Meatloaf Recipe With Onion Soup Mix

The Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix is a savory and easy dish that adds a layer of complexity and flavor to the timeless classic meatloaf. This recipe takes old-fashioned meatloaf and adds the rich, umami flavor of onion soup mix, giving it a flavor boost that keeps the loaf moist, too.
The mixture of ground beef (or beef-pork blend), breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and onion soup mix is nicely seasoned, and just a little Worcestershire sauce and ketchup adds interest and tang. What I love so much about this Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix is that it is easy — no fuss, no muss! Add a side of mashed potatoes or steamed veggies, and this meatloaf will surely satisfy everyone. It’s ideal weeknight dinner fare or a comfortable family meal that leaves everyone wanting more.

Table of Contents

Origins of Meatloaf and the Role of Onion Soup Mix

Meatloaf, a classic American comfort food, actually has European and American roots. Meatloaf-type recipes date back to 18th-century Europe and can be traced to areas where meat was ground or chopped to stretch its use and stretch meal costs. By the time it made its way to America, meatloaf became a staple meal in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially during the Great Depression when it became a cost-effective way to feed families.
However, adding onion soup mix to meatloaf is a more modern innovation, dating from the 1950s onward, after companies like Lipton popularized instant (read: dehydrated) versions of soup mixes. These soup mixes were meant to make cooking easier and provide an effortless way to add flavour without requiring a lengthy list of ingredients or hours of prep. Many American households adopted onion soup mix as their seasoning of choice, and its inclusion in meatloaf recipes became an easy shortcut for adding rich, savoury flavour and moisture to the dish.

Why Homemade Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix is Perfect

The ultimate comfort food is a classic homemade Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix. Store-bought meatloaf can sometimes be lacklustre or over-processed, but preparing your means you control the ingredients, so you’ll have a fresh-textured, flavorful, customizable meal. What is great about using an onion soup mix in the recipe is that it is a fast and easy flavour base that complements meat’s natural flavour meat.
Unlike boxed mixes or frozen meatloaf, homemade meatloaf has no preservatives or additives, making it a more healthful choice. You can also make it at home and customize it to your family’s tastes — by tweaking the seasoning levels and adding more veggies, herbs or spices.
This Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix is ideal because it’s easy to make and tasty in equal parts. It takes very little prep time and effort, and the meatloaf that results from it is juicy, tender and flavorful. Use essential ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and onion soup mix, and you can have dinner on the table in under an hour. This is perfect for those hectic weeknights or weekends when you need something filling and delicious!

Keys for a Better Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix

To elevate your Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix, there are a few essential tips that can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your dish:

1. Use the Right Meat Blend: A mixture of ground beef and pork makes for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf — the fat in the pork helps keep it from getting dry. You could try going even leaner with turkey or chicken to make it healthier, but those can be drier, so you’ll want to add more moisture, too.
2. Don’t Overmix: Avoid overworking the meat as you mix because overmixing can yield a dense and gnarly meatloaf. Fold in just until incorporated.
3. Add Vegetables: The onion soup mix is an excellent flavour base, but if you want to bulk it up, add in finely chopped peppers, carrots or zucchini. These ingredients contribute moisture and nutrients to the meatloaf.
4. Topping Variations: While the ketchup topping is classic, you can experiment with BBQ sauce, mustard or a sweet chilli glaze for added complexity.
5. Let it Rest Before Slicing: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute and makes slicing easier without it falling apart.

Health Benefits of Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix

Though often considered indulgent, a Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix can be a part of a balanced diet when made with thoughtful ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of its health benefits:

Although traditional meatloaf isn’t always considered a “health food”, including high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, it can be a nourishing meal with several health benefits.

Weight Loss Goal Using Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix

Meatloaf is a dish that can be eaten during a cheat meal but can also be adapted to accommodate a weight loss goal with some adjustment. This is how to do the healthier Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix:

1. Lean Meat: Lower calories by using a lean ground turkey or chicken instead of more fattening beef or pork to still hit with the protein.
2. Whole Grain Breadcrumbs: Using whole grain or gluten-free bread crumbs will increase the fibre content of the dish, assisting in digestion and satiety.
3. Vegetable Add-ins: Adding veggies such as spinach, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms not only enhances nutrition but also adds volume, helping you feel satisfied with fewer calories.
4. Lighten Up the Ketchup: Most ketchup is high in sugar, so consider replacing it with one made without sugar or try a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs for a more natural, lower-calorie topping.
5. Portion Control: Meatloaf can be easily portioned, so watch portion sizes. Serve with a healthy salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

By making these minor adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavours of Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix while working towards your weight loss goals.

Using Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix in Your Daily Regimen

Including a Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix in your daily or weekly building can be beneficial and lovely. It’s a dish that can be easily made, is ready to feed multiple people, and is ideal for meal prep! You can make a big meatloaf, slice it into individual portions, and chill or freeze them for future meals. That makes it a good candidate for quick lunches or dinners on busy weeknights.
What’s more, this meatloaf goes with an assortment of side dishes, so it’s flexible to any number of diets and cravings. For example, serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh salad or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb meal. Whether you make it for a busy week ahead or a special occasion, Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix is a time-saving crowd-pleaser that can easily be added to your meal rotation.

Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix From OoohDelish!

Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix

This Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix is a simple and delicious way to make a moist, flavorful meatloaf in less time. The onion soup mix adds a savory depth to the dish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Meat Meal

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×5-inch loaf pan (or any oven-safe baking dish)
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Aluminum foil (optional for covering)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef or a blend of ground beef and pork
• 1 packet onion soup mix about 1 ounce
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably plain or Italian-style
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup ketchup plus extra for topping
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven (10 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare the meat mixture (5-7 minutes): So in a big mixing bowl, throw together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion soup mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Dijon mustard (optional), and seasonings. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix — overmixing will make for a dense meatloaf.
• Shape the meatloaf (2-3 minutes): Pack the meat mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf. Set your meatloaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet if you want a crustier crust.
• Add ketchup topping (1 minute): Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
• Bake the meatloaf (45-55 minutes): Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Rest the meatloaf (10 minutes): Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making them easier to cut and juicier when served.
• Serve and enjoy (5 minutes): Slice the meatloaf into portions and serve with your favourite side dishes.

Notes

Make it leaner: For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. However, be sure to add a little extra moisture (such as a tablespoon of olive oil or more milk) to prevent the loaf from becoming too dry.
Vegetable add-ins: You can add finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Freezing: You can freeze leftover meatloaf for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes.
Topping variations: If you’re not a fan of ketchup, try using BBQ sauce, mustard, or a homemade glaze made from brown sugar and balsamic vinegar for a sweet-savory touch.

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Conclusion : Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix

The onion soup mix meatloaf recipe is a delightful, versatile, handy dish that brings flavour and convenience. Thanks to its long history, ease of preparation, and flexibility in dietary tastes, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a filling, healthy meal. Whether you are making it for a weeknight meal, for a family reunion or as an element of a balanced weight loss plan, this recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a classic comfort food with an added flavour twist. By making minor adjustments to ingredients and portions, you can enjoy this dish’s benefits without sacrificing taste or health goals.

We want to know what you think! Have you made this Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix? Tell us about your experience or any tips in the comments below — we can’t wait to hear how it went for you! A pleasure to help; please ask away or suggest other recipes you’d like to see!

References

Onions 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects

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