High Protein Meatloaf: The Ultimate Weeknight Savior

This incredibly high protein meatloaf is juicy, flavorful, and packed with savory onion goodness. It’s the perfect easy, satisfying comfort food dinner for busy families.

Finding a high protein meatloaf that doesn’t taste like dry cardboard is harder than getting toddlers to eat broccoli. As a busy mom who’s burned more dinners than I’d care to admit, I feel your pain. That’s why I created this magical onion meatloaf recipe that’s become my weeknight superhero. Picture this: juicy beef infused with savory French onion soup mix, studded with crispy fried onions, all glazed with that sticky-sweet ketchup topping we crave. The best part? Each serving packs 18g of protein to keep you full for hours. Seriously, my picky eater didn’t even notice he was eating something nutritious.

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This High Protein Meatloaf

You might be thinking, “Another meatloaf recipe?” But trust me, this one is different. This isn’t just any meatloaf; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation.

What you’ll Need for this Onion Meatloaf Recipe

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand already, which makes it perfect for a last-minute dinner decision. For example, the French-fried onions are the star here, adding both flavor and a fantastic texture.

Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

• Cooking spray: Prevents tragic sticking incidents
• ½ cup Ketchup: The sweet-tangy glue holding life together
• ½ cup Brown sugar: Balances acidity for that perfect glaze
• 1½ lbs Ground beef (90% lean): Lean protein powerhouse
• ¾ cup French-fried onions: The crispy game-changer
• ¾ cup Bread crumbs: Binding agent extraordinaire
• 2 large Eggs: Nature’s perfect binder
• ½ cup Sour cream: Secret moisture weapon
• ¼ cup Milk: Prevents Sahara-dry disasters
• 1 packet French onion soup mix: Flavor atomic bomb
• 2 tsp Garlic powder: Because everything needs garlic
• 1½ tsp Salt: Flavor enhancer
• ¼ tsp Black pepper: Gentle heat kick
• ¼ tsp Ground ginger: Surprising depth booster

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for the Perfect High Protein Meatloaf

Alright, let’s get this show on the road! This process is so simple, you’ll have it in the oven in no time. Grab a big bowl and let’s make some dinner magic happen.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot, ready for your meatloaf to jump right in. Next, grab a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. Give it a good spritz with cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks. Now for a little trick that makes this recipe so special: spread the ketchup and brown sugar evenly over the bottom of the pan. This mixture will bubble up and create an incredible, sweet-and-savory glaze on the bottom of your meatloaf as it bakes. It’s like a little surprise at the end!

Step 2: Mix Your Heart Out – Creating the High Protein Meatloaf

Now for the fun part. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, those wonderful French-fried onions, bread crumbs, eggs, sour cream, milk, the entire packet of French onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and that little hint of ginger.

The best tools for this job are your hands! Getting in there ensures everything is gently but thoroughly combined. However, a word of caution: try not to overmix. Overworking the meat can make your final meatloaf tough, and we’re aiming for tender and juicy. Just mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Then, gently shape the mixture into a loaf and place it right on top of that ketchup and brown sugar layer in your pan.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your masterpiece into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 1 hour. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely heavenly—that rich, savory onion aroma is pure comfort. The meatloaf is done when it’s no longer pink in the center. The most reliable way to check for doneness, however, is with an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf; it should read at least 160°F (70°C). This is a food safety must! Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and perfect.

Pro Tips for the Best Meatloaf Ever

• Don’t Press It Down: When you shape the loaf, be gentle. Packing the meat too tightly can result in a dense, dry meatloaf. A lighter touch yields a more tender texture.
• Let It Rest: I know, everyone is hungry and it smells amazing. But letting the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. It helps the loaf hold its shape and keeps it juicy.
• Change Up the Glaze: While the ketchup-brown sugar bottom is fantastic, you can also spread a little extra ketchup on top for the last 15 minutes of baking for a more traditional look.
• Meal Prep Magic: This is a great recipe to prep ahead. You can mix everything, shape the loaf in the pan, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

What to Serve with This Onion Meatloaf Recipe

This hearty meatloaf pairs beautifully with so many classic sides. You honestly can’t go wrong. For the ultimate comfort food experience, I highly recommend serving it with a generous scoop of my favorite Creamy Mashed Potatoes. The creamy potatoes are the perfect vehicle for any extra juices from the meatloaf.

Other fantastic options include:

• Steamed green beans with a little butter and lemon.
• A simple side salad with a vinaigrette.
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus.
• And for dessert? Why not keep the comfort theme going with some classic Chocolate Chip Cookies? It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for this dish. Please note that these values are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (per 100g)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~345 kcal
Total Fat	~20g
Saturated Fat	~9g
Carbohydrates	~27g
Protein	~13g
Sodium	~850mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about this Onion Meatloaf Recipe

I get a lot of questions about making the perfect meatloaf. Here are some of the most common ones I hear!

Can you use French fried onions in meatloaf?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s the secret to this recipe’s amazing flavor and texture. The onions soften as they bake, releasing their savory flavor throughout the meatloaf, while also adding a certain richness you don’t get from fresh onions alone. It’s a fantastic shortcut that packs a huge flavor punch.

Should you cook onions before putting them in meatloaf?

For many traditional recipes, yes, sautéing onions beforehand is a good idea to soften them and mellow their flavor. However, for this specific Onion Meatloaf Recipe, you don’t need to! We are using two onion powerhouses: the French onion soup mix and the French-fried onions. Both are designed to deliver maximum flavor without any pre-cooking, which makes this recipe incredibly fast and easy.

What does Gordon Ramsay put in his meatloaf?

While I’m just a humble home cook, I do know that famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay have their own tricks! He often uses a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor and fat. In addition, he incorporates ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and sometimes wraps his meatloaf in bacon for an extra layer of smoky goodness. While our recipe is simpler, it definitely delivers on the flavor front!

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers are one of the best parts of making meatloaf! Store any extra slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop a slice in the microwave for a minute or two, or my favorite method pan-fry a slice in a little butter until it’s golden and crispy on both sides. It’s also amazing cold in a sandwich the next day!

Conclusion:

There you have it—a truly simple, satisfying, and delicious meal that will have your whole family cheering. This high protein meatloaf isn’t just dinner; it’s a solution for those busy days when you need something reliable and comforting. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to create a memorable meal. So go ahead, give it a try. I have a feeling it’s going to become a staple in your home, just as it has in mine.

Thank you for being a loyal reader and supporter of SavoringDish! Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest and print it out. If you give it a try, tag me @savoringdish on Facebook and Instagram—we’d love to see your creations! And if you enjoy any of our recipes, please leave a star rating to let us know.

Print