Name: Hunt’s Meatloaf Recipe With Rich Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: No-stick Cooking Spray; 1 ½ pounds ground beef; 1 cup dry unseasoned bread crumbs; 2 large eggs; 1 cup Hunt’s® Tomato Sauce; ½ cup Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes, drained; ½ cup finely chopped onion; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup Hunt’s® Tomato Sauce; 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Many of my cooking habits started long before I had my own kitchen. Hunt’s Meatloaf Recipe reminds me of watching family members mix meat by hand, line the baking pan with foil, and spread tomato sauce across the top with care.

That simple tomato layer always felt like the final touch before dinner. I still follow those same steps today, trusting the balance of beef, bread crumbs, and Hunt’s Tomato Sauce to deliver a familiar dinner every time.

Hunt’s Meatloaf Recipe For Easy Family Dinners

Hunt’s Meatloaf Recipe is a classic oven-baked meatloaf made with ground beef, Hunt’s Tomato Sauce, bread crumbs, and a sweet-savory tomato sauce mixture that bakes right on top.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner
Yield: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: ~390 kcal

This Meatloaf Recipe Hunts style fits weeknights, family dinners, and make-ahead plans with ease.

Ingredients

Meatloaf Ingredients

No-stick Cooking Spray
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 cup dry unseasoned bread crumbs
2 large eggs
1 cup Hunt’s® Tomato Sauce
½ cup Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes, drained
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Tomato Sauce Mixture (Topping)

½ cup Hunt’s® Tomato Sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar

Ingredient Notes

Ground beef with some fat keeps the meatloaf soft.
Bread crumbs hold the meat mixture together and help with moisture.
Hunt’s Tomato Sauce brings steady tomato flavor without added work.

PAM No-Stick Cooking Spray Cans

Instructions

Step 1: Prep The Pan

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a baking pan lightly with cooking spray. I line mine with aluminum foil first, then spray again. Cleanup stays easy this way.

Step 2: Mix The Meat

Place the beef in a large bowl. Add bread crumbs, eggs, Hunt’s Tomato Sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands and mix gently until combined. Pressing too hard makes dense meatloaf, so keep it light.

Hunt’s Tomato Sauce

Step 3: Shape The Loaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the baking pan. Shape it into a neat loaf shape. I leave a little space around the edges so heat moves evenly.

Step 4: Make The Topping

Stir Hunt’s Tomato Sauce with brown sugar in a small bowl. Spread this tomato sauce mixture evenly over the meatloaf. This layer bakes into a glossy top with balanced flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes. The meatloaf should feel firm and cooked through. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step keeps slices neat.

If you enjoy trying different meatloaf styles, you may like this Wild Rice Meatloaf Recipe for a hearty twist, or the cozy Erin French Meatloaf Recipe for a home-style approach worth adding to your dinner rotation.

What Makes Hunt’s Meatloaf Different From Classic Meatloaf?

Hunt’s Meatloaf leans on tomato flavor rather than heavy seasoning. Hunt’s Tomato Sauce brings clean taste that cooks down smoothly.

The sauce topping turns sticky and slightly sweet from brown sugar, giving each slice a familiar finish. This Easy Meatloaf Recipe keeps things straightforward without extra steps or surprise ingredients.

How Do I Keep Meatloaf Moist And Not Dry?

Moist meatloaf comes from balance. Bread crumbs and eggs lock in juices. Tomato sauce adds moisture during baking.

Gentle mixing matters more than anything else. I stop mixing once everything holds together, then shape and bake. Resting after the oven helps the meat settle before slicing.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

I serve this meatloaf with mashed potatoes or buttered rice. Green beans or roasted carrots work well on the side.

A simple salad with crisp lettuce adds contrast. For leftovers, cold slices make great sandwiches with toasted bread and a little extra tomato sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Another Meat Instead Of Beef?

Yes. Ground turkey works with the same steps. Add a little extra tomato sauce to keep moisture.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes. Shape the meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate up to one day before baking.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Can I Freeze Meatloaf?

Yes. Wrap cooked slices tightly and freeze for up to two months.

What Pan Works Best?

A standard baking pan or loaf pan both work. I prefer a baking pan for better airflow.

This Hunt’s Meatloaf Recipe stays close to home cooking roots, built on simple steps, steady flavor, and a dinner dish that feels familiar every time it hits the table.

I always enjoy seeing how classic recipes take shape in different kitchens, and trusted guides like this best classic meatloaf recipe or the deeper technique shared in Serious Eats’ All-American Meatloaf show just how timeless this dish really is.

I hope you try it in your own kitchen and share it with people you love. If you cook it, leave a comment on Naznin’s Kitchen and tell me how it turned out—your table stories matter to me just as much as mine.