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. Get your taste buds ready for a meatloaf that’s not only deliciously moist but also packed with a unique flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Make it a meal and serve this with mashed potatoes OR cheesy potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, or a roasted veggie for a filling meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatloaf
- Convenience: Using Manwich sauce is a convenient shortcut, as it’s a ready-made sauce packed with seasonings. This saves time and effort in preparation, making it an excellent option for a quick and easy meal.
- Family-Friendly: The familiar and beloved flavor of Manwich is often a hit with kids, making this meatloaf recipe a great choice for a family-friendly meal.
- Unique Flavor: Manwich sauce adds a unique, tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the meatloaf, enhancing the overall taste and making it more exciting than a traditional meatloaf.
This quick dinner is one of our all-time favorites. Meatloaf is such a classic meal idea, and let’s face it, when all you have to do is mix and bake- it’s a winner. A go-to for busy weeknights, this recipe brings in the flavor of classic sloppy joes with the added benefits of a loaf. You can even prep it in advance.
The Manwich sauce infuses the meatloaf with a distinct tanginess, paired with a subtle sweetness and savory depth that elevates the traditional meatloaf taste. This blend of flavors ensures each bite is moist and rich, offering a comforting yet exciting culinary experience. The tomato-based sauce adds a luscious texture, ensuring the meatloaf is tender and succulent, not dry or crumbly. The combination of the seasoned sauce with the savory ground meat creates a harmonious balance, making it a hearty, satisfying dish with a delightful twist that appeals to both traditional meatloaf lovers and those seeking something a bit different in their comfort food.
Manwich Meatloaf Ingredients
Here’s another reason to love this classic meatloaf recipe, it’s only SIX simple ingredients. Five, if you don’t count salt and pepper! Here is what you need to get this recipe started:
- Manwich: One can of manwich takes away the need for tomato sauce, tomato paste, and worcestershire sauce. It’s all together in one and inexpensive!
- Eggs: These work as a binder and hold together the ground beef mixture while it bakes. Eggs also add moisture to the meal.
- Bread Crumbs: Regular, Italian style, or soft fresh bread crumbs work well. They also work as a binder and help hold everything together as it cooks.
- Onion: Pro tip- finely dice the onion so you don’t end up with big chunks in the final product. Smaller pieces cook down and add so much more flavor the the meat.
- Salt and Black Pepper: I keep things simple, but you can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning or garlic powder if you’d like.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is my typical go-to, because we have it on hand more often, but a mix of ground beef and pork is king when it comes to flavor.
Sloppy Joe Meatloaf Recipe
This really is one of the easiest recipes. It’s like taking your favorite sloppy joe recipe and combining it with meatloaf in the very best ways. Here’s how to get this started and on the dinner table:
- PREP: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mist a shallow baking pan, loaf pan, or 9×13 pan with cooking spray and set aside for later.
- MIX: Combine 3/4 cup sloppy joe sauce, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, salt, pepper, and meat in a large bowl. Mix to combine. I find it easiest to use my hands, but you can use a wooden spoon if you prefer. Mix it well, but avoid an electric mixer as it can over mix the meat making it tough and dry.
- SHAPE: Shape the meat mixture into a 9×5 rectangle in the prepared dish. Spread remaining sauce on the top and cook for 45 minutes or until an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
- COOL: Allow the meatloaf to sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Helpful Tools
- Loaf Pan (affiliate): A standard loaf pan is essential for giving meatloaf its classic shape. Non-stick or silicone loaf pans are great for easy release.
- Mixing Bowls (affiliate): Large mixing bowls are needed for combining the meat with Manwich sauce, breadcrumbs, eggs, and other ingredients.
- Meat Thermometer (affiliate): A meat thermometer ensures that the meatloaf is cooked to the proper internal temperature, which is crucial for food safety.
Recipe Notes:
The best type of meat for meatloaf is typically a mix of ground beef and pork for flavor and juiciness. However, you can use all beef, or even turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
The best way to ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or pork meatloaf, and 165°F (74°C) for poultry-based meatloaf.
Dry meatloaf can result from overcooking, using too lean a meat blend, or not adding enough moist ingredients like eggs or sauce. To prevent this, monitor cooking times closely and consider a fattier meat blend.
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in the refrigerator, then bake it according to the recipe instructions.
To keep meatloaf from falling apart, make sure you use enough binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs. Also, don’t overmix the meat, as it can become too dense and tough
Yes, meatloaf can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.
Alternatives to breadcrumbs in meatloaf include oatmeal, crushed crackers, or even cooked rice. These can help bind the meatloaf while adding a unique texture and flavor.
Both methods work well. A loaf pan gives a traditional shape and can result in a moister loaf, while cooking on a baking sheet provides a crustier exterior. The choice depends on your texture preference.
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Manwich Meatloaf Recipe
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
- 1½ lbs beef
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mist a shallow baking pan, loaf pan, or 9×13 pan with cooking spray and set aside for later.
- Combine 3/4 cup sloppy joe sauce, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, salt, pepper, and meat in a large bowl. Mix to combine.
- I find it easiest to use my hands, but you can use a wooden spoon if you prefer. Mix it well, but avoid an electric mixer as it can over mix the meat making it tough and dry.
- Shape the meat mixture into a 9×5 rectangle in the prepared dish. Spread remaining sauce on the top and cook for 45 minutes or until an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
- Allow the meatloaf to sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
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.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
George Moy says
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.
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.
Jesseca says
Yes. Oats would work for this recipe.
Jessa Fisher says
I use ritz crackers also
Dale says
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!!
Jesseca says
Hi Dale, these are all excellent suggestions and I cannot wait to try your version. Thanks for sharing.
Melissa says
Dale, what kind of stuffing mix did you use in your recipe?
Jesseca says
Hi Melissa, we tried Dale’s suggestions and used a box of stovetop stuffing that we crushed a little. Hope that helps!
livivua says
i like the saucy meatballs. I like adding sweet baby rays bbq sauce
Yvonne @ TriedandTasty says
I love your pictures! They turned out so good!
David says
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.
Leanne says
I would love to try the meatball hoagies. SOunds delicious!
Elena says
I would try the Sloppy Joe Macaroni Skillet
Aimee C says
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!
Carolsue says
I’d l;ike to try the Sloppy Joe Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Amy Anderson says
Turkey picadillo for me!
latanya says
the meatball hoagies
Amy Orvin says
I’d love to try the saucy meatloaf. Yum! Yum!
rachel says
Yum! I’d make Chuckwagon Turkey and Bean Skillet. It looks easy!
Scott L says
Saucy meatballs definitely
Lisa Brown says
i would try the Tangy Sweet Pork Chops recipe
Tina Truex says
I am going to try the party sausage dip! Looks yummy! Thanks
Holly C. says
Sweet and Savory Saucy Meatballs are at the top of my list. Yum.
Jonie says
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!
Jessie C. says
I would like to try Sloppy Joe Slider Pull Aparts recipe.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessica W says
the Sweet and Savory Saucy Meatballs look amazing
Debra says
This one! OK, the slow cooker crockpot chicken sandwiches too!
Mami2jcn says
I want to try the meatball hoagies.
Neiddy says
All the recipes look so delicious but I think I would like to try the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole first
shantelle stately says
The meatball hoagie looks amazing!
Samantha Meppen says
Defiantly the sloppy joe dip! It looks amazing!
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!
Jan P says
Saucy meatballs look Super Bowl perfect!
Ashlee says
Definitely the meat loaf! I love, love meat loaf and using this sauce would make it 10 times easier to fix!