This Homemade Meatloaf Seasoning Mix takes 5 minutes and 7 pantry spices - and it makes a meatloaf so good you'll stop reaching for the packet.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
👩🏻🍳 Recipe Name: Meatloaf Seasoning Mix
⏱️ Ready In: 5 minutes
🧑🧑🧒 Makes: Enough for 1 2-lb meatloaf
🍴Calories: N/A
🥣 Main Ingredients: Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley.
🍲 Flavor Profile: Savory and well-rounded with a hint of smokiness from paprika. This recipe uses basic ingredients to make a simple seasoning blend that will make your home-cooked meatloaf taste amazing!
🎯 Difficulty: Very Easy
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. I love using this in my Traditional Meatloaf Recipe. 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 meatloaf, turkey meatloaf, and mini meatloaf, all with great results.
Key Ingredients
Just a few simple ingredients are all you need to pull this perfect blend together. Here are a few worth noting:
- Italian seasoning. This does a lot of the heavy lifting. It adds a 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 your seasonings. Measure all seven spices into a small bowl.
Step 2: Mix. Stir together until evenly combined.
Step 3: Use/Store. Use immediately in your meatloaf recipe (just add to your meat mixture along with the rest of your ingredients, then shape the loaf and bake), or transfer to an airtight container and store until ready to use.
That's it!
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 it 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.
How Much Meatloaf Seasoning Per Pound of Meat?
This recipe makes about 4 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix, sized for a 2-pound meatloaf. That works out to roughly 2 tablespoons per pound. If your meatloaf recipe uses a different weight, scale accordingly.
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).
To scale up: Double or triple the recipe and store the full batch. Use 4 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon per 2-pound meatloaf.
Meatloaf Seasoning Recipe FAQs
A good meatloaf seasoning mix typically includes a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs like Italian seasoning and dried parsley, plus salt and pepper. This recipe uses all of the above in proportions that balance savory, herby, and slightly smoky flavors.
Yes - making a big batch ahead of time is actually the best way to use this recipe. Mix a double or triple batch, store it in an airtight jar, and scoop out about 4 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon per 2-pound meatloaf each time you need it.
Use one full batch of this seasoning mix (4 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon) in place of one envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix in your meatloaf recipe. The flavor profile is similar - savory, oniony, well-seasoned - though the Lipton packet has a slightly different character from its dehydrated onion flakes.
The blend was developed for meatloaf, but the flavors are versatile. It would work well as a seasoning for burgers, meatballs, or ground turkey dishes.
Stored in an airtight container away from heat and light, this blend keeps for up to 6 months. Flavor is best within the first 3 months.
What To Serve With Meatloaf
Once you've got the seasoning handled, here are a few sides and sauces worth bookmarking:
- Meatloaf Glaze. A good sweet-savory glaze is what takes meatloaf from weeknight dinner to something people actually request. This one's easy, and oh so good!
- Mashed potatoes. The classic pairing for a reason. Try these Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes for something extra special.
- Green beans. Simple and fast, they balance out a rich meatloaf without competing with it. I love these Garlic Green Beans, which are sauteed quickly on the stove.
- Roasted vegetables. Whatever's in season works here. Roasted Fennel, Maple Bacon Brussels sprouts, or these Hot Honey Roasted Carrots are all winners.
- Dinner rolls. Especially useful if there's any chance of leftovers turning into a meatloaf sandwich.
- For a full list of side dish ideas, check out my roundup of the best meatloaf sides
My Favorite Meatloaf Recipes
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.
Recipe
Best Homemade Meatloaf Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all spices to a small bowl.
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Use immediately in your meatloaf recipe, or transfer to an airtight jar and store for later.
Notes
- This recipe makes enough seasoning for one 2-pound meatloaf.
- To make a big batch: double or triple the recipe. Use 4 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (just under ¼ cup) per 2-pound meatloaf.
- Store in an airtight container away from heat and light. Best within 3 months; keeps up to 6 months.
- If using table salt instead of kosher salt, start with ½ teaspoon - table salt is more concentrated by volume.
- For a smokier flavor, substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika.
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