The 5 Best Seasonings for Meatloaf

Meatloaf, which became popular in the mid-1950s, is considered by many to be the ideal American meal.

It’s a mainstay at many tables, especially around the holidays, and it’s a versatile dish that you can enhance each time by using a variety of seasonings and spice blends.

In making the perfect meatloaf, in addition to its texture and moisture content, the secret to its flavor lies in its seasonings. What started as a basic selection of a few spices has expanded into a complex variety of flavors.

The savory combination of herbs and spices is just what it takes to take ground beef, pork or turkey meatloaf to the next level. Unfortunately, many people face challenges in this regard and have a hard time getting the right flavor.

So what are the best seasonings for meatloaf?  

The best meatloaf seasonings consist of a blend of flavorful herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. You can also try variations to change the flavor by using chipotle chili powder or Cajun seasoning.

How to season a meatloaf

Meatloaf is a baked dish consisting of cooked minced meat shaped into a loaf.

It can be made with a variety of ground meats, such as beef, pork, or turkey, and can include chopped vegetables, such as onions, mushrooms, and green peppers.

There are several recipes for making meatloaf, many of which use regional or cultural ingredients, such as Italian seasoning or a ketchup-based glaze.

Additionally, some recipes call for a single source of ground meat, while others call for a proportional mix of ground beef, pork, and turkey.

Meatloaf is usually cut into thick slices and served with a side dish or sauce. However, if your meatloaf is seasoned well, it won’t need additional garnishes or sauces to help elevate its flavor.

Meatloaf seasoning mix usually consists of spices and dried herbs and can brighten up your meatloaf in an instant.

There are several pre-made meatloaf seasonings on the market, but if you want to adjust the seasoning to your liking, we suggest making your own spice mix at home.

To season the meatloaf, you need to mix the ground meat with the dry seasonings and the wet ingredients at the same time. Mix well until everything is well combined.

How to make meatloaf seasoning

Making meatloaf seasoning is an incredibly easy process if you have the right ingredients.

You don’t need any fancy gadgets and it won’t take more than 5 minutes to prepare. You can also make a large batch and save it for later use.

Here are step-by-step instructions for making the meatloaf seasoning:

1. Puree all whole spices and dried herbs with a food processor or high-speed mixer.
2. Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine all the ingredients. Be careful when adding the salt, as you don’t want to add too much or too little.
3. Mix all the ingredients well with a spoon, making sure it is completely dry and free of moisture, as moisture can spoil the seasoning quite quickly.
4. Combine the seasoning with the ground meat of your choice and save the rest for later use.

The 5 Best Seasonings for Meatloaf

When it comes to meatloaf, certain spice mixes work very well with ground meat to bring out its flavor. Here are 5 of the best meatloaf seasonings for you to choose from:

1. Classic Meatloaf Seasoning

This classic meatloaf seasoning creates the perfect meatloaf for weekend dinners and large family gatherings. Remember your childhood days and the classic meatloaf flavor that everyone loves.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Classic Meatloaf Seasoning:

• dry mustard
• Peppers
• Salt
• dried basil
• Black pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder

2. Cajun seasoning

Although every Cajun chef has their own blend of spices, this classic Cajun seasoning works amazingly well with meatloaf and other similar recipes.

Add a little spice and a whole lot of flavor and it’s incredibly easy to customize to your preferences.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cajun Meatloaf Seasoning:

• Peppers
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• Thyme
• Fennel seeds (optional)
• Cumin
• cayenne
• salt and black pepper

3. Italian seasoning

Italian seasoning is the perfect blend of 5 Mediterranean herbs and it takes just a few minutes to prepare.

It can be used to season fish and vegetables and you can combine it with your classic meatloaf seasoning to quickly add a Mediterranean twist to your dish.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Italian Meatloaf Seasoning:

• Dried oregano
• dried basil
• dried thyme (unground)
• dried sage
• dried rosemary

4. Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is delicious and full of flavor and can be used for so much more than just tacos. It goes wonderfully well with meatloaf and can be adjusted based on your taste and tolerance for spices.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the taco seasoning for the meatloaf:

• chili powder
• ground cumin
• Peppers
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• Dried oregano
• salt and black pepper

5. Chili Seasoning

Another natural blend used for meatloaf, grilled meat, roasted vegetables, and much more, chili seasoning can be made at home with a few basic ingredients.

This is what you will need to make the taco seasoning for the meatloaf.

• Chili powder (such as ancho chili)
• chipotle chili powder
• ground cumin
• dried mexican oregano
• garlic powder

Tips for Making the Best Meatloaf Seasoning

Making the meatloaf seasoning is incredibly easy. Here are a few helpful tips you can follow to make the best meatloaf seasoning you’ve ever tasted:

• Adjust the heat of the meatloaf seasoning to your taste preferences. You can add cayenne pepper if you want it spicier or a little brown sugar to make it sweeter.
• Use kosher salt instead of regular salt, as it’s easier to control the amount and you can avoid putting too much or too little in the seasoning.
• For the best flavor from meatloaf seasoning, mix it into the meat and other wet ingredients before baking the meatloaf.

How to Store Meatloaf Seasoning

You can store the meatloaf seasoning the same way you would store your other seasoning mixes. Stored properly, it can last up to 6 months. All you have to do is follow these basic steps to get the most out of it:

1. 1. Once the seasoning mix is ready, transfer it to an airtight bottle or jar. Try to find a glass container, as plastic ones are not suitable for long-term storage.
   2. Store the jar of meatloaf seasoning in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight and moisture, as heat and light speed up the spoiling process.

1. Keep an eye on the color of the seasoning, as well as its smell. If you notice it starting to lose its shine, discard it and make a fresh batch to use.

How to Frost Meatloaf

A good glaze is a crucial part and the finishing touch on your meatloaf. Although you can experiment with a few variations, a classic meatloaf frosting includes

• Ketchup or barbecue sauce (or both)
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider or red wine vinegar

Here are step-by-step instructions for getting the perfect glaze on your meatloaf masterpiece:

• Combine ketchup (or BBQ sauce), brown sugar, and vinegar in a bowl.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and lightly grease it with a little cooking spray.
• Mound the seasoned meatloaf mixture on the prepared pan and shape into a loaf. It doesn’t have to be perfect. However, it should have a uniform thickness.
• Pour glaze over meatloaf and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Cover with some aluminum foil and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatloaf

Making a meatloaf is easy and does not involve any complex steps or ingredients. To get the juiciest, tastiest meatloaf, here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

Use super lean meat

Using lean meat, such as ground chicken or turkey, can be tricky when making a meatloaf because, due to its low fat content, it can easily dry out.

To prevent this from happening, consider using a meat mix, such as a combination of beef, veal, pork, or lamb. You may also consider mixing your lean meat with 30% ground pork to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

not seasoning correctly

As with any other type of dish, the seasoning is crucial in making the perfect meatloaf, and a poorly seasoned meatloaf will only taste bland.

Therefore, make sure to add an adequate amount of seasoning to your minced meat to make it flavorful. Don’t forget to mix it properly with the wet ingredients before baking it.

Using raw vegetables

Vegetables are a wonderful complement to meatloaf, adding more flavor and texture.  However, it is better to use cooked vegetables instead of raw so that the final product is more flavorful and tender.

When using onions, carrots, celery, and other vegetables, be sure to lightly sauté them in a little olive oil before adding them to the meat. They will not only tenderize, but also add a little more moisture to the meat.

Do not rest the meat

We know it’s hard to resist the urge to slice, serve, and eat your meatloaf, or any other type of baked good, right out of the oven, but it’s very important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Cutting the meatloaf without letting it sit will cause the juices to seep out, leaving you with a drier meatloaf.  Therefore, it is better to let it brew for 10-15 minutes after it is ready.

Related questions

Now that you know all about meatloaf seasoning and tips on how to season it correctly, here are some additional questions we thought you might have!

How long should I cook meatloaf?

The ideal time to bake the meatloaf is about 40 minutes at 375°F. You’ll know it’s done when it has reached an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use an instant read meat thermometer to check.

What makes meatloaf fall apart?

Meatloaf may fall apart for a number of reasons, including the meat mixture, binding ingredients, oven temperature, and standing time.

If it is due to the mixture of meat, you may need to add some fat or use a mixture of beef and pork.

As for the binding ingredients, you can use egg as a binder and breadcrumbs soaked in milk so that it retains moisture and does not fall apart when baked.

When it comes to oven temperature, don’t bake the meatloaf at a high temperature, as this will cause it to cook unevenly and fall apart when sliced.

One last tip for the meatloaf to keep its shape is to let it rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.

Can meatloaf be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf. After cooking, once it has completely cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container (we recommend these).

To make it more convenient when you thaw it, you can cut it into slices and freeze them individually on a cookie sheet. Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How can you use leftover meatloaf?

If you find yourself with a lot of leftover meatloaf, not to worry as there are so many interesting ways to use it up.

Sandwiches are a perfect way to use up leftover meatloaf. Simply heat cut meatloaf in a skillet or microwave, crumble and add to your favorite sandwich.

You can also use it in ground meat dishes, such as chili, casserole, steak tacos, steak quesadillas, spaghetti bolognese, and nachos.

Small pieces of meatloaf also make a great cold appetizer. Simply place it on the cocktail bread and garnish with olives.

For a hot appetizer, you can toast the bread, top it with the meatloaf, cheese, and sauce, and heat it up quickly in the oven.