Finding the right seasonings for meatloaf can be difficult. My Mom made the best meatloaf, hands down. Her meatloaf was truly a family favorite. Her recipes were rarely written down. I loved to watch her cook and learned so much by doing so. She is gone now, but I believe her meatloaf lives on. My Homemade Meatloaf Seasoning Blend Plus Meatloaf Recipe comes very close to the taste of her perfect meatloaf. This meatloaf seasoning mix leans a bit Italian, but not in a major way. It is rounded out with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. It tastes very similar to the pre-made meatloaf seasoning in the little packets.
I serve homemade meatloaf the way my Mom did, with mashed potatoes, peas, and a slice of buttered white bread.
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MARY'S TWO CENTS
Making your own spice blends is a fabulous way to save money. When you buy that little pouch at the grocery store you could be buying ingredients that are already in your spice cabinet. Taking the do-it-yourself approach makes this a cheap recipe!
This Meatloaf Seasoning Blend is:
- adaptable to your family's taste preferences
- easy to make and store
- better for people with food allergies since you control what goes in it
- made with natural flavors
- your own spice blend
- great to make in a big batch to give as a gift in pretty jars with your meat loaf recipe
Ingredients:
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Mix seasoning mix ingredients into a small bowl.
Sprinkle the spice mix onto the ground meat.
Mix to distribute the spices evenly.
Add your favorite meatloaf ingredients. (See notes in the recipe card for meatloaf recipe)
Form the meat mixture into a log and place it in a 5-inch loaf pan.
Brush with glaze and bake in the oven until cooked through.
Optional Spice Blends:
- Add a teaspoon of ground mustard to add more savory flavor to this spice blend.
- Swap out the Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning and the onion powder with dehydrated onion.
- Go Tex-Mex by swapping out the Italian seasoning with cumin and ancho chili powder.
- Go Asian by swapping out the Italian seasoning with ground star anise and granulated garlic in place of the garlic powder.
Recipe FAQ'S
Ketchup or tomato sauce combined with brown sugar, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, and vinegar creates an irresistible sauce. I use ¼ cup ketchup and 2 tablespoons brown sugar for my flavorful meatloaf glaze. 
Looking for More About Spices?
Equipment:
- Measuring spoons
- Bowl
- Large Bowl (used in making meatloaf)
- Loaf pan (used in making meatloaf)
Storage Tips
I suggest making this Homemade Meatloaf Seasoning Blend in bulk and storing the dry seasoning it in an airtight container or glass jars with lids. It will be ready whenever you need it!
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all the seasoning ingredients into a small bowl. Stir well to combine. Store in airtight container until ready to use. Then...
- Add seasoning to 2 pounds of ground beef. Add to your favorite meatloaf ingredients. Work with hands until well combined. Put meat in a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350-degree oven for 45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Norma Nelson says
Which type of paprika do you use.? I know there are several different types
Mary says
You can use sweet paprika or smoked paprika. I would only use hot paprika if your family likes a spicy meatloaf. Thanks for asking! I will note that in the recipe.
Laura says
If seasoning is made in bulk, how much do we add per pound of meat? (Family of 2 so often I make 1# meatloafs to cut down on leftovers.)
Mary says
It would be 2 tablespoons per pound of meat. 😀
Giangi Townsend says
Wonderful idea and suggestion. I never know what to use with my meatloaf and your recipe really brought some great flavor to my meatloaf.
Thank you.
Melinda says
I hadn’t used paprika in my meatloaf before, but now I’m convinced it’s the secret ingredient! Thanks for all the options and substitutions too. It’s so handy to have homemade meatloaf seasoning made in advance and ready to go.
Elizabeth says
So good and gives great flavor! Thanks for the recipe!
nancy says
i always find store bought seasoning too salty. this one is perfect and I like that I can adjust to suit my personal preferences