Meatloaf

This Easy Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest—no fuss, no fancy ingredients, just a tried-and-true dinner that actually gets requested. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even if you’re serving it with instant mashed potatoes.

Make it a meal and serve this with mashed potatoes OR cheesy potato casserolemacaroni and cheese, or a roasted veggie for a filling meal everyone will love. 

close up image showing meatloaf with a slice taken out on a wooden cutting board


 

Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatloaf

  • Easy dinner recipe: This meatloaf comes together quickly with simple ingredients—perfect for a no-fuss dinner.
  • Ground beef recipe: A great way to use up that pack of ground beef sitting in your fridge.
  • Family-friendly meal: Kid-approved and customizable—this one pleases even the picky eaters.
  • Make-ahead dinner: Prep it the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat.

This Easy Meatloaf is the definition of comfort food without the hassle. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknights. The Manwich sauce adds a little sweetness and moisture, making each bite juicy and flavorful, while the ground beef brings that hearty, savory goodness we all crave.

Best of all, this meatloaf is easy to make ahead and can even be frozen for later. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for meals in advance, it’s a simple, satisfying dish that always delivers.

Manwich Meatloaf Ingredients

This meatloaf keeps things super simple with just a handful of pantry staples—and a little help from a can of Manwich. Here’s what you’ll need to pull it together:

  • Manwich – Yep, the sloppy joe sauce. It adds built-in flavor and moisture without extra work.
  • Eggs – These act as a binder to help hold everything together.
  • Breadcrumbs – Regular or panko both work. They soak up moisture and keep the texture just right.
  • Onion – Finely diced for even cooking and a little extra flavor.
  • Salt and pepper – Just a pinch of each to balance the sweetness of the Manwich.
  • Ground beef – Leaner beef (like 85/15) works best—less grease, more flavor.

That’s it! A short ingredient list with big results. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a classic dinner with minimal effort.

Jesseca, author of One Sweet Appetite.

This is the best meatloaf ever. It’s one of those recipes that quietly steals the show. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together with minimal effort—exactly the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a weeknight hero. Bonus: even picky eaters clean their plates.


Tip from Jesseca:

For extra flavor, sauté the onions before mixing them in. It softens the texture and adds a subtle sweetness that takes the meatloaf up a notch.

Top down image showing a white mixing bowl with a red sauce, eggs, breadcrumbs, seasoning, onion, and breadcrumbs
top down image showing a white mixing bowl filled with a ground beef mixture

Variations and Substitutions

This homemade meatloaf is super forgiving and easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers:

  • Manwich: No Manwich? Use a mix of ketchup, a splash of BBQ sauce, and a dash of Worcestershire for a quick homemade version.
  • Breadcrumbs: Swap with crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice if you’re out.
  • Ground beef: You can use ground turkey or a beef/pork mix for a different flavor and texture.
  • Onion: Don’t love chopping? Use onion powder or pre-chopped frozen onions.
  • Spice it up: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little more flavor.
  • Topping twist: You can use the classic ketchup glaze or BBQ sauce on top before baking.

Make it your own and don’t overthink it—this is one of those recipes that still turns out great even with a few swaps.

top down image showing a black loaf pan filled with a meat mixture
top down image showing a black loaf pan filled with a meat mixture topped with sauce

Best Meatloaf Recipe

Making meatloaf is as simple as mix, shape, and bake. Here’s a quick overview to walk you through it:

  1. Prep the pan and oven: Preheat to 350°F and lightly mist your baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Mix it up: Combine the Manwich, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, salt, pepper, and ground beef in a large bowl.
  3. Shape the loaf: Form into a 9×5 rectangle in your pan—no loaf pan required!
  4. Top and bake: Spread the remaining Manwich on top and bake for about 45 minutes.
  5. Let it rest: Give it 10 minutes to cool before slicing. This helps it hold together.

That’s it—classic meatloaf flavor with half the work, and zero guesswork.

Expert Tips

  • Don’t overmix the meat. Use your hands or a wooden spoon and stop once everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense or dry.
  • Finely dice the onion. Larger chunks can leave uneven texture and bites of raw onion—small pieces blend better and cook through.
  • Use a meat thermometer. Cook until the center reaches 160°F to make sure it’s fully done without drying it out.
  • Let it rest. That 10-minute resting period helps the juices redistribute, so your slices hold together better.
  • Customize the sauce. Add a dash of hot sauce, BBQ, or mustard to the Manwich topping for a little flavor twist.
  • Skip the loaf pan if you like crispy edges. Shaping it on a baking sheet gives you more of that golden exterior all around.
top down image showing a black loaf pan filled with a meat mixture topped with sauce

Storage and Make-Ahead

  • To store: Let the meatloaf cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also wrap individual slices for easy grab-and-go lunches.
  • To freeze: Wrap the whole meatloaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • To make ahead: You can prep the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready. It’s a great way to get dinner halfway done before the day even starts.

close up image showing meatloaf with a slice taken out on a wooden cutting board

Recipe FAQs

Do I have to use Manwich?

Nope! You can sub in a mix of ketchup, a little brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce if you don’t have Manwich on hand.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready.

How do I know when it’s done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temp hits 160°F—that’s the safe zone for ground beef.

Can I freeze it?

Definitely. Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What kind of ground beef works best?

Go with 85/15 or 80/20. Too lean and you’ll lose flavor; too fatty and it can get greasy.

Can I add veggies to the mix?

Absolutely! Finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers work great—just keep the moisture in check so the loaf holds its shape.

Top down image showing a whtie round plate with two slices of meatloaf stacked on top

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4.50 from 53 votes

Manwich Meatloaf Recipe

Author Jesseca
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Serves: 8 people
This Manwich Meatloaf recipe is a game-changer! Combining the hearty, comforting texture of traditional meatloaf with the zesty, sweet and savory flavors of Manwich sauce, this dish is a surefire way to spice up your dinner routine. It's simple, flavorful, and perfect for those looking to put an exciting spin on a beloved classic. 

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can Bold Manwich Sauce
  • 2 large eggs (whisked)
  • 1/2 cup italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • lbs beef

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a shallow baking dish, loaf pan, or 9×13 pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup of Manwich, eggs, breadcrumbs, diced onion, salt, pepper, and ground beef. Use clean hands or a wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Avoid using an electric mixer, as it can overwork the meat and lead to a dense, dry texture.
  • Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and form it into a 9×5-inch loaf shape.
  • Spread the remaining Manwich sauce evenly over the top of the loaf.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Do not over mix! Use your hands to incorporate all of the ingredients until they are only just combined. When shaping your loaf, remember that looser is better.
  • Use a higher fat meat. We lean towards an 80/20 ratio.
  • Let your meat rest. Once it has come to temperature, remove from the oven and allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Dinner Recipes
Cuisine American
close up image showing meatloaf with a slice taken out on a wooden cutting board. Text overlay reads "Manwich Meatloaf Recipe"

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4.50 from 53 votes (51 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




36 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    I used Panko Bread crumbs and Lipton Onion Soup Mix (instead of onions). I also mixed Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce with the Manwhich sauce for the topper. Family loved it!

    1. That sounds like an amazing twist! The Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce mixed with the Manwich must have added such a delicious flavor. I’m so glad your family loved it—thanks for sharing your creative tweaks!

  2. George Moy says:

    5 stars
    I haven’t made this Manwich (sloppy Joe meatloaf)meatloaf yet, but I did make the sour cream and onion meatloaf and instead of using it for sandwiches as leftovers go Or spaghetti meal go , I made fried rice with leftover meatloaf and it turned out very beefy,something you won’t find around town, so I suppose this Manwich meatloaf would give your fried rice a big flavor change.

  3. George Moy says:

    Can you substitute oatmeal for bread crumbs? I made meatloaf using bread crumbs (cushed salad croutons) and when you came to cut and serve the meatloaf,the bread crumbs started to come apart and the meatloaf was very tough and dry,not like oatmeal, moist and tender.

    1. Yes. Oats would work for this recipe.

    2. Jessa Fisher says:

      I use ritz crackers also

  4. I made this meatloaf with the manwich sloppy joe can and added my seasoned crushed up stuffing mix and chopped green onions very fine and 2 eggs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, a splash of milk, green peppers, and after it was almost done I topped it with the manwich sauce and just a touch of brown sugar. It was simple and the best meatloaf I’ve ever made. Everyone loved it and they said… don’t forget how you made this we want more lol. At the end process I sprinkled a little shredded cheese on top and yum! Turned around and it was completely all gone! Great recipe! Thank you!!

    1. Hi Dale, these are all excellent suggestions and I cannot wait to try your version. Thanks for sharing.

    2. Dale, what kind of stuffing mix did you use in your recipe?

      1. Hi Melissa, we tried Dale’s suggestions and used a box of stovetop stuffing that we crushed a little. Hope that helps!

  5. i like the saucy meatballs. I like adding sweet baby rays bbq sauce

  6. Yvonne @ TriedandTasty says:

    I love your pictures! They turned out so good!

  7. My favorite is the recipe for the Chuckwagon Beef and Bean skillet. They also have a few casserole recipes that I want to try out.

  8. I would love to try the meatball hoagies. SOunds delicious!

  9. I would try the Sloppy Joe Macaroni Skillet

  10. I never knew that there were other choices either! Fun! THe baked sloppy joe cups, look like something I’d like to try! (And the meatloaf!) Awesome giveaway!

  11. I’d l;ike to try the Sloppy Joe Stuffed Baked Potatoes

  12. Amy Anderson says:

    Turkey picadillo for me!

  13. the meatball hoagies

  14. Amy Orvin says:

    I’d love to try the saucy meatloaf. Yum! Yum!

  15. Yum! I’d make Chuckwagon Turkey and Bean Skillet. It looks easy!

  16. Saucy meatballs definitely

  17. Lisa Brown says:

    i would try the Tangy Sweet Pork Chops recipe

  18. Tina Truex says:

    I am going to try the party sausage dip! Looks yummy! Thanks

  19. Sweet and Savory Saucy Meatballs are at the top of my list. Yum.

  20. I think I would definitely try out the shredded beef sandwiches or the party sausage dip. I had no idea there were so many options!

  21. Jessie C. says:

    I would like to try Sloppy Joe Slider Pull Aparts recipe.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  22. Jessica W says:

    the Sweet and Savory Saucy Meatballs look amazing

  23. This one! OK, the slow cooker crockpot chicken sandwiches too!

  24. I want to try the meatball hoagies.

  25. All the recipes look so delicious but I think I would like to try the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole first

  26. shantelle stately says:

    The meatball hoagie looks amazing!

  27. Samantha Meppen says:

    Defiantly the sloppy joe dip! It looks amazing!

  28. Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says:

    YUM! Sloppy Joe and Biscuit Casserole – all the mess you can sop up with a Biscuit!! That’s good eating!

  29. Saucy meatballs look Super Bowl perfect!

  30. Definitely the meat loaf! I love, love meat loaf and using this sauce would make it 10 times easier to fix!

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