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Onion soup meatloaf gets a big boost from onion soup mix, which adds built-in seasoning and deep savory flavor without a long list of spices. A blend of ground beef and pork keeps the texture tender and prevents it from drying out, so you get a meatloaf that holds together well but still slices easily.
It’s simple, dependable, and doesn’t need much fuss to turn out right.
Serve this onion soup meatloaf with my four cheese mac and cheese for a solid, no-nonsense comfort meal.
Highlights for Onion Soup Meatloaf
Onion soup mix adds seasoning: This is the shortcut that actually earns its spot, bringing concentrated flavor to every bite of this easy meatloaf recipe.
Two meats, better texture: Ground beef brings classic meatloaf flavor, while ground pork adds extra fat and tenderness.
Croutons pull their weight: Crushed salad croutons act like seasoned breadcrumbs with more structure, soaking up the broth and eggs without turning the mixture mushy.
The ketchup glaze seals the deal: Adding the final layer of ketchup partway through baking keeps it thick and glossy.
If you’d rather make individual portions, these mini meatloaves baked in muffin tins are a simple way to serve them up.
Key Ingredients
Ground beef and ground pork: Using both gives the meatloaf better flavor and a more tender texture than using beef alone. .
Onion soup mix: This is the ingredient that gives the meatloaf most of its savory flavor. You can use my homemade blend or a packet from the store.
Croutons: Crushed croutons work as the binder in this recipe. They absorb the liquid and help hold the loaf together, but they also bring in more seasoning than plain breadcrumbs.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the meat mixture so the loaf holds its shape and slices well after baking.
Beef broth: Beef broth adds moisture and reinforces the savory flavor in the meatloaf. It helps soften the crushed croutons and keeps the meatloaf from drying out while baking.
Ketchup: Some ketchup goes into the meat mixture for added flavor and moisture, and the rest gets spread on top for that classic meatloaf finish.
Recipe Tips
Crush the croutons well: You want small, even crumbs so they blend into the meat mixture and help hold the meatloaf together without leaving dry chunks.
Mix gently: Use your hands or a fork and stop as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing is the fastest way to end up with a dense meatloaf.
Shape it on a baking sheet: Forming the loaf on a baking sheet lets heat circulate around it, which gives you better browning than baking it in a loaf pan.
Use a thermometer: Bake until the center reaches 160°F so the beef and pork are fully cooked without drying out.
Let it rest before slicing: Letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes gives the juices time to settle, so the slices stay cleaner and the meatloaf holds together better.
Don’t pack the loaf too tight: Press it together just enough to hold its shape. Packing it firmly will give you a dense, heavy texture.
Spread the ketchup halfway through baking: Adding it at the end keeps it from burning and gives you that thicker, slightly sticky topping instead of a dried-out layer.
For another way to use ground beef and pork, these homemade frozen meatballs are a great make-ahead option to keep in the freezer.
This onion soup meatloaf is hearty, deeply seasoned, and just a little retro in the best way, with a juicy center and that sticky ketchup topping that finishes it off right. Serve it with potatoes au gratin or green beans and call dinner handled.
If you have leftovers, make my hot Meatloaf Sandwiches.
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Onion Soup Meatloaf
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Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 6 ounces salad croutons, or saltine crackers, about 1½ cups crushed
- 2 envelopes Onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¾ cup ketchup, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a baking sheet with non-stick oil spray
- Add the ground beef and ground pork to a large bowl and break it up with a fork.
- Place the croutons or crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You should have about 1½ cups. Add them to the bowl with the meat.
- Sprinkle in the contents of the dry onion soup mix.
- In a separate dish, whisk the eggs together with the beef broth and ¼ cup of the ketchup. Pour this mixture over the meat.
- Gently combine the mixture with a fork or your hands until evenly mixed. Do not over mix as it will make a dense meatloaf.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. Transfer to the center of the oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and spoon the remaining ½ cup of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf and return to the oven. Continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
If you have your meatloaf placed too low in your oven it will cause the top of the meatloaf to crack? Oh, I thought it from not mixing the meat throughly enough before cooking.
No, that says that if you place a pan of water in the oven then it will help prevent the meatloaf from cracking. The best place to put the pan of water is toward the bottom of the oven.
I enjoy reading through a post that can make men and women think.
Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Thank you, for your comments, so glad to hear you enjoyed the post. ?
What a great idea using the croutons!! I bet this tastes amazing!!
Yes, Mindy, those croutons add just the right amount of seasoning to this meatloaf. Thanks for your comment..:)
Looks like perfect comfort food; and you’ve managed to make it look very neat, which is difficult with meatloaf!
Hi, Hannah….Thank you for that nice comment! 🙂 I didn’t realize how difficult meatloaf was to photo, that was my 3rd set-up.
🙂
I haven’t made meatloaf in wayyyy too long! Thanks for the inspiration with this beautiful recipe! Your pics make me want to scoop it up right out of the picture 🙂
Thank you, Traci….Good ole comfort food, still as good as ever! 🙂
This is one of the prettiest meatloafs I’ve ever seen! The hubs would love this.
Thank you, Sarah….it is also really yummy! 🙂
Love the sound of those sourdough english muffin crumbs! I’ll bet it takes it to a whole new level!
Hi, Cynthia….Yes, it does! There are so many ideas to use in meatloaf, aren’t there! 🙂
Hi, Trending Yum….Thanks so much for including our recipe of My Favorite Meatloaf in your round-up. That is a really nice collection of recipes. Good work! 🙂