Get ready—I’ll share why this onion soup meatloaf stands out, walk you through easy steps to make it, offer clever variations, answer your FAQs, and round it off with a cozy conclusion that feels like home.
Table of Contents
Why This Onion Soup Meatloaf Wins Hearts
Onion soup mix adds instant flavor—think rich, savory notes without working extra. It deepens the taste of classic meatloaf and still keeps the prep easy. Each slice feels both comforting and upscale. I often lean into this version when I want a shortcut to bold flavor without compromise—similar to how my French Onion Meatloaf brings that soup vibe but with cheese and caramelized onions.
This meatloaf has become my quiet hero on busy nights. It’s familiar yet exciting, easy to assemble with dry pantry staples, and always delivers on taste. It brings that extra layer of flavor you didn’t think a simple loaf could hold.
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Classic Onion Soup Meatloaf
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings
Description
This easy meatloaf recipe uses dry onion soup mix to add bold, savory flavor with minimal effort. A comforting homemade meatloaf that’s juicy, rich, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup or glaze (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line or lightly grease a loaf pan.
3. Mix beef, onion soup mix, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and optional ketchup.
4. Press mixture into loaf pan evenly.
5. Spread ketchup or glaze on top, if using.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use lean ground beef for balanced moisture.
Dry onion soup mix packs big flavor without extra work.
This meatloaf freezes well—wrap tightly and label.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: onion soup meatloaf, easy meatloaf, homemade meatloaf
Ingredients & Prep: What You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this no-fuss, flavor-packed loaf:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80% lean) | 1 lb |
| Dry onion soup mix | 1 packet (about 1 oz) |
| Egg, beaten | 1 |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Ketchup or glaze (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Salt and pepper (if needed) | To taste |
This setup feels familiar—simple ingredients with a speedy twist. If you like pantry shortcuts with big payoff, you might also enjoy the sweet-savory spin of my Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf.
How to Bake the Perfect Onion Soup Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Line or grease a loaf pan.
- Mix ground beef, onion soup mix, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and optional ketchup until just combined.
- Shape mixture into your loaf pan evenly.
- Optionally, spread a thin layer of ketchup or glaze on top for color.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until internal temperature reads 160 °F.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
This method keeps it simple and juicy while layering in that onion-soup richness. For another hearty flavor boost with cheese, try my French Onion Meatloaf—it’s another “soup mix savior” but with extra cheese and flair.
Variations, Serving Ideas & Common Questions
Variations & Serving Ideas
Stir in shredded cheese or a handful of diced vegetables for texture. Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if you have them. Pair with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread for meal-complete comfort. And if you want to switch things up, my Grandma’s Secret Meatloaf delivers classic warmth—no mix needed.
FAQ
Can I prepare it earlier?
Yes—mix ingredients, place in pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.
How do I keep it moist?
Stick with 80% lean beef and don’t overmix. Resting after baking helps hold juices.
Can I freeze it?
Of course—freeze baked or uncooked in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating or baking
Safe internal temperature?
It’s ready at 160 °F internal; resting helps it settle to the safe 165 °F level.
This Onion Soup Meatloaf hits the sweet spot between comfort and ease. It’s simple to make yet deep in flavor thanks to that savory soup mix. You get juicy meat, cozy taste, and minimal fuss.
Let it rest before slicing, surround with your favorite sides, and warm up your dinner table in an instant. Who knew shortcut ingredients could taste this good?