Updated: May 17, 2026
There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about a classic homemade meatloaf recipe, especially one passed down through my family. My mom used to make this Lipton onion soup meatloaf during busy weeknights growing up, and it quickly became one of my favorite weeknight dinners. Now, years later, it’s one of my husband’s favorite comfort food meals too. This flavorful meatloaf is juicy, packed with onion flavors, topped with a tangy glaze, and pairs perfectly with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, and more.
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Why you'll love this family favorite recipe!
- This easy meatloaf recipe comes together with simple pantry staples.
- The Lipton onion soup mix adds tons of flavor without needing extra prep work.
- The tangy glaze creates the perfect sweet and savory finish on top of the meatloaf.
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes delicious leftovers the next day.
- It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for first time home cooks.
Ingredients
This recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients:
- Ground beef (80/20) – The fat content in 80/20 ground beef helps keep the meatloaf moist, juicy, and flavorful.
- Eggs – Eggs help bind the meat mixture together so the meat loaf holds its shape while baking.
- Lipton onion soup mix – This is the secret ingredient that gives this lipton onion soup mix meatloaf recipe its signature savory flavor.
- Italian breadcrumbs – Italian bread crumbs help absorb moisture and create the perfect meatloaf texture. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use Ritz crackers as well.
- Onion, shredded – Shredded onion blends beautifully into the meatloaf mixture while adding moisture and onion flavor throughout.
- Ketchup – Ketchup adds richness, slight sweetness, and moisture to the meat mixture.
- Worcestershire sauce – Worcestershire sauce adds depth, savory flavor, and umami to the meatloaf recipe.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf and balances the onion soup mix.
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish – Parsley adds a fresh pop of color before serving.
For the Glaze
- Ketchup – Creates the rich tomato base for the delicious glaze.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce – Adds smoky sweetness and creates the perfect tangy glaze.
- A few dashes Worcestershire sauce – Adds extra flavor and richness to the glaze ingredients.
How to Make Meatloaf with Lipton Onion Soup Mix
This timeless recipe comes together in just six easy steps:
STEP 1: Prep the Onion – Using a cheese grater, shred half an onion into fine pieces. Gently squeeze out some of the excess water using paper towels. Set aside. Shredded onion works better than diced onion because it melts directly into the loaf while baking.
STEP 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, Lipton onion soup mix, Italian breadcrumbs, shredded onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently combine the meat mixture until fully mixed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
STEP 3: Shape and Bake – Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a lightly greased baking dish or meatloaf pan. Shape into a loaf shape if using a baking sheet or 9-inch baking dish. Place the meatloaf into a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for 50 minutes.
STEP 4: Prepare the Glaze – While the meatloaf is baking, take a small bowl and combine ketchup, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
STEP 5: Glaze the Meatloaf – During the last 10 minutes of cooking time, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
STEP 6: Rest and Serve – Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version of this easy lipton onion soup meatloaf recipe.
- Try using ground pork mixed with ground beef for additional richness.
- You can add green bell peppers to this recipe for additional texture.
- You can mix in tablespoons of brown sugar to the glaze for extra sweetness. However, you may find the BBQ sauce is sweet enough.
- You can use Lipton’s beefy onion soup mix for deeper beef flavors.
Baking Tips for Meatloaf
- Avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture to keep the texture tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C.)
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so the juices redistribute properly.
- If you prefer easy cleanup, line your baking sheet or baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
- For extra moisture, avoid using overly lean ground meat.
- Shredded onion works better than diced onion because it melts directly into the loaf while baking.
Storage & Leftovers
You can store your leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze leftover meatloaf, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through. This lipton onion soup meatloaf recipe also makes an incredible meatloaf sandwich the next day!
Side Dishes to Serve with Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
This favorite meatloaf recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Southern-Style Green Beans
- Honey Roasted Carrots
- Cream Style Corn
- Air Fryer Broccolini
- Classic White Rice
- Green Beans with Bacon
FAQ
Why use Lipton onion soup mix in meatloaf?
The envelope of Lipton onion soup mix adds concentrated savory flavor, seasoning, and moisture to the meatloaf without needing extra ingredients.
Can I make this meatloaf recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.
How do I know when meatloaf is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely. Store cooled slices in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
Why did my meatloaf fall apart?
Meatloaf can fall apart if there aren’t enough binding ingredients like eggs and bread crumbs or if it’s sliced before resting.
Recipe Card
Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef, 80/20 ground beef
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Packets Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ Onion, shredded
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Meatloaf Glaze
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- ¼ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
- ¼ tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Using a cheese grater, shred half an onion into fine pieces. Gently squeeze out some of the excess water using paper towels. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, Lipton onion soup mix, Italian breadcrumbs, shredded onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently combine the meat mixture until fully mixed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a lightly greased baking dish or meatloaf pan. Shape into a loaf shape if using a baking sheet or 9-inch baking dish. Place the meatloaf into a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for 50 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, take a small bowl and combine ketchup, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking time, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender and juicy.
- Shredding the onion helps it blend seamlessly into the meat mixture while adding extra moisture and flavor.
- For best results, use 80/20 ground beef so the meatloaf stays moist during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to help retain the juices.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the sauce mixture.
- This recipe can also be made with ground turkey or a mixture of ground beef and ground pork.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you make this Lipton onion soup meatloaf recipe, I’d love to see it! Be sure to tag me on Instagram at @elicitfolio so I can see your delicious creations. You can also follow along on Pinterest for more comfort food inspiration and leave a comment below letting me know what comfort food recipes you’d love to see me share next!
