The Original Lipton Meatloaf Recipe with a magical secret ingredient that seasons meatloaf to perfection with just one bowl and 3 simple steps. It’s so quick, easy and juicy!

Why You’ll Love The Lipton Meatloaf Recipe

I’m not gonna lie. I tried this recipe mostly to see what all of the fuss was about, and I was a skeptic. It uses water for pete’s sake, not even milk. But I honestly couldn’t believe how easy it is to create a meatloaf this flavorful with just a few simple ingredients.

There’s a reason the Lipton Meatloaf Recipe has been a secret recipe of moms and grandmas for ages. This family favorite easy meatloaf recipe uses a packet of Lipton soup as a magical ingredient that seasons the loaf to perfection.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Just 5 Ingredients: The Lipton Onion Soup Mix is the secret ingredient, seasoning the meatloaf with a complexity of flavors that you’d otherwise only achieve with a long list of spices.
• Less Prep + Perfect seasoning: The Lipton Soup Mix gives the meatloaf a yummy, wonderful onion flavor and just the right amount of salt and flavor to season two pounds of ground meat. It cuts out guesswork and loads of preparation time mincing fresh ingredients.
• Nostalgia Factor: For many, this recipe may evoke memories of family dinners and simpler times, adding an emotional component to its appeal.

As for its history, the recipe likely gained popularity as Lipton started marketing its onion soup mix for various cooking uses beyond just soup. Over the years, the recipe has been shared and adapted by home cooks looking for a simple, tasty meal option.

All you have to do is mix everything together in a bowl, shape it, and bake it.

Here’s What You Need for this Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Let’s break it down by ingredients, some optional tweaks, and the kitchen tools you’ll need.

Lipton Meatloaf Ingredients

Here are the key players for this meatloaf recipe.

• Onion Soup Mix: This is your shortcut to flavor town. An envelope of Lipton onion soup mix (sold under Knorr Onion Soup some places) replaces chopped onions and additional seasonings. (But if you prefer, you can use my homemade blend of seasonings for meatloaf that does the same trick!)
• Ground Beef: This forms the base of your meatloaf. It’s where the bulk of your flavor sits.
• Bread Crumbs: These help to bind the meatloaf together so it holds its shape.
• Eggs: Another binding agent. They help keep everything intact.
• Water: This ensures that all the ingredients mix well together.
• Ketchup: Adds a little zing. Gives the meatloaf some tanginess and sweeter flavor.

If you like, you can also add my easy meatloaf glaze (with just 3 ingredients) or make this meatloaf with brown gravy. Otherwise, just serve it with more ketchup (and/or mustard, if you like) on the side.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch it up? Here are some ideas.

• Ground Pork, Turkey or Chicken: If you’re not a beef fan, ground pork, turkey or chicken will work too.
• Oatmeal: A good alternative to bread crumbs for a different texture. You can use celiac-safe oats to make it a gluten-free meatloaf.
• BBQ Sauce: If you’re not into ketchup, try some BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Cheese: Feel free to add some shredded parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Worcestershire Sauce: For an umami kick, add a splash to your mix.

Grab These Tools

Get your kitchen ready with these must-haves.

• Large Mixing Bowl: This is where the magic starts. All your ingredients will go in here.
• Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: You’ll need this to shape and bake your loaf.
• Meat Thermometer: This is how you’ll know your meatloaf is perfectly cooked.

There you have it! Everything you need for a successful Lipton meatloaf.

How to Make the Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe: An Easy Guide

Mixing together ground beef, onion soup mix, and a few other staples, this Lipton Meatloaf is an easy go-to for a filling dinner. Let’s dive into the steps.

How to Prep Your Oven and Pan:

• First thing’s first. Heat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating, take a 13×9-inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or give it a light greasing.

How to Mix the Ingredients:

• Grab a large bowl and combine your ground beef, onion soup mix, bread crumbs, eggs, water, and ketchup. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until everything’s well incorporated.
  
  

How to Shape and Bake the Meatloaf:

• Take your meat mixture and mold it into a loaf shape on your prepared pan. No fancy tools needed, just your hands.
• Slide the pan into the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the meatloaf internal temperature is right for properly-cooked and juicy results.

Add Glaze if Desired: If you’d like a glazed meatloaf, here’s my super easy recipe for Meatloaf Glaze. You add it part-way through baking.

How to Finish and Serve:

• After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice.
• Slice it up and serve. If you’ve got leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If not glazing it, I love to serve meatloaf with brown gravy.

And there you have it—simple, straightforward, and sure to satisfy. I love it as an quick and easy hack when I don’t want to go through the steps of making my best meatloaf recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing your meatloaf or preparing it ahead of time can be a lifesaver for busy days. Here’s how:

• Make Ahead: Prepare the meatloaf mix up to a day in advance. Just cover the loaf shape in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready, pop it in the oven, following the baking instructions.
• Freezing the Mix: You can also freeze the cooked or uncooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Storing Leftover Meatloaf: Once cooked and cooled, store individual slices of meatloaf in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat the next day, you can use a microwave for quick results or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

This way, you’ll always have a convenient and tasty meal option at your fingertips.

How to Serve This Lipton Meatloaf Recipe

This meatloaf is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Here’s how you can serve it:

• Classic Slice: Serve it as traditional slices alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a homestyle meal.
• Sandwich Style: For a casual take, put a slice of meatloaf between two pieces of bread and add some lettuce, tomato, and mayo to make a meatloaf sandwich.
• Mini Meatloaves: Before baking, divide the mixture into muffin tins for individual servings. Great for parties or portion control.

Tasty Lipton Meatloaf Toppings

Toppings: You can offer some gravy or extra ketchup on the side, or even a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness. This way, everyone can customize their plate as they like.

Side Dishes for Lipton Meatloaf

Side Options: Simple steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad make excellent companions for this meatloaf. I love cornbread casserole or old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese if I’m feeding a crowd.

For lots more delicious ideas, choose from my epic collection of favorite side dishes for meatloaf as well as 35+ amazing healthy sides for meatloaf.

5 Common Mistakes When Making Lipton Meatloaf

Here are the most frequent mix-ups to avoid when making Lipton Meatloaf:

• Not Mixing Well: Failing to mix the ingredients thoroughly can result in uneven flavors and textures. Make sure all elements are well-incorporated but don’t overmix, as that can make the meatloaf tough.
• Ignoring Internal Temperature: It’s crucial to cook the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to be precise.
• Skipping Rest Time: Letting your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, making it moister and easier to slice.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re on your way to making a meatloaf that’s both delicious and foolproof.

How to Make the Best Lipton Meatloaf: Final Notes + Secrets

Unlock the full potential of your Lipton Meatloaf with these key takeaways:

• Quality Beef: The flavor starts with the meat, so choose a good-quality ground beef with some fat for juiciness.
• Wet Hands for Shaping: When forming your loaf, wet your hands a little. This prevents the meat mixture from sticking to your hands and makes shaping easier.
• Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to 165°F for safety and optimal texture.
• Rest is Best: Give the meatloaf at least 10 minutes to rest after it comes out of the oven. This allows juices to redistribute, making your meatloaf moist.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll elevate the Original Lipton Meatloaf recipe from good to great.

FAQs About Lipton Meatloaf

Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions.

What is Lipton Meatloaf?
Lipton Meatloaf is a meatloaf recipe that uses a packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix for flavoring.

Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
Instead of bread crumbs, you can use oatmeal or crushed crackers (including gluten-free crackers) as a binder for the meatloaf.

Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Yes, Lipton Meatloaf can be frozen either before or after cooking. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

How long does the meatloaf last in the fridge?
The cooked meatloaf can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Is it possible to make this meatloaf gluten-free?
To make this meatloaf gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free bread crumbs and double-check that the onion soup mix you use is gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to slice the meatloaf?
The best way to slice the meatloaf is by letting it rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Then, use a sharp knife to cut it into slices.

What do you put in meatloaf to keep it from falling apart?
Bread crumbs and eggs act as binders in meatloaf. They help maintain the loaf’s structure as it cooks, preventing it from falling apart.

Why put eggs in meatloaf?
Eggs are used as a binding agent. They help hold all the other ingredients together, ensuring that your meatloaf doesn’t crumble.

How do you keep a meatloaf from drying out?
Avoid cooking meatloaf at too high of a temperature and for too long. Make sure to include moistening ingredients like milk or broth.

Is it better to cook meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Cooking meatloaf uncovered allows the edges to get a bit crispy. However, if you find it’s drying out, you can loosely cover it with foil for part of the cooking time.

How do you add moisture to cooked meatloaf?
If you find that your meatloaf has turned out drier than you’d like, you can add moisture back by serving it with a sauce or gravy. Some people also like to add a splash of broth or a pat of butter to the sliced meatloaf before reheating.

More Easy Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

• The Meatloaf Recipe That’ll Turn You Into a Meatloaf Lover
• 41 Best Chicken Drumstick Recipes (Easy + SO Juicy)

Next Reading: 

• How Long is Meatloaf Good For? 
• How Long Does Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?
• 7 Best Egg Substitutes for Meatloaf (That Really Work!)