This classic Lipton onion soup meatloaf combines ground beef, onion soup mix, and a sweet, tangy glaze.
The secret ingredient is the magical packet of Lipton onion soup mix! I love how it makes prep so much easier and brings all the flavor without all the fuss. Ready in about an hour, this easy weeknight dinner is a family favorite I've got on repeat.
Top it off with a sweet and tangy glaze for the ultimate finishing touch. Plus, it makes plenty of leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches. Yum!
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Why I Love This Recipe
Secret Ingredient: Whenever I make this recipe, people are always shocked when I tell them I use a packet of Lipton Onion Soup mix as the secret ingredient. It adds the perfect blend of flavors every time!
Family Favorite: I've had this recipe on repeat for a couple of years now. I like to serve it with green beans and mashed potatoes for the perfect feast!
Freezer-Friendly: This meatloaf tastes even better the next day and makes incredible meatloaf sandwiches. I like to freeze individual slices and put them in a freezer bag for quick and easy meals.
Recipe Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: I like to use 80/20 ground chuck for the best flavor. But sometimes, I use a combo of 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground pork to give it extra depth. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
- One Packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix: You'll flip for the deep, savory flavor this packet brings to the mix. I'm telling you, it's a game-changer!
- Eggs: They help bind the meatloaf together while also adding moisture and structure.
- Milk: Keeps the meatloaf moist and tender. I stick to whole milk for a super juicy meatloaf.
- Breadcrumbs: They absorb moisture and help lighten up the texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy flavor to the meat mixture.
- Flavor additions: Ketchup, chopped onions, and a few seasonings top off this classic meatloaf recipe.
- Meatloaf Glaze: Top it off with a sweet and tangy glaze. The glaze combines ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce, and a few seasonings. If you ask me, this is the best part!
How to Make Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
This is a quick and easy meatloaf recipe with simple ingredients and minimal prep!
1. Prep your pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. You can also use a meatloaf pan or a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Add the meat and seasoning. Add the ground beef, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, chopped yellow onion, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder to the bowl. I mix everything gently with my hands until just combined. Do not overmix!
4. Form and bake. Form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape about 2 inches thick in the prepared baking pan. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
5. Make the glaze. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
6. Add the glaze. After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the meatloaf glaze evenly over the top.
7. Finish baking. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
8. Rest, serve, and enjoy! Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
- Don't overmix! I can't stress this enough! Otherwise, you'll end up with dry, tough meatloaf. Stop as soon as the ingredients are well combined.
- Ditch the loaf pan. Using a baking pan instead will create a much better texture and crispy top.
- Mix up the meat. You can use a variety of different options for the meat mixture. Ground beef, ground turkey, and ground pork all work well.
- Give it a rest. Be sure to let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes to keep it extra juicy. Martha Stewart let us in on this little secret.
- Add some shredded cheese! For an extra-cheesy twist, I mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese right into your meat mixture. And I never used the bag stuffed, as it doesn't melt as well. Always grate the cheese yourself!
What to Serve with Meatloaf
Some of my favorite side dishes include cheesy mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and green beans. And don't forget the slice of cornbread for a hearty meal the whole family will love!
Recipe FAQ's
The internal temperature of your meatloaf should always reach 160°F for food safety. Here are some general guidelines:
1–pound meatloaf: 35-45 minutes
2–pound meatloaf: 55-70 minutes
3 pound meatloaf: 90-120 minutes
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey as a healthier alternative. Internal temperature should reach 165°F for turkey.
To Store: Keep leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness. You can reheat in the oven or the microwave.
To Freeze: The meatloaf also freezes well. Wrap the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then tin foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze individual slices in a freezer bag for quick and easy meals.
May I suggest Meatloaf Sandwiches? Top it off with melty cheese, and BBQ sauce. Butter your bread and grill for a crispy finish. Honestly, when it comes to leftovers, this is my go-to.
Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
8
servings15
minutes1
hour503
kcalLipton Onion Soup Meatloaf is a classic recipe that never disappoints. With just 6 ingredients, you can whip up this family favorite any day of the week!
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 ground chuck)
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Meatloaf Glaze:
3/4 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the ground beef, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, chopped yellow onion, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder to the bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – do not overmix.
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape about 2 inches thick in the prepared pan.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- After 40 minutes, remove meatloaf from the oven and spread glaze evenly over the top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Don't overmix the meat mixture, or the meatloaf will become tough.
- For best results, use 80/20 lean ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture.
- To ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the center and check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F when fully cooked.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to keep it from falling apart.
- Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 385kcal
- Fat: 23.4g
- Saturated Fat: 9.4g
- Cholesterol: 136mg
- Sodium: 393mg
- Potassium: 433mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.9g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 3.2g
- Protein: 30g
- Calcium: 34mg
- Iron: 1mg
33 Comments
We LOVeD the flavour. A whole different taste for a meatloaf.
This is the best meatloaf recipe I’ve tried! I did change it up and used Chili Sauce/ketchup combo rather than ketchup, I also added diced, fresh red pepper & made two-1# loaves, not one. Love the freezer when you’re just looking for something to defrost 💕 For the glaze I substituted chili sauce, no ketchup. I also cooked it in an air fryer because the grease is drained off & the meatloaf isn’t cooking in a grease bath. This meatloaf was tender, flavorful & absolutely the best I’ve produced! Thanks Kim!
I’d give this 4.75 stars if I could.
Delicious but a bit too greasy so next time I’d use more Lean Meat but this wasn’t bad. We ate it all anyway!😁
I love this recipe but tweak it just a little. I use steak sauce instead of ketchup and oatmeal instead of bread crumbs because I like a loose loaf. Have added a hard boiled egg in the center for company.
I have made this recipe forever. it never fails. However, with grocery items so expensive now, I opt to use the store brand of the soup mix. Quite a difference in price. Still taste just as delicious.
Diana
I have made many variations of this basic meatloaf. It is good “as is”, and the many variations have not disappointed either. Tonight I am using diced onions, Heinz 57 steak sauce, a dash of Worcester sauce, and a pinch of marjoram instead of ketchup. I expect it will taste awesome like the other options. Leftovers make great sandwiches too.
How did it turn out, Carol?
I add some diced Green & Orange Bell Peppers.
delicious.
You can never go wrong with bell peppers (or onions!) in my opinion! <3
If I either cut the recipe in half or if I make 2 loaves in a loaf pan,
do I cut the time of baking in half?
Hi Judy!
I think 40-50 minutes should be enough with a half batch.
Check it after 40 minutes, then every 5 minutes after that.
The internal temperature should be 155-160°F when it comes out. It’ll keep cooking on the counter, so be sure to let it rest for 10 minutes 🙂
I’d like to use my loaf pan, but not sure on cooking time.
Hi Brenda, you can make this easily in a loaf pan! You follow the same mixing directions and still heat the oven to 350, though the meatloaf might cook a bit differently. Start checking for doneness at around 1 hour. The total cooking time will likely still be about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but it depends on the size and depth of your loaf pan.
Been making this meat loaf for many many years.
My family says “mom make the best meatloaf!!”
Lets be honest, you seldom hear that said about meatloaf!
Highly recommend
I’m so happy your family likes it, Patricia! It’s one of my favorites as well.
I ran out of eggs! Can I leave that out?
I always double the recipe as my family absolutely LOVES it! Thank you for sharing this as Lipton doesn’t always put it on the box and it’s definitely a keeper! ❤️
Hi Cindy, I’m so happy you like it! It’s one of my favorite meatloaf recipes.
How long do you cook your meatloaf in a air fryer and what temperature
Hi Jim!
I haven’t tried it but I would probably cut the recipe in half, so it fits in the basket.
Do 15 minutes at 350°F. Brush on the glaze, then another 10-15 minutes.
If you have a large enough air fryer to handle the full recipe, cook it at 330°F for 15-20 minutes, then brush the glaze, and cook again for 10-15 minutes.
It should be 160°F in the center when done 🙂
Do you cook it in a 9×13 pan or a 9 x 5 loaf pan?
Hi, ReBecca! I always use a 9×13 pan. However, you could use a loaf pan, if you prefer. Just start checking for doneness at about the 1-hour mark. 🙂
I put ketchup on top of meatloaf and three bacon slices. It makes a great glaze.
Used soup for meatloaf and hamburgers. Always a hit!
I use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup! 🥰
The best meatloaf, always! Thank you for posting this because it was not on the package of onion soup like it used to be! Family Favorite!
I use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup. Very yummy.
Love this recipe My mom made it it many years ago and passed it on to me. Very easy and basic. I’ve done it with vegetable soup mix too and it’s another delicious variation.
Love the recipe and love Lipton Onion Soup Mix recipes. I used Salsa instead of ketchup! Very good.