This Quick and Easy Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe is hearty and flavorful, using a juicy combination of ground beef and pork and a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze. It's an easy meatloaf recipe the whole family will love.
Lately, I'm loving meals that involve only a little bit of prep, and this great meatloaf is one of those. Using a simple packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix gives this so much flavor - it's no surprise this favorite meatloaf recipe is a classic.
In This Post
Why I Love This Recipe
Truth is, I've never met a meatloaf I didn't like. It's one of those classic dishes that tastes just as amazing right out of the oven as it does in a meatloaf sandwich the next day. But here are a few reasons this one stands apart as a contender for "best meatloaf":
- The Lipton Onion Soup factor. This delicious meatloaf owes its wonderful flavor to a humble envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. This secret ingredient, when added to the meat mixture, gives it a wonderful onion flavor, taking the dish to a whole new level.
- Two kinds of meat. The classic Lipton meatloaf recipe calls just for ground beef. But I love adding some ground pork to the mix as well, giving the meat mixture a bit of fatty richness and extra flavor. My favorite way to get my protein fix!
- Easy meatloaf recipe. This simple Lipton meatloaf recipe is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I love mixing this up in advance, covering it with plastic wrap and storing it in the fridge, then just throwing it into the oven when I get home for an easy dinner. It's the perfect main dish and super easy to add a simple veggie side dish (these Green Beans With Almonds And Garlic, Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes, or Cheesy Boursin Mashed Potatoes are all favorites!). Add in some buttermilk air fryer biscuits and you have yourself a full meal.
Key Ingredients
Simple ingredients make this classic meatloaf recipe a favorite. Here's what you'll need.
- Ground beef and ground pork. Lean ground beef and ground pork form the base of this meatloaf, giving the juicy meatloaf mixture a great texture and the best flavor.
- One packet of Lipton onion soup mix. The star of the show, this envelope of dry onion soup mix adds tons of flavor and depth to the meat mixture.
- Breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. This combo not only makes the meatloaf super moist, it helps bind the ingredients together and keeps the meat mixture from falling apart.
- Flavor add-ins. Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onions, and seasonings round out this traditional meatloaf recipe.
- Meatloaf glaze. The meatloaf sauce (ingredients pictured below) used on top of the loaf gives the overall dish a sweeter flavor and a delicious tang. Totally optional, but come on - who doesn't love the sweet meatloaf glaze on top? It's like the icing on the cake.
How To Make Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
This is a super-easy recipe to make and takes just a few minutes to put together. Here's what you'll do (watch the video below to see how to do it!)
- Prep. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. You can also use a meatloaf pan if you have one, although it's not needed.
- Make the savory meatloaf mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, Lipton onion soup mix, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onions, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Don't overmix! I often use my (clean) hands to combine the meatloaf mix. It's much easier than mixing with a spoon.
- Shape. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking pan.
- Bake. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Make the meatloaf glaze. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the meatloaf glaze by combining ketchup, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Add the glaze. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top.
- Finish baking. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. (A meat thermometer can help you track the temp here.)
- Rest. Once done, loosely tent the meatloaf with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the meatloaf stays juicy and moist.
Watch How To Make It
Variations And Substitutions
- Try different kinds of meat. As I said above, the original recipe for this Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf includes ground beef only. I added pork here, but you could also add other types of meat, like ground turkey, for some different flavors.
- Add some more seasonings. Freshly chopped onion and the Lipton Onion Soup Mix give this meatloaf a delicious flavor. But you could add other herbs or seasonings to customize the flavor.
- Add some cheese. Adding some shredded cheese to the meatloaf gives it a deliciously cheesy taste and texture, making this already good meatloaf super decadent. Parmesan cheese or cheddar would be great options to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yep! Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef or pork in this French onion meatloaf recipe for a leaner option. (Or try this awesome, Greek-inspired Turkey Meatloaf with Basil, Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato!)
You can typically find it in the baking or spice aisle of your local grocery store or in the soup aisle. The label will say "Lipton Recipe Secrets, Onion Soup & Dip Mix".
I prefer Italian breadcrumbs or plain breadcrumbs for this recipe. Don't use panko bread crumbs, as I found those to be a bit too crispy for a meatloaf recipe. No breadcrumbs? No problem! Oatmeal actually makes a great substitute for breadcrumbs in meatloaf.
There are a few things you can do to avoid a dry meatloaf. Try to avoid overworking the meat mixture, and don't compress it too much when you're forming the loaf - both of these actions can result in a dry loaf. You can also add a shallow pan with about 1 cup water below the meatloaf pan to add a bit of moisture/steam to the oven as the meatloaf cooks. Using a meat thermometer to check doneness can prevent you from overcooking the meatloaf (It should be ready once it reaches 160 degrees F.) Finally, don't skip the resting step! Allowing your meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing helps keep the juices intact, giving you a much more moist meatloaf.
You can use a standard bread loaf pan here if you have one, but you can also simply shape the meat mixture into a loaf and bake it on a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for about 3 months. You can also freeze individual slices of meatloaf in freezer bags if you want an easy way to portion out your servings.
Of course, you could simply reheat this delicious meatloaf and have it as is, but might I suggest meatloaf sandwiches? Top with some thinly sliced onion, a couple of sturdy pieces of bread, maybe add some melty cheese, and a spread of BBQ sauce....yum! Classic comfort food at its finest!
While this recipe is written for the oven, you can experiment with cooking it in an air fryer or slow cooker. Adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly for best results.
Classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans complement this flavorful meatloaf perfectly. I like it with Steamed Broccoli, Farro With Blistered Tomatoes And Pesto, Roasted Fennel Salad With Orange Honey Dressing, Oven Roasted Zucchini, or these easy Green Beans With Almonds And Garlic. You can also add a bread side - this Rosemary and Parmesan loaf goes well with the meatloaf, and Air Fryer Biscuits are always a hit. Get creative and pair it with your family's favorites!
This classic recipe for Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf is easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. If you try this recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below. And remember to tag me @frontrangefed on Instagram to share your masterpiece!
More Easy Weeknight Meals
- Easy Cornbread Cowboy Casserole With Beef And Beans
- Lazy Baked Lasagna With Frozen Cheese Ravioli
- Quick And Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
- Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole
- Easy Firecracker Meatballs (Hello Fresh Copycat!)
- Loaded Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos (Fast And Easy)
- Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Recipe
Easy Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup chopped yellow onions
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
For The Meatloaf Glaze
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine all meatloaf ingredients - 1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground pork, a packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, ¾ cup of milk, ⅓ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup chopped yellow onions, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper - in a large bowl. Using clean hands mix well to combine. (Don't overmix!)
- Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and add to the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Lipton Onion Soup meatloaf in the oven for 45 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, make the meatloaf sauce. In a small bowl, add all the ingredients for the sauce - ¾ cup ketchup, 1 ½ tsps white vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 ½ tsps brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper - and stir well with a spoon. At the 45-minute mark, remove the meatloaf and spread the sauce over the meatloaf.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F. Tent the cooked meatloaf with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting it into individual slices and serving.
Notes
- Don't overmix! Overmixing the meatloaf can cause it to be too dense and very rubbery.
- Don't add extra salt. There's plenty of sodium in the Lipton Onion Soup Mix, so there's no need to add additional salt in this recipe.
- Use your hands. It may feel gross (I know!), but I truly think mixing the ingredients with your hands is the easiest way to make sure you're incorporating all the delicious flavors into each bite. Just make sure you clean them well before mixing!
- Allow the meatloaf to rest. Letting the meatloaf rest will help it hold its shape better, and will also ensure it stays juicy, since cutting into the meatloaf right away causes all the moisture to drain out. Allow the meatloaf to rest to let it reabsorb all its juicy goodness. (Also, if Martha says so, we must listen!)
Nina says
Followed the recipe perfectly. Could hardly taste the onion soup mix, The meatloaf was so-so but the glaze was terrific.
Fallon says
You season meat to your liking with any recipe...the meatloaf is not supposed to "taste like soup onion" using the soup onion just adds a little flavor and a lot of moisture. Try it again and season your meat after it breaks a chill not straight out the fridge.
Margo says
Amazing! This is the absolute best and I love the use of pork and beef together! Delicious and so easy!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Margo! We love it so much too - it's in regular rotation at our house!
Peggy says
My friend shared this with me. I used Beefy Onion soup and Italian Panko Bread crumbs. And all ground chuck, I planned to buy some ground sirloin but got 2 of chuck instead. I had to put it in a 8 x 8 pan because it made so much. My husband loves meatloaf. He will get it anytime a restaurant has it on the menu and he said this is the best he has ever had! Thank you!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Peggy! So glad you loved it!
Melissa says
So, so good! Followed the recipe with the exception of using pork-used all ground beef. Will definitely be making this on the regular!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thank you Melissa!
Londa M says
Is there anything I can use in place of the vinegar? I don't have any on hand.
Sarah Jenkins says
Hi Londa,
You're just looking for something slightly acidic. A squeeze of lemon juice would work, or if you have apple cider vinegar that could be a good substitute too.
Rich says
Excellent. I made two changes. I topped with two slices of bacon, 1lb. Of chop meat and no brown sugar. Came out moist with wife going back for seconds. That is when you know you have a winner. Thanks
Sarah Jenkins says
Haha - totally! And the bacon....swoon!!
Dana says
We love this recipe and the next day we also love to make Shepherds Pie with the leftovers. 😋
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Dana! That sounds amazing - will have to try!
Joe says
We love this recipe. The glaze is a must!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Joe!
G. Arnott says
I am 61.....married nearly 20 yrs. I have searched, searched, searched for THE Holy Grail of meatloaf recipes: THIS IS IT! However, I tweaked it.....ya, sorry. I accidentally used 1 1/2 lbs. of ground pork (attention issues) and used a GENEROUS squirt of ketchup and subb'd the Worcest. sauce with low sodium soy sauce as I am not a worcestershire fan. Sauce was kept simple using only: Ketchup, mustard and brown sugar.....all eyeballed. Honestly.....this is the BEST YET! I really think me using extra ground pork was what put it over the top. I have shared this with my friends.....thank you and I hope I didn't mess your recipe to much......(I wondered about the no salt and I gotta say......it was perfect) Oh ya....hubby loved it.
Sarah Jenkins says
Thank you so much for sharing!! I love that you added the pork - I often do a combo of ground beef and pork and you're right - it is delicious!
G Arnott says
OH! I DID THE BEEF and PORK combo.....I just accidently added an extra 1/2 lb. of the pork. You did a good job here with this recipe!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thank you!
Babs says
I made it with exception of adding sliced cheddar cheese in the middle of the meatloaf. Family likes cheese. Turned out great!!! Thanks for the recipe.
Sarah Jenkins says
oooh...yum! Thanks Babs!
TinaHedge says
My Aunt Shirley made this for me from the beginning of time for Lipton onion soup!! She used it in everything! RIP Auntie u still make the meatloaf
Sarah Jenkins says
Haha - it's the best isn't it? So much flavor!!
Kimberly says
Making right now, but don't have white vinegar for glaze...?
Sarah Jenkins says
You could probably sub with just a bit of apple cider vinegar if you have it, or just omit.
chhavi says
I would have never thought of adding the soup mix in meatloaf! Thankyou for the recipe.ITs a 10/10!!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks! Glad you loved it!
Gwen says
The meatloaf turned out so moist and tender. I added some shredded cheese and it just melted into the mixture! Super delicious!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thank you Gwen!
Elaine says
This was so good and so easy. I did add some parm, like you suggested and it really added to the flavor and texture!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Elaine! So glad you liked it!
Vien says
Loved the flavors of the meatloaf and the glaze was delicious! Adding this recipe to my regular rotation now!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Vien!
Marilyn Merrill says
Have used it for years. Love it
A-A-Ron says
There's no over mixing. Add more bread crumbs. I prefer to use quaker oats. But mix it well or your seasoning won't incorporate right and you'll have super salty or bland areas. Yeah if it's "rubbery" also you added milk. We aren't baking a cake here. Cut the milk. The mix should be well incorporated and on the airy side. Besides when you mix beef and pork it's kinda hard to screw it up. That's just a great meatloaf combo. I'm kinda digging your glaze recipe. Oh and if you really want to flavor this sucker up add a can of RoTel Original tomato and green chilies. You need to sautee them down with the onions and seasonings, garlic, all that good stuff. Then incorporate it when it's cooled down. Make that meatloaf great.
Helen says
Can I use 80/20 beef? It calls for lean beef, but you weren't specific.
Sarah Jenkins says
Hi Helen, yes, that will work. Let me know how you like it!
Rina says
This meatloaf is so delicious! Love how perfect this is for meal prep. I made enough to last me for the week and I've been enjoying it!
Kimmy says
Made this last night and it was a HUGE hit with my family! The Lipton onion soup mix adds such a great flavor, and the glaze is the perfect finishing touch. Definitely a keeper!
Mera says
This recipe is a winner! Been looking for a new variation of meatloaf and my family loves this! Your glaze indeed is delicious.