7 Christmas Meatloaf Recipes To Try This Holiday

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious, comforting Christmas meatloaf recipe? Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that's perfect for a special occasion, and with a few festive twists, it can become a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday meal.

Whether you're looking for a traditional meatloaf recipe with a Christmas spin or something entirely new, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore seven Christmas meatloaf recipes to try this holiday season. From classic beef and pork combinations to more adventurous ingredients like cranberries and bacon, we'll dive into the world of holiday meatloaf and provide you with the inspiration you need to create a truly unforgettable dish.

Why Meatloaf is a Great Choice for Christmas

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about why meatloaf is such a great choice for Christmas. For one, it's a crowd-pleaser – who doesn't love a good meatloaf? It's also a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways, from classic to more adventurous. Plus, it's a great way to feed a large group of people without breaking the bank.

Recipe 1: Classic Christmas Meatloaf

Our first recipe is a classic take on the traditional meatloaf. This recipe features a combination of ground beef and pork, mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. The twist? A layer of cranberry sauce on top, adding a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and top with cranberry sauce.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips and Variations

• Try adding some chopped bacon or onions to the mixture for extra flavor.
• Use a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.
• Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a hearty holiday meal.

Recipe 2: Bacon-Wrapped Christmas Meatloaf

Our next recipe takes the classic meatloaf to the next level with a layer of crispy bacon on top. This recipe features a mixture of ground beef and pork, wrapped in a layer of bacon and topped with a tangy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 6 slices of bacon
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
3. Wrap the mixture in a layer of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Place the meatloaf on a baking sheet and top with BBQ sauce.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips and Variations

• Try using different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered, for a unique flavor.
• Add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor.
• Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes for a delicious holiday side dish.

Recipe 3: Cranberry-Glazed Christmas Meatloaf

Our next recipe features a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze on top of a classic meatloaf. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a slightly sweeter take on the traditional dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and top with cranberry glaze.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips and Variations

• Try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture for extra texture.
• Use a mixture of cranberry and orange marmalade for a unique flavor.
• Serve with roasted carrots and green beans for a delicious holiday side dish.

Recipe 4: Christmas Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy

Our next recipe features a savory mushroom gravy on top of a classic meatloaf. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty and comforting holiday dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and top with mushroom gravy.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips and Variations

• Try using different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster, for a unique flavor.
• Add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor.
• Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans for a delicious holiday side dish.

Recipe 5: Christmas Meatloaf with Bacon and Cheddar

Our next recipe features a creamy bacon and cheddar topping on top of a classic meatloaf. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a rich and indulgent holiday dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 6 slices of bacon
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and top with bacon and cheddar cheese.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips and Variations

• Try using different types of cheese, such as parmesan or gouda, for a unique flavor.
• Add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor.
• Serve with roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes for a delicious holiday side dish.

Recipe 6: Christmas Meatloaf with Cranberry-Orange Glaze

Our next recipe features a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange glaze on top of a classic meatloaf. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a slightly sweeter take on the traditional dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and top with cranberry-orange glaze.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips and Variations

• Try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture for extra texture.
• Use a mixture of cranberry and orange juice for a unique flavor.
• Serve with roasted carrots and green beans for a delicious holiday side dish.

Recipe 7: Christmas Meatloaf with Bourbon-Mushroom Gravy

Our final recipe features a rich and savory bourbon-mushroom gravy on top of a classic meatloaf. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a sophisticated and indulgent holiday dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini)
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and top with bourbon-mushroom gravy.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips and Variations

• Try using different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster, for a unique flavor.
• Add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor.
• Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans for a delicious holiday side dish.

We hope you've enjoyed these seven Christmas meatloaf recipes! Whether you're looking for a classic take on the traditional dish or something entirely new, we've got you covered. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make your holiday meal truly unforgettable.

Don't forget to share your favorite holiday recipes with us in the comments below! What's your go-to holiday dish? Do you have any unique twists or traditions when it comes to Christmas cooking? We'd love to hear from you!