Add incredible flavor to your favorite meatloaf recipes with the best Meatloaf Seasoning. This easy homemade blend uses eight simple pantry spices and comes together in about five minutes. Store it in an airtight jar and keep it on hand to boost weeknight dinners, smoked loaves, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, turkey versions, and more.
Table of contents
- Ditch the packet!
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- How to make basic meatloaf
- What to serve with meatloaf
- More homemade seasonings
Ditch the packet!
Instead of using a pre-mixed packet, make this homemade meatloaf seasoning for a fresher, more balanced flavor. There are no additives or hard-to-pronounce ingredients—just straightforward spices you likely already have. It’s quick to mix and keeps well, so you can reach for it anytime you want to deepen the flavor of a simple meatloaf.
Homemade spice blends are a great way to control salt, sugar, and the overall flavor profile in your cooking. This meatloaf seasoning pairs well with ground beef, pork, turkey, or a mixture of meats. Use it in classic oven-baked loaves, smoked meatloaf, bacon-wrapped loaves, or small individual mini loaves for portion control.
Ingredients
Below is the full ingredient list with suggested measurements. These amounts yield about 12 tablespoons of seasoning—enough for multiple meatloaves.
- Sea salt (or kosher salt) – coarse salts are preferred for texture and flavor.
- Black pepper – coarse-ground black pepper adds bite and texture.
- Paprika – use traditional paprika or smoked paprika for a smoky note; sweet paprika adds mild sweetness.
- Mustard powder – also labeled dry or ground mustard; it brings subtle heat and tang.
- Garlic powder or granulated garlic – granulated garlic resists clumping better over time.
- Onion powder or granulated onion – granulated onion adds more texture and also resists clumps.
- Celery seeds – give a faint celery flavor without requiring fresh celery.
- Dried parsley – adds a bright herb note that balances the blend.
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients into a small bowl.
- Whisk or stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container or jar and store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
That’s it — a versatile meatloaf seasoning ready in five minutes. Use it to season meatloaf mixtures, mix into burger patties, or sprinkle into meat rubs.
How to make a basic meatloaf
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes, then add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground pork, 3 tablespoons meatloaf seasoning, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Add the cooked onions and garlic and stir until evenly mixed—avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Press the meat mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or shape into a freeform loaf on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and spread 1/2 cup barbecue sauce over the top. Alternatively, mix 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 2 teaspoons of the meatloaf seasoning for a tangy glaze.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake another 25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F in the center. Let the loaf rest 10 minutes before slicing for best texture.
You can also use this seasoning in other meatloaf variations: bacon-wrapped loaves, smoked meatloaf, mini meatloaves, crock-pot versions, turkey meatloaf, and air-fryer meatloaf. For smaller loaves, scale the seasoning to taste (see notes below).
What to serve with meatloaf
Classic pairings highlight comfort and balance: mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables, and a simple green salad. Here are some side ideas and flavor complements:
- Mash: creamy mashed potatoes (regular or sweet), loaded mashed potatoes, or rosemary blue cheese mashed potatoes.
- Simple roasted potatoes or air-fryer baked potatoes for a crisp contrast.
- Roasted or sautéed vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
- Light salads, pickles, or a tangy slaw to cut richness.
Meatloaf Seasoning
A simple, flavorful homemade seasoning blend made from eight pantry spices. Ready in minutes and perfect for beef, pork, turkey, or mixed meatloaves. Keeps well in an airtight jar for months.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons coarse-ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion (or onion powder)
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to six months.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 12 tablespoons of seasoning. Use approximately 3 tablespoons of seasoning for 2 pounds of meat. For 1 pound, use 1 1/2 tablespoons.
- To double the batch, simply double each ingredient and store in a larger jar.
- Spices lose potency over time; the blend remains safe after six months but may be less flavorful. Label jars with the preparation date if desired.
- This seasoning contains no added sugar and is gluten free, so it works well for low-carb, keto, and other diets that avoid added sugars.
- Substitutions: swap smoked paprika for a smoky profile, or use sweet paprika for a gentler flavor. Adjust salt to taste if using lower-sodium diets.
Nutrition (per tablespoon, approximate)
Calories: 18 kcal • Carbohydrates: 3 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 1 g • Sodium: 1166 mg • Fiber: 1 g
More homemade seasonings
Keep a few homemade blends in your pantry to quickly flavor meats and veggies. Try pork chop seasoning, Montreal-style steak seasoning, chicken wing seasoning, or an all-purpose chicken seasoning to round out your collection.
Pork Chop Seasoning
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Chicken Wing Seasoning
