig of rosemary, next to a fork and knife.
Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

A good meatloaf is comforting, but one smothered in rich, creamy onion gravy? That’s next-level comfort food. This recipe sticks to the roots of homestyle meatloaf while giving it an upgrade that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something worth looking forward to.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

Low Carb Meatloaf with Cheese and Leeks

A cross-section of a leafy wrap containing a dark filling with melted cheese in the center.
Low Carb Meatloaf with Cheese and Leeks. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Who says low carb has to be boring? This meatloaf is packed with melty cheese and fresh leeks for a rich, hearty bite. It’s proof that homestyle meatloaf recipes can still be loaded with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Meatloaf with Cheese and Leeks

Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf Recipe

Three slices of lentil loaf topped with tomato glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, on a white background.
Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Who needs meat when lentils do the job just as well? This plant-based take on a homestyle meatloaf recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for serving up a cozy dinner—no steak knife required.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

A small casserole dish with a baked dish topped with melted cheese and parsley. Fresh parsley and a bowl of creamy sauce are placed nearby on a wooden board.
Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

If meatloaf and chicken parm had a delicious, cheesy baby, this would be it. Packed with Italian flavors and a garlicky parmesan topping, it’s a fun spin on homestyle meatloaf recipes that feels like comfort food with a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

A meatloaf topped with glossy barbecue sauce on an oval white plate, placed on a wooden surface beside a stack of white plates and a striped cloth.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Think of your favorite bacon cheeseburger, then turn it into meatloaf. Crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy pickles take this homestyle meatloaf recipe to the next level. No bun required.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Mini Meatloaf

Three mini meatloaves topped with a layer of glossy red sauce, arranged on a white rectangular plate.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bite-sized, bold, and packed with flavor, this mini meatloaf isn’t playing around. It’s a quick way to get all the goodness of a homestyle meatloaf recipe without the long wait. Plus, it’s just fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Italian Meatloaf

Sliced stuffed cabbage rolls in tomato sauce in a round pink baking dish, garnished with fresh herbs. Green bell pepper halves, a wooden pepper mill, and breadcrumbs are nearby.
Italian Meatloaf. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

All the flavors of classic Italian meatballs, but in one big, saucy loaf. This homestyle meatloaf recipe is smothered in marinara and pairs perfectly with garlic bread (or just a fork).
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Slices of meatloaf with a tomato glaze, served on a plate with mashed potatoes and baby carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If you love classic diner-style comfort food, this one’s for you. This Cracker Barrel copycat brings all the familiar flavors of their famous meatloaf right to your kitchen. It’s the kind of homestyle meatloaf recipe that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Wagyu Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf with a tomato glaze on a brown dish, accompanied by a striped towel and a wooden spatula. A bowl of side dish is partially visible in the background.
Wagyu Meatloaf. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Wagyu beef in a meatloaf? You bet. Rich, juicy, and packed with serious flavor, this recipe proves that homestyle meatloaf recipes can be anything but ordinary. Save some for sandwiches—you’ll thank yourself later.
Get the Recipe: Wagyu Meatloaf

Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Four glazed meatloaves on a white plate, with plates of roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts in the background.
Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

The air fryer gets meatloaf on the table faster, with crispy edges and juicy centers. These little meatloaves are the perfect way to enjoy a homestyle meatloaf recipe without waiting around for the oven.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Meatloaf topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and pickle slices on a gray plate with tomatoes in the background.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bacon, cheese, and a tangy glaze come together in this homestyle meatloaf recipe that tastes like a cheeseburger minus the bun. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with just the right balance of rich and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

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