Best Homemade Meatloaf Seasoning Mix

This homemade meatloaf seasoning mix comes together in 5 minutes with spices you already have - no seasoning packet required, and it works just as well.

We are big meatloaf people in this house. My Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf gets made on regular rotation, and a big part of that is how easy that seasoning packet makes it. But there are times, and yes, this happens, when I open the pantry and the beloved blend is just not there. And I am not making a store run for one packet.

So I put together this simple homemade meatloaf seasoning mix, and it works every bit as well. Seven pantry spices, five minutes, done. Keep a jar of it on hand and you're always ready to make meatloaf.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Make it once, use it all month. This mix doubles and triples easily - make a big batch and keep it in a jar so the next meatloaf is already halfway started.
• You control what goes in it. One of the best things about a homemade spice blend is being able to adjust it to your needs. Watching your sodium? Cut back on the salt. Prefer less pepper? Done.
• Works on more than just classic meatloaf. I've used this in traditional beef meatloaf, turkey meatloaf, and mini meatloafs, all with great results.

Key Ingredients

The ingredients here are straightforward - a few worth noting:

• Italian seasoning. This does a lot of the heavy lifting. It adds an herby depth that makes the blend taste more developed than a simple salt-and-pepper mix.
• Onion powder. This is what makes the blend taste like that Lipton packet. Don't skip it and don't substitute fresh onion here - you want the dry, concentrated flavor.
• Garlic powder. Same note as above. Dry is the right call in a spice mix.
• Paprika. Standard sweet paprika works great. If you want a smokier flavor, smoked paprika is an easy swap (more on that in Variations).
• Dried parsley. Adds color and a mild freshness to balance the bolder spices.
• Kosher salt. The recipe is written for kosher salt. If you only have table salt, start with a bit less - table salt is finer and hits harder by volume.

How to Make Homemade Meatloaf Seasoning Mix

Step 1: Measure all seven spices into a small bowl.

Step 2: Stir together until evenly combined.

Step 3: Use immediately in your meatloaf recipe, or transfer to an airtight container and store until ready to use.

Expert Tips

• Scale it up and store it. This recipe makes enough for one 2-pound meatloaf. To make a big batch, simply double or triple the recipe, then store in an airtight jar. When you're ready to make meatloaf, scoop out 4 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (just under ¼ cup) per 2-pound meatloaf.
• Label your jar. If you make a big batch, write the date and the scoop amount on a piece of masking tape and stick it on the jar. Future you will be grateful.
• Give it a good stir before using. Dried spices can settle and separate in storage. A quick stir before you scoop ensures an even blend every time.

Can You Use This Instead of the Lipton Onion Soup Packet?

Yes. This blend was developed specifically as a substitute for the Lipton Onion Soup Mix packet. It won't be identical - the soup packet has a slightly different character from the dehydrated onion flakes - but it's a solid, flavorful stand-in that works in any classic meatloaf recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

• Smoky meatloaf seasoning. Swap the regular paprika for smoked paprika. It adds a subtle smokiness that works especially well with beef.
• Lower sodium version. Simply reduce the salt to ½ teaspoon (or leave it out entirely and season to taste after mixing your meatloaf).

Make Ahead and Storage

This seasoning mix keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container - a small mason jar works perfectly. Store away from heat and direct light for best flavor.

Shelf life: Up to 6 months, though the flavor is best within the first 3 months (same as most dried spice blends).

Want to scale up? Double or triple the recipe and store the full batch. Use 4 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon per 2-pound meatloaf.

Meatloaf Seasoning Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Meatloaf

I love meatloaf, but dare I say the sides are sometimes the best part? Here are a few of my absolute favorites:

• Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes. The classic pairing, made a little more interesting simply by adding a block of garlic-herb Boursin cheese to the mix. Creamy, rich, absolutely delicious, and ready to soak up whatever glaze you put on that meatloaf.
• Garlic Green Beans. Fast, simple, and a light addition to round out the heavier meatloaf.
• Hot Honey Roasted Carrots. A little sweet, a little heat. These carrots hold their own next to bold, savory meatloaf flavors.
• Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic Knots. Crispy, cheesy, and super easy using store-bought crescent rolls.
• Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli. Did you know you can easily make perfectly steamed broccoli in the Instant Pot? It's the perfect side when you want a vegetable on the plate with zero fuss.

For more ideas, check out the full roundup of the best sides for meatloaf.

Meatloaf Recipes To Try

If you make this meatloaf seasoning mix, I'd love to hear how it went. Leave a star rating and drop a comment below - I read every single one.