Home » Easy Homemade Meatloaf (+ Fun Ways to Re-invent Your Leftovers)

Easy Homemade Meatloaf (+ Fun Ways to Re-invent Your Leftovers)

This easy homemade meatloaf is a comforting classic that’s simple to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect for cozy dinners or creative leftovers!

Looking for a no-fuss, hearty dinner? This easy homemade meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food and will hit the spot every time.

Not only is it simple, but it’s also versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste. For example, try adding bold spices, mixing in mushrooms, or sneaking in shredded beets. Whatever your flavor, this recipe is a blank canvas for creativity.

Plus, it’s a favorite in our home! It pairs well with baked sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, or roasted butternut squash. These sides make the meal even more cozy and satisfying.

But wait—there’s more! The real magic happens with the leftovers. For instance, you can turn them into wraps, tacos, sliders, quesadillas, or stuffed peppers. With so many options, this meatloaf is not just dinner—it’s a week of delicious meals waiting to happen.

Can you prep this meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything the night before, stopping just before baking. Cover it, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftovers:

  • Wrap: Add slices of meatloaf to a wrap with tomato, spinach, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard for a protein-packed lunch.
  • Tacos: Use warm corn tortillas topped with meatloaf, red cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun spin.
  • Stuffed bell peppers: Bake hollowed-out bell peppers at 350°F for 15 minutes. Mix meatloaf with cooked grains (optional) and spaghetti sauce, then stuff the peppers and bake another 7–12 minutes. Top with avocado for a fresh finish!
  • Hearty hash: Crumble meatloaf into a skillet with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Sauté until golden, then top with a fried egg for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
  • Mini meatloaf sliders: Slice the meatloaf into mini patties and serve on slider buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick and satisfying snack or dinner.
  • Meatloaf pasta bake: Toss crumbled meatloaf with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly for a cheesy, comforting casserole.
  • Savory shepherd’s pie: Crumble the meatloaf into a baking dish, add a layer of sautéed vegetables and gravy, and top with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until golden for a twist on a classic.
  • Meatloaf quesadilla: Layer meatloaf, shredded cheese, and sautéed veggies between two tortillas. Cook in a skillet until crispy and serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Whether you enjoy it fresh or get creative with the leftovers, this homemade meatloaf guarantees flavorful, cozy meals your family will love!

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Easy Homemade Meatloaf (+ Fun Ways to Re-invent Your Leftovers)


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Description

This no-fuss meatloaf dinner is one of our best basic recipes and will comfort you to the core. You can add your favorite spices or even a vegetable you love. We’ve thrown in everything from mushrooms to red beets. This meal is a wintertime staple in our home. Serve this delicious classic with a baked sweet potato, butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. To put an entirely different spin on the meal, warm up your leftovers and make meatloaf tacos!


Ingredients

Additional Options


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl thoroughly mix all ingredients except diced avocados, including any additional options listed above.
  3. Press mixture into a large casserole dish greased with coconut oil (we typically use a round Dutch oven dish).
  4. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes or until no longer pink in the center.
  5. Top each slice of meatloaf with diced avocado.
  6. Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce or tomato sauce and enjoy!

Notes

Dairy-free: Replace cow’s milk with almond milk.

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.

Always check for FfL-friendly ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Category: Recipes
  • Method: Prep Now, Cook Later, Too Easy
TAGS: Holiday

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Hi beautiFULL, We’re Pam & Kalie

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