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If you’re bored of the same old meatloaf recipes and ideas, how about switching things up? In this post, you will find 31 alternative meatloaf ideas, incorporating different ingredients, cooking it in new ways, and creating new meatloaf dishes that you and the family will love.
So, let’s get to it.
31 Alternative Meatloaf Ideas
I’ve got cheese-stuffed meatloaf, chicken meatloaf, meatloaves with various different sauces, spicy meatloaf, meatloaves inspired by different countries, and more! I hope you’re ready for them.
1 – Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf
First, let’s switch the minced beef for turkey.
Next, let’s add a little cheese – because there is literally no such thing as too much cheese.
Throw in a few extra secret ingredients and what do you have? Cheese-stuffed turkey meatloaf, that’s what! (And I reckon the entire family, kids included, will love this healthy meatloaf dish.)
2 – Brown Gravy Meatloaf
Traditionally, meatloaf is covered in a tomato or ketchup-based sauce or glaze, but this recipe suggests something a little different: brown gravy.
It’s the classic meatloaf recipe, spiced up with a new sauce, some onions, and a few extra herbs, and it only takes 20 minutes to prep and around 40 to 50 minutes to cook in the oven.
3 – Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatloaf
If it’s spice you want, this one certainly delivers, all wrapped up in a filling, comforting, rich and creamy dinner.
The cream cheese ingredient is what helps to keep alternative meatloaf recipes like this one nice and moist in the middle, and the rest of the ingredients are really simple. It’s definitely one to add to your winter recipe book!
4 – Easy Taco Gluten-Free Meatloaf
I actually featured this unique take on the traditional meatloaf recipe in 11 Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipes, and I feel like it deserves a special mention here, too.
If it’s alternative meatloaf recipes you’re looking for, this one definitely ticks a few boxes. Described as a Mexican-inspired twist on a classic American dish, it’s dairy-free as well as gluten-free.
5 – Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
This delicious recipe combines traditional meatloaf with Provolone cheese, mushrooms, onions, and more, turning a relatively plain dish into a delightful Philly cheesesteak-inspired one.
You’ll need 15 minutes of prep time with this meatloaf dinner, and then you can throw it oven for around an hour.
And, if you or your family aren’t big fans of Provolone cheese, the creator of the recipe (Sabrina Snyder, a professionally trained private chef) offers one or two alternatives that are definitely kid-friendly.
6 – Greek Meatloaf
It’s meatloaf, Greek-style — filled with mint, parsley, oregano and other tasty herbs; and adorned with feta cheese, giving it that Greek edge.
Nut and peanut-free, soy-free, and great for the entire family to enjoy, this is one of the alternative meatloaf ideas I plan to try for myself. But how about you? Which one on this page tickles your pickle the most?
7 – Bourbon and Coke Meatloaf
Switch the tomato glaze with a nice, sweet brown sugar and tomato one, and then throw in a couple of extra special ingredients: bourbon and coke — and you have a Kentucky-themed, super tasty different meatloaf idea that the grown ups will probably appreciate a lot more than the youngsters in the family will!
This recipe serves up to six people, so there will be plenty of leftovers if you want second helpings. You could also serve up meatloaf sandwiches the next day, with any leftovers still left over. (Not that I imagine there’ll be a lot left!)
8 – Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers
The buttery Ritz crackers add something really crunchy and special to this traditional meatloaf recipe, although there is a clever little hack you should try, to ensure that the crackers don’t dry your meatloaf out. (It is literally genius, I promise you.)
Once all your prep work is done, you can throw this meatloaf in the oven for around an hour before you need to attend to it again. At that point, it’s glaze time, and it’ll require another few minutes – 15 or so – to nicely finish off.
9 – Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
This delightful meatloaf idea has been rated 5 out of 5 stars by everyone that has tried it (according to the website), and it’s not hard to see why. Meatloaf, wrapped in bacon… heavenly. (In my opinion, of course!)
There are lots of ways to spice up traditional meatloaf recipes, but this one is super simple, super quick, and actually super cheap.
10 – Garlic Herb Meatloaf
It’s got fresh herbs, warm buttery-garlic sauce, and not a drop of ketchup in sight — which makes this alternative meatloaf recipe a must-try, especially if you’re a big fan of garlic butter (which I am).
Serve it up with fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes of your choice (although I’m going with mashed potato, personally), and you have a hearty autumn-winter dinner that’ll keep the entire family going.
11 – Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Okay, but wait, hear me out…
It’s meatloaf, in a casserole, loaded with bacon and cheese and mashed potato.
It’s basically the best meatloaf recipe ever. I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise.
(But not really, though. I’m much more of a lover than a fighter!)
12 – Onion Soup Mix Meatloaf
With the help of a packet of Lipton Onion Soup mix, this meatloaf could be on your dinner table tonight. You could use another brand of onion soup mix, of course. Whatever you have to hand is good.
This recipe uses minced beef, but there’s nothing to stop you from using chicken, turkey, or even a meat substitute. You will likely need a little more fluid for drier meats such as turkey and chicken. The link below has all the tips for meatloaf success you’ll need.
13 – Enchilada Turkey Meatloaf
Do you like meatloaf? How about enchiladas, do you like those, too? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then there’s a chance that you’re going to really enjoy alternative meatloaf recipes like this one: enchilada turkey meatloaf.
One of the best things about this recipe is that there are great substitution ideas, and plenty of ways to store any leftovers. Not that I think there will be any leftovers.
14 – Cheeseburger Meatloaf
As soon as you say the word ‘cheeseburger’, people are instantly going to be interested who weren’t interested before. And, by people, I mostly mean: your kids.
The best thing about this recipe, apart from the fact that your kids might actually eat it, is that it is super cheesy – and, as I’ve said before, there really is no such thing as too much cheese. (So, please, keep on grating that Parmesan over my bolognese and don’t ever stop.)
Anyway, cheeseburger meatloaf. It’s new, fun, and totally delicious.
15 – Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf
Nothing livens up an otherwise boring meatloaf dish quite like hot sauce and Gorgonzola cheese. And they just so happen to be the two ingredients that makes this meatloaf recipe as scrumptious and spicy as it is.
Alternative meatloaf ideas like this one can be made in one large loaf, to feed the entire family; or it can be created in mini loaves, for individual portions. The latter are easier to freeze and/or store when it comes to leftovers, and it’s definitely a good idea to make a little extra so you have some to stash in the freezer for another day! (Especially if you’ve found something that the kids actually like to eat.)
16 – Meatloaf Burgers with Extra Sharp Cheddar
Traditionally, meatloaf is created with a simple recipe, and is super simple to make. This meatloaf burger takes that simplicity and switches things up. It’s a burger, but it’s a burger with a difference. It’s heartier, meatier, more filling, and more cost efficient than ‘regular’ burgers.
Not only that, meatloaf burgers like the ones in this recipe help to make sure that you reduce food waste. Leftovers are stored and then eaten, and there’s nothing to throw away.
17 – Salisbury Steak Meatloaf
If you don’t know what Salisbury steak is, it’s an American dish that basically consists of minced beef shaped into patties that look a little like fillets of steak. They are usually cooked in a sauce, traditionally a thick gravy, and served up with some sort of potato side. Mashed potatoes is the typical accompaniment.
So, now that you know what a Salisbury steak is, you have a better idea of what Salisbury steak meatloaf is.
18 – Mini BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf
The recipe for this delicious treat features individual mini meatloaves, but there’s nothing to stop you from making one larger one to slice up and serve to the family instead.
A few tweaks have been made to the traditional meatloaf recipe to give this one the flavoursome kicks it boasts of: tomato swapped for chilli sauce, for example. There are a few extra ingredients, too, but I won’t give the whole game away. You’ll find the full recipe if you click on the link below.
19 – Epic Meatloaf Stuffed with Mashed Potatoes
Meatloaf and mashed potato go together like… well… meatloaf and mashed potato!
This meatloaf recipe takes things a little further than the average meatloaf-plus-potato recipe, however: it incorporates mashed potato into the meatloaf rather than serving it up alongside it.
That’s not the only delightful little addition that this recipe features, but I’m not sure whether or not I’ll like the other way. Take a look and let me know what YOU think.
20 – Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting
If there was ever a way to get the kids to eat foods they would normally turn their noses up at, it’s this! These adorable meatloaf cupcakes aren’t just great for kids, either; they’d make great additions to any kind of buffet-style event. They’d even be great just served up for dinner, big kids and little kids enjoying them alike!
This meatloaf recipe is super easy to make, requires just 20 to 30 minutes of prep time plus 20 minutes of cooking time. Not only that, there’s only 240 calories in each ‘cupcake’. That’s if you manage to get 6 meatloaf cupcakes out of your mixture.
21 – Meatloaf with Oatmeal
If you wanted a gluten free meatloaf recipe to serve up to a hungry family, look no further. The breadcrumbs are replaced with oatmeal, just as the name of the dish would suggest.
The creator of this recipe recommends serving the meatloaf with oatmeal up with cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, or buttery mashed potatoes, and I’m literally salivating at the thought of eating one of those combos for dinner tonight!
22 – Hawaiian-Style Meatloaf in the Slow Cooker
Okay, so, we already disagree with pineapple on pizza, but how do we all feel about pineapple in meatloaf?
Before you quickly scroll and turn your nose up at the idea, the meatloaf doesn’t actually contain chunks of pineapple. No, no, no. Instead, the Hawaiian-themed flavour is infused into the dish with the help of a pineapple juice addition in the sauce.
But, no more spoilers from me! Click on the link below if you’re interested in learning more about this fruity little treat.
23 – Honey Barbecue Meatloaf
The honey brings some sweetness, the meatloaf brings the full-factor, and the BBQ sauce brings the tangy-smokiness that BBQ sauce is known for.
Sometimes, switching up the topping (or sauce) of your meatloaf is enough to turn into a completely different dish, as shown by some of the delicious alternative meatloaf ideas suggested in this post.
24 – Skillet Harissa Turkey Meatloaf
If you need a meatloaf recipe that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, this is the one for you. The good news just keeps on coming, too…
This one is also dairy free!
Described as a “quick, delicious… with a little kick,” you can either make a larger loaf or a bunch of mini loaves, and you can also use the meatloaf mix as your base for healthy and filling burgers, too!
This recipe suggests making 5 mini loaves, with each one containing just over 250 calories in each.
25 – Bacon Mini Meatloaves
Want your meatloaf to include more meat? Add bacon!
Don’t have a cake or baking tin for your meatloaf? Make mini meatloaves – that don’t require a tin – instead!
For every meatloaf problem, there’s a solution. This one is a particularly clever one, because you can freeze the individual bacon mini meatloaves that are left over, and then get them out one-at-a-time, reducing food waste even further.
Smart stuff, right? You should check out the Can You Freeze…? section of Buzzy Kitchen. You’d be surprised at the foods that you can keep (and eat) for longer with the help of your freezer!
26 – Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf
Described as a “stuffed pepper explosion of flavour,” this one is meatloaf on steroids!
(Not literal steroids, obviously. This is a family-friendly site, thank you very much.)
There are plenty of additional ingredients and flavours in this one to spice up a weekday dinner. Rice and green peppers are teamed with garlic and a touch of salt and pepper, and you’ll likely have many of the ingredients lingering away in your kitchen already.
Just in case this recipe wasn’t mouthwatering enough already, it’ll take you 10 or 15 minutes of preparation time, then you can throw it in the oven for just 1 hour and 15 minutes and get on with more important things!
27 – Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
How do you feel about chicken meatloaf? How about chicken with parmesan? I’m not going to lie, the thought of this one actually made me suddenly very hungry. I’ve never tried meatloaf with chicken, but with the ingredients that this recipe calls for, I’m fairly certain I’m going to like it.
The stringy cheese in this pizza will make a great substitute for when you fancy a really cheesy pizza. You could even add some garlic bread to properly finish things off. What would you serve up with alternative meatloaf ideas like this one?
28 – Chilli-Stuffed Mini Meatloaf
Not only is this meatloaf miniature and bite-sized, it also has a bit of a kick to it. (But you’ve probably already guessed that from the name, right?)
Alternative meatloaf ideas like this one definitely can’t be described as bland, and with chilli, Dijon mustard, and a little Worcestershire sauce, you can be sure that this one will rock your taste buds.
29 – Turkey Meatloaf Florentine
This one is another of the alternative meatloaf ideas that contains turkey, but that’s not the only thing that makes this one stand out from the rest. It also contains spinach. Sauteed spinach, to be exact. (And a few extra ingredients, obviously.)
It’s a super simple recipe that can be easily tweaked. Fancy some heat? Add some hot sauce. Need to make it lower carb? Take out the breadcrumbs and replace them with fibre-rich oatmeal. Want to make the dish even healthier still? Add more leafy greens, or other vegetables.
The possibilities are, quite literally, endless.
30 – Italian Meatloaf with Ricotta Cheese
We’ve featured a few different cheeses in this list of alternative meatloaf ideas, but this is the first (and only) ricotta cheese suggestion – and what a suggestion it is!
If you ever wanted to know what Italian meatloaf might taste like, now is your chance to find out.
Described by those who have made and tried it as juicy, creamy, flavourful, and fantastic, the Ricotta cheese and Italian herbs really add something special to this meatloaf dish.
I’m curious, though: what cheese do YOU want to see featured in a meatloaf recipe?
31 – Instant Pot Meatloaf and Potatoes
It’s quick, it’s easy, you literally throw the ingredients in the instant pot and leave it, and there’s enough to feed a hungry family of six. What’s not to love about this alternative meatloaf idea?
It’s not exactly an alternative meatloaf idea, but it is another way of cooking it, which might make life a little easier for you. With so many kitchen gadgets and gizmos these days, you have a number of different ways to cook most meals. This instant pot variation gives you just one more way to cook meatloaf.
Thanks so much for checking out these alternative meatloaf ideas, but feel free to check out the rest of the Buzzy Kitchen website for cooking inspiration. You can also submit any cooking questions or recipe requests right here.