Choosing the right filler for meatloaf can make it or break it. We’re giving you the scoop on which ones to use and why. No dry meatloaf here!
Meatloaf is one of my favorite comfort foods. It’s made with a fairly simplistic and straightforward formula. There’s meat, seasoning, sauce, and filler. The filler is one of the most important aspects of meatloaf because it can really affect the flavor.
There are a number of different fillers that one can use, from the obvious to the wild. Let’s examine some of the best meatloaf fillers that we’ve found, and you can determine which is the best for yourself.
10 Best Fillers for Meatloaf
Bread Crumbs
This is the most common filler I’ve seen. Italian-style breadcrumbs blend in seamlessly with the meat and it’s great for anyone who doesn’t like to find huge chunks of bread in their meal. Also, the seasoning of the breadcrumbs compliments the meat quite well. This is an old reliable that you can’t go wrong with (unless there’s a gluten or dairy allergy. Make sure you check the label first!)
Soaked Bread
A lot of people like to make meatloaf using bread soaked in milk. This holds the meat together better and helps it maintain its natural juices. I’ve found the best way to do this is to break up white bread, drop it into the chopped meat mixture, and pour the desired amount of milk on top of it. The bread will soak up the milk. Then you mix it together.
Oatmeal
I’ve personally never tried this one, but a lot of people swear by using dry oatmeal as the filler for their meatloaf. I can see the appeal as it’s mostly flavorless and won’t throw off the meat and seasoning. It is also lighter than bread or breadcrumbs, making it a good bet for those of us trying to watch our figures.
Dried Vegetables
Certain dried out veggies can make great filler for your meatloaf. I’ve found that tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms are the most effective at replacing bread. This is particularly helpful if you’re on a low carb diet like Keto.
Pork Rinds
Believe it or not, crushed pork rinds can be a good filler for meatloaf and meatballs (Check out all our amazing meatball recipes!). Because pork rinds aren’t potato or corn-based like most chips, they’re a godsend for Keto practitioners. Pork rinds are actually bits of pork, so they’re high in fat and low in carbs. If you crush them up and add them to a meat mixture it holds the meal together perfectly.
Boxed Stuffing
A simple stuffing mix like Stove Top can be another great alternative to blend in your meatloaf. Typically, stuffing mix is packed with a lot of extra ingredients like veggies and seasonings that can give you a much different meatloaf experience. Pair it with our and gravy and you’ve got a great hearty meal.
Cooked Rice
Another outside the box alternative is cooked rice. It holds the meat together much the same as bread would. You can even play around with certain flavored rices for a vastly different experience.
Dried Soup Mix
This is another option most people don’t think about. Adding dried soup mix into the meat not only holds everything together well but also gives you a great opportunity to play around with different variations of flavor. There are also low carb and gluten-free options, which are always great to have.
Fresh or Frozen Veggies
Consider adding some fresh spinach or frozen vegetables into the mixture. This will help keep density in check, but it won’t absorb any of the meat’s juices.
Potatoes
Adding potato flakes to meatloaf is another great way to hold everything together while adding an extra bit of creamy goodness. Potatoes are often served alongside meatloaf. Imagine a meatloaf with that potato flavor built right into the meat. Pure bliss.
What’s your favorite filler for meatloaf?
This post originally appeared in February 2019 and was revised and republished in March 2021.
I had leftover ground beef and none of the fillers mentioned in this page. I desperately wanted to make a meatloaf. As I searched through my cabinets I found a bad of potato chips and some onion soup mix. I decided to add crushed potato chips, an egg, and a teaspoon of onion soup mix to 1/2 lb. of ground beef. The meatloaf turned out delish!
Way to get creative, Bella! Thanks for sharing with us.
In 1967, I worked for a Christian Science organization that had a fabulous kitchen and dining room.
I learned to cook from a myriad of great cooks, and became the vacation filler for every kitchen job – first cook to dishwasher. I learned so much that I then went to San Francisco and became the head chef of the sister org out there.
My favorite additives to burger based meat loaf are ground apples, finely ground carrots, and diced tomatoes, cleaned and cracker crumbs with breadcrumbs. I also use a bit of mustard, worcestershire sauce and Hunts ketchup, I do not use raw onions as it seems to take over the meatloaf. I do use powdered onion, and an egg or two.
I just made meatloaf and I added seasoned bread crumbs . It gave my meatloaf a good flavor. I made a salad and mashed potatoes with my meatloaf.
Sounds wonderful, Joanne!
Cheese is good!
Cheese is wonderful! We have a cheese-stuffed meatloaf here – https://thecookful.com/italian-meatloaf/ Enjoy, Roger!
My favorite fillers are oatmeal and cornmeal. Also eggs of course, Onion flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and anySSC diced fresh vegetables I happen to have.
Thanks for sharing your favorites!
While I sauté the peppers and onions,
in butter, I put 1 cup of panko bread crumbs in a bowl and add 1/2-3/4 cup of milk so the bread crumbs will soak up the milk…This will add moisture to the meat mixture and help to bind the meatloaf…..
Thank you for sharing with us, Ellen!
I add cooked quinoa for a healthier version and sliced almonds for a nice crunch. A little bit of steak sauce and a bit of Worcestershire adds yummy flavor.
Yum, Sherrie! Thanks for sharing with us.
I’ve used oatmeal with good results. I’ve also found if you use ground chicken the egg becomes unnecessary, poultry has a tendency to bind together fairly well without it. One of our kids has an egg allergy. A nice chicken meatloaf seasoned with a package of taco seasoning is usually a good bet for him. Some taco sauce, black beans and rice fill out to a good meal.
Thanks for sharing, Ted!
I’ve tried meatloaf using cornmeal mix (the box type to make cornbread) and mix with one egg, and ketchup with brown sugar. Different and found it tasty as well.
Thanks for sharing, Lori!
Couscous is an amazing substitute….I like using one that has a flavor in it (garlic & olive oil)..
Thanks for sharing, Tracey!
Christine, I saw a show today. I think it’s called Guy’s Grocery Game’s. One of the contestants used ground beans in his meatloaf. The game atm was “Uningredients” They couldn’t use the usual ingredients. Can you help me out please with a recipe for meatloaf with ground beans instead of say.oatmeal or breadcrumbs? I bomb on my meatloaf and would love something wonderful but easy. Nothing I have to go out and buy extra. I thought the beans sounded great! Any ideas?
We don’t have a meatloaf recipe like that, but we do have a vegan one that uses chickpeas and lentils in place of the meat. https://thecookful.com/easy-vegan-meatloaf/
I make a taco meatloaf..that my family loves..and i used chz nips in a pinch one time and everyone loved it.
Very cool, Lavonne. Thank you for sharing with us!
Cornflakes, can of peaches with juice and brown sugar. awsome
Thanks for your feedback, Gregg!
I’ve added a dash of curry, some mustard and ketchup always a chopped onion; but the curry really makes the difference. Plain breadcrumbs always and the usual egg. If you have a bag of frozen chopped peppers/onions, a handful gives a bit of veggies too.
I’ve added a dash of curry, some mustard and ketchup always a chopped onion; but the curry really makes the difference. Plain breadcrumbs always.
Thanks for sharing with us, Rob!
Thank you for the helpful ideas and comments. I understand about avoiding unnecessary fillers. Howeve, adding oatmeal, bread or cracker crumbs can add texture and fiber. I found that the simpler, the better in overall taste. I still add some spices. Good luck and enjoy!
Thanks for your feedback, Liz!
How about none?
Repeat, none.
Use beaten egg as the binder.
Crumbs, oatmeal, etc. are depressingly Depression era when meat was rationed.
Thank you,
Dale
What about croutons??
Sure, Miya! Crush them up a bit or give them a quick pulse in the food processor.
I have always use oatmeal in meatloaf, its more filling and healthier, one eats less and has all they need. Makes for good meals on the farm!
Great! Thanks for sharing, Susan!
What? No crackers? You can use either saltines or unsalted tops.
Thanks for letting us know, Hargon!