With this easy meatloaf seasoning recipe, you can say goodbye to bland meatloaf. Here are the best seasonings for meatloaf for flavor-packed juicy perfection.

I gathered my tastiest seasonings for meatloaf to make a convenient spice mixture that you can use to season any two pounds of ground meat you like. It’s quicker and easier than my go-to ultimate meatloaf recipe, but still packs a flavor punch.

I guarantee you that your meatloaf will be seasoned to juicy perfection.

Here’s What You Need

Let’s look at what goes into making one of the easiest, flavor-packed homemade seasonings. All you need are a handful of pantry staples to make a classic meatloaf that’ll knock your socks off.

Tasty Seasonings for Meatloaf

I keep things really simple in these meatloaf seasoning recipe (without sacrificing any flavor!). Here are my go-to ingredients to season meatloaf:

• Onion powder adds a subtle, savory depth without the effort of fresh onions.
• Garlic powder garlic powder brings toasty garlic flavor without a garlic press.
• Dried parsley flakes offer a hint of herbaceous freshness to the mix.
• Paprika gives a gentle smokiness and a touch of color.
• Black pepper and kosher salt enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

This meatloaf spice blend offers room for experimentation based on personal preference:

• Spice it up: Throw in some dried mustard powder or cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Add some herbs: If you like erby flavor, you can add 1 tsp of dried thyme or dried basil.

Season Two Pounds of Ground Meat

This homemade seasoning mix makes enough to perfectly season two pounds of ground meat. You can pick your protein:

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Ground turkey or ground turkey

Or play around with a meat mixture, as long as you keep the total to two pounds of meat.

Additional Meatloaf Ingredients

You can use this seasoning mixture in your favorite meatloaf recipe, or use this simple one by adding these ingredients:

• Bread crumbs help bind everything together, keeping the loaf moist and tender. I like panko. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you like.
• Eggs act as a binder, ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape. OR, here are the best substitutes for eggs in meatloaf.
• Milk or water adds moisture for a juicy meatloaf. Milk adds richness and additional flavor, but I’ve used water and it works, too!
• Ketchup introduces a tangy sweetness that brightens the overall flavor.
• Glazes or Sauces: I love this simple meatloaf glaze recipe with brown sugar and worcestershire sauce. If you like gravy, here’s a delicious brown gravy meatloaf recipe.

Grab these Tools

A few basic kitchen tools will help you get this meatloaf from prep to plate:

• Large bowl: For mixing all your ingredients together thoroughly.
• 9×13″ baking dish: The perfect size for shaping and cooking your meatloaf.
• Non-stick spray or parchment paper: To ensure your meatloaf doesn’t stick to the baking dish.
• Meat thermometer: A must-have to check that your meatloaf is cooked perfectly inside.

How to Make Homemade Meatloaf Seasoning: An Easy Guide

First Prep

Before you start, let’s get everything ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13″ baking dish and either spray it with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. (You could alternatively use a loaf pan, if you prefer.)

This step ensures your meatloaf will release easily after cooking.

Mix the Seasonings for Meatloaf

Now, take a large bowl and mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt.

Combine the Ingredients

Next, it’s time to add the bread crumbs, eggs, milk (or water), and ketchup into your bowl of seasonings.

Stir these together until everything is well combined. This mixture is what will keep your meatloaf moist and bind all the ingredients together.

Add the Meat

The most important part: add your choice of ground meat to the bowl. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf tough.

Shape and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Shape it into a loaf, about 9-10 inches long and 2-3 inches high. Place it in the oven and bake for about 1 hour.

You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.

Rest and Serve

After baking, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute, making sure your meatloaf is moist and easy to slice. Then, slice it up and serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepare Seasonings for Meatloaf in Advance

You can mix up the seasonings for meatloaf in advance and store it in a sealed jar or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.

Preparing a Meatloaf in Advance

• Make Raw Meatloaf Ahead: You can mix all the ingredients and shape the loaf a day before. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Here’s how long ground beef lasts in the fridge.
• Make Cooked Meatloaf Ahead: Cool the cooked meatloaf before slicing. Store slices in an airtight container. They’ll last up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freeze It: Here’s everything you need to know about freezing meatloaf (baked or unbaked)
• Reheating: Here’s how to reheat meatloaf so that it stays moist and juicy! Before you eat the leftovers, it’s good to know how long meatloaf lasts in the fridge.

How to Serve It

Serve your perfectly-seasoned meatloaf right with any one of these 31+ amazing meatloaf sides, or keep it simple with one of these:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
• Green Beans, carrots or peas are classic old-fashioned sides.
• Mac and Cheese: For ultimate comfort, serve your meatloaf with a side of creamy baked mac and cheese. It’s a hit with both kids and adults.

Looking for healthy options? Here’s my epic collection of delicious healthy sides for meatloaf.

Next Reading: 

• Meatloaf Temp Guide: Internal temperatures, oven temperatures, and storage temperatures to know. 
• Meatloaf Temperature Guide: Internal temp, oven temp, and storage temperatures to know. 

Meatloaf Recipes You’ll Love:

• The Meatloaf Recipe That’ll Turn You Into a Meatloaf Lover
• 3-Ingredient Meatloaf Glaze (So Tasty!) 
• Lipton Meatloaf Recipe (Shh… I won’t tell if you try this shortcut!)
• Meatloaf with Brown Gravy