Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Meatloaf has always been one of those nostalgic comfort foods for me. It’s hearty, satisfying, and when done right, it fills the kitchen with the kind of smell that makes you feel at home. But there’s one version that stands out above the rest: Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf. I’ve made many types of meatloaf over the years, yet this recipe always gets the most requests from family and friends. It’s savory, juicy, and packed with flavor thanks to that magic packet of Lipton Onion Soup mix.

What I love most is how easy it is to throw together. With just a few pantry staples and some ground beef, you get a meatloaf that’s tender on the inside, slightly crisped on the edges, and blanketed in a glossy layer of tangy-sweet glaze. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this meatloaf is always a hit.

---

Why You’ll Love This Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf

• Effortless Flavor: The soup mix does all the heavy lifting, infusing the meat with oniony depth and seasoning.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist it—especially with that sweet glaze.
• Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day in sandwiches or reheated slices.
• Versatile: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

---

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

When it comes to choosing ground beef for Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, I usually go with 80/20 ground chuck. That 20% fat content keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful without making it greasy. Leaner blends like 90/10 can work if you’re watching fat intake, but you’ll want to be careful—it’s easier to end up with a dry loaf. If you’re mixing meats, a combo of ground beef and ground pork also gives excellent results with a touch more richness.

---

Options for Substitutions

Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf is surprisingly flexible, and here are some great substitutions you can try:

• Ground Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just add a bit of extra moisture like grated zucchini or a splash of milk.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko, crushed crackers, or even oats can be used in place of regular breadcrumbs.
• Eggs: No eggs on hand? Use a flaxseed “egg” or a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt to help bind the mixture.
• Ketchup Glaze: Want to skip the traditional glaze? Barbecue sauce, chili sauce, or even a blend of ketchup and mustard makes a tasty change.
• Lipton Mix Substitute: If you’re out of the onion soup mix, try using a mix of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, and garlic powder.

---

Ingredients for This Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf

Let’s break down the key ingredients and why each one is essential to making this meatloaf irresistible:

• Ground Beef
  This is the base of the dish. Choose 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
• Lipton Onion Soup Mix
  The star of the show. It brings concentrated onion flavor, seasoning, and just the right amount of saltiness without the need to measure a bunch of spices.
• Eggs
  They act as a binder, holding everything together so your loaf stays sliceable and doesn’t crumble.
• Breadcrumbs
  These give the meatloaf structure and soak up moisture, ensuring a tender interior. You can use regular, seasoned, or even homemade crumbs.
• Water or Milk
  A small amount of liquid helps keep the texture moist and tender during baking. Milk adds a bit more richness than water.
• Ketchup
  Mixed into the meatloaf and used as a glaze on top, ketchup adds a hint of sweetness and tang that balances the savory onion soup mix.
• Optional Add-Ins
  Some folks like to add shredded cheese, finely chopped onion, or even Worcestershire sauce to customize the flavor. Not necessary, but always welcome.

---

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer a free-form loaf. This gives the meatloaf a better crust all around.

---

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, eggs, breadcrumbs, and your liquid (water or milk). Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix just until everything is combined. Don’t overwork it—this can make the meatloaf dense.

---

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf by hand on your baking sheet. Pack it gently to help it hold together without compacting too tightly.

---

Step 4: Add the Glaze

Spread a generous layer of ketchup over the top. You can also mix ketchup with a little brown sugar or mustard for added depth and sweetness in the glaze.

---

Step 5: Bake

Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 55–60 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when it’s done.

---

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing much easier and cleaner.

---

How Long to Cook the Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf

The average cooking time for this meatloaf is 55 to 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, the exact time can vary based on your oven and the thickness of the loaf. For best results, always check the internal temperature—it should read 160°F (71°C) in the center.

If you’re using a meat thermometer (which I highly recommend), insert it into the thickest part of the loaf without touching the bottom of the pan. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

---

Tips for Perfect Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf

• Use 80/20 Beef: It strikes the right balance between juicy and not greasy. Leaner meats can turn dry unless you add extra moisture.
• Mix Gently: Overmixing compresses the meat and leads to a dense, tough loaf. Stop mixing as soon as everything is evenly combined.
• Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and juicier to eat.
• Customize the Glaze: Try mixing ketchup with a bit of brown sugar, Worcestershire, or Dijon mustard for a twist on the classic topping.
• Use a Pan with Drainage: If you have a meatloaf pan with a perforated insert, it helps drain excess fat and avoids soggy bottom issues.
• Test for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer for peace of mind and perfect doneness—160°F is your golden number.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf can go off-track if you’re not careful. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overmixing the Meat
  This is the top mistake. Mixing too much breaks down the meat’s texture, resulting in a tough loaf. Use a light hand and stop once everything’s combined.
• Using Very Lean Meat Without Adjustments
  Lean ground beef can lead to a dry meatloaf unless you add moisture—like grated veggies, milk, or a bit of oil.
• Skipping the Resting Time
  Cutting into the meatloaf right out of the oven causes all the juices to run out. Always let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
• Not Checking the Temperature
  Guesswork isn’t your friend here. Undercooked meatloaf is unsafe; overcooked meatloaf is dry. A meat thermometer is your best tool.
• Drowning in Glaze or Forgetting It Altogether
  Too much glaze can overwhelm the meat. Too little makes the top dry. A thin, even layer is perfect.
• Packing the Meat Too Tight
  Whether shaping by hand or using a pan, avoid pressing it in too firmly. This prevents airflow and leads to dense results.

---

What to Serve With Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf?

Looking for the perfect pairings? These side dishes complete the meal beautifully:

Classic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort side for meatloaf. They soak up the glaze and juices like a dream.

Roasted Vegetables

A tray of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans adds color, texture, and a healthy balance to the richness of the meatloaf.

Garden Salad

A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate and lightens up the plate.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, juicy corn contrasts wonderfully with the savory beef and onions.

Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

Bread makes sure not a drop of glaze or juice is left behind on the plate.

Rice Pilaf

A light, seasoned rice dish works great if you want a non-potato starch that still soaks up flavor.

Sweet Potato Wedges

For a slightly sweet, earthy twist, roasted sweet potatoes add depth and contrast.

Creamed Spinach

Rich and silky, this side dish complements the hearty meat without overpowering it.

---

Storage Instructions

Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf stores exceptionally well, making it a great make-ahead option or meal prep star.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for grab-and-go lunches.
• Freezer: To freeze, let the meatloaf cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, but cover them with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Please note these values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands used:

• Calories: 340 per slice (based on 8 servings)
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 780mg

For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey and low-sodium onion soup mix, and go easy on the glaze.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can mix and shape the meatloaf up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time if it goes into the oven cold.

---

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

You sure can. Ground turkey works well, but since it’s leaner, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of milk for extra moisture.

---

What if I don’t have Lipton Onion Soup Mix?

You can make a simple homemade version using dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of parsley. It won’t be identical, but it’ll get you close.

---

Can I cook this in a muffin tin?

Yes! This is great for portion control and faster cook time. Just divide the mixture into greased muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

---

How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?

Make sure you use enough binder—eggs and breadcrumbs are key. Also, let the meatloaf rest after baking so it firms up before slicing.

---

Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?

Definitely. Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms work great. Just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture content.

---

Is it okay to freeze cooked meatloaf?

Yes. Once it’s fully cooled, slice and freeze it in portions for easy reheating. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners later.

---

What’s the best glaze alternative to ketchup?

Try barbecue sauce, chili sauce, or a mix of Dijon mustard and honey. These all bring their own unique twist to the meatloaf flavor.

---

Conclusion

Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf is a classic for good reason—it’s simple to make, full of savory flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adding it back into your weekly rotation, it’s a dish that always delivers on comfort and taste. From weeknight dinners to leftover lunches, this meatloaf earns its spot at the table every time.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: