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If you’re craving a comforting, timeless dish that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, the Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic meatloaf brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients in a way that delivers big on flavor and cozy satisfaction. With the iconic Lipton Onion Soup Mix adding a perfect savory punch, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy moist, tender meatloaf that’s glazed to perfection. Whether it’s a family dinner or a make-ahead meal, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this meatloaf just right is all about using straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role, from texture to taste to that irresistible color. The simplicity is part of its charm, making preparation easy while still delivering a rich, flavorful result.
- 2 pounds ground beef: Choose a mix with some fat for juicy, tender meatloaf every time.
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix: This is the secret star that brings savory, onion-packed flavor to the entire dish.
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf and keeps it moist without falling apart.
- 2 eggs: Another binder that adds structure and richness.
- 1/3 cup ketchup (plus 1/3 cup for glaze): Adds a sweet tang and keeps the meatloaf beautifully glossy on top.
- 1/2 cup water: Moistens the mixture, ensuring tenderness and ease in shaping.
How to Make Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep ensures your meatloaf won’t stick and will come out cleanly and looking as good as it tastes.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, and water. Stir gently until everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough, so be kind to the meat and mix it just enough to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf form, roughly the size of your pan or about 9 by 5 inches if using a baking sheet. Placing it on parchment paper or in a greased pan will help it hold together perfectly during baking.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Spread the remaining 1/3 cup of ketchup generously over the top of the loaf. For a little extra depth, you can stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. This layer caramelizes as it bakes, giving the meatloaf its signature shiny, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour. It’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatloaf is cooked through but still juicy.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful instead of crumbly.
How to Serve Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives to add a pop of color and freshness. If you want a bit more texture, a side dollop of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter perfectly complements the savory meatloaf flavors.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides such as buttery mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or green beans almondine. For a fresh contrast, a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the plate and balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try slicing the meatloaf thick and serving it open-faced on toasted bread with melted cheddar and a smear of ketchup or BBQ sauce. It also works wonderfully chopped into meatloaf sandwiches or even meatloaf sliders for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days and tastes just as delicious warmed up for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatloaf either whole or sliced. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave slices on medium power to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of water or covering with foil helps keep the moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well with the Lipton Onion Soup Mix to keep the meatloaf flavorful and moist. Just be mindful to avoid overcooking since turkey can dry out more easily.
Is the Lipton Onion Soup Mix just seasoning, or does it include dehydrated onions?
It includes both seasoning and dehydrated onions, which add a burst of savory, onion flavor and a slight texture, making the meatloaf extra tasty without extra chopping or prepping.
Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. This swap keeps the structure intact while catering to gluten sensitivities.
Why do I need to let the meatloaf rest?
Resting allows the meat juices to settle back into the loaf instead of spilling out when you cut it. This makes the slices more tender, moist, and keeps the meatloaf from crumbling apart.
What can I add to the glaze for extra flavor?
Try mixing ketchup with a bit of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce. These additions deepen the glaze’s sweetness, tang, and complexity, creating that signature meatloaf finish everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
Once you make the Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved go-to. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with nostalgic flavors that bring everyone to the table. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again for those all-American cozy dinners.
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Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and flavorful Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf recipe combining seasoned ground beef with Lipton Onion Soup Mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, and ketchup, baked to juicy perfection and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- Optional: 1 teaspoon brown sugar or 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for added flavor in glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, 1/3 cup ketchup, and 1/2 cup water. Gently mix until just combined, ensuring not to overwork the meat.
- Shape loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it into the prepared loaf pan or onto the lined baking sheet.
- Add glaze: Spread 1/3 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. For added flavor, optionally mix the ketchup with brown sugar or Worcestershire sauce before glazing.
- Bake: Bake the meatloaf uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a moist and tender slice. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for safety and best texture.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juices.
- Optional glaze additions like brown sugar or Worcestershire sauce enhance flavor but are not required.
- Ground beef with around 80% lean content works best for juicy meatloaf.
