Easy Mary Berry Meatloaf Recipe Ready in Just Over an Hour

I’m about to walk you through Mary Berry’s comforting meatloaf, and honestly, it’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you don’t make it more often. You’ve got this perfect balance of tender ground beef, crispy bacon, and seasonings that somehow taste like home, even if you’ve never had it before. But here’s the thing—the real magic happens in how you layer these ingredients together. Want to know what transforms this from just another meatloaf into something actually memorable?

Why You’ll Love this Mary Berry Meatloaf

If you’re after a meatloaf that actually tastes like comfort in food form rather than just dense ground beef sitting on a plate, you’re in the right place. This version hits different because it’s got real depth. The chopped tomatoes bring moisture and tang, while the herbed stuffing mix keeps things tender instead of brick-like. I appreciate how the shredded carrot adds natural sweetness, and those crushed garlic cloves don’t mess around with flavor.

The bacon wrapped around top isn’t just for show, either. It crisps up beautifully and adds this salty richness that makes you wonder why every meatloaf doesn’t do this. The egg and Worcestershire sauce bind everything together perfectly, creating texture that actually makes you want another slice. Honestly, this recipe transforms meatloaf from something forgettable into something you’d genuinely crave.

What Ingredients are in Mary Berry Meatloaf?

Mary Berry’s meatloaf recipe combines simple, quality ingredients that work together to create a moist, flavorful dish that’s far superior to basic ground beef preparations. The foundation starts with ground beef, which is bound together with egg and complemented by aromatic vegetables like onion, carrot, and garlic.

The herbed stuffing mix serves a dual purpose—it adds seasoning while keeping the texture tender and preventing a dense, heavy result. Canned tomatoes contribute both moisture and acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile, while Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lb (675g) ground beef
• 1 × 14 oz (400g) can chopped tomatoes
• ¾ cup herbed stuffing mix
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, coarsely shredded
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4–5 slices thick-cut bacon

For another family-friendly dinner option, our Tex-Mex Chicken brings bold Mexican flavors to your weeknight table.

How to Make this Mary Berry Meatloaf

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, tomatoes, stuffing mix, onion, carrot, garlic, parsley, beaten egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a large spoon until well incorporated.
2. Line a loaf pan by laying bacon slices crosswise across the bottom and up the sides, allowing the ends to hang over the edges of the pan—these will wrap over the top of the meat loaf later.
3. Pack the beef mixture firmly into the bacon-lined loaf pan, pressing down to eliminate any air pockets. Fold the overhanging bacon slices over the top of the meat loaf to encase it completely.
4. Carefully invert the loaf pan to turn the bacon-wrapped meat loaf out into a roasting pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, basting once or twice with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. After 1 hour, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the meat loaf is firm to the touch and the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
6. Remove from the oven and carefully spoon off any excess fat from the roasting pan. Slice the meat loaf into thick portions and serve hot with your favorite sides, or let it cool completely and serve cold for sandwiches the next day.

Mary Berry Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf combines seasoned ground beef with herbed stuffing, vegetables, and aromatic garlic, then gets topped with crispy bacon strips for an irresistible savory crust. Baked in a tomato sauce that keeps the meat incredibly moist, this family-friendly dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and green vegetables.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ lb 675g ground beef
• 1 × 14 oz 400g can chopped tomatoes
• ¾ cup herbed stuffing mix
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 carrot coarsely shredded
• 3 garlic cloves crushed
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 –5 slices thick-cut bacon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, tomatoes, stuffing mix, onion, carrot, garlic, parsley, beaten egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a large spoon until well incorporated.
2. Line a loaf pan by laying bacon slices crosswise across the bottom and up the sides, allowing the ends to hang over the edges of the pan—these will wrap over the top of the meat loaf later.
3. Pack the beef mixture firmly into the bacon-lined loaf pan, pressing down to eliminate any air pockets. Fold the overhanging bacon slices over the top of the meat loaf to encase it completely.
4. Carefully invert the loaf pan to turn the bacon-wrapped meat loaf out into a roasting pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, basting once or twice with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. After 1 hour, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the meat loaf is firm to the touch and the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
6. Remove from the oven and carefully spoon off any excess fat from the roasting pan. Slice the meat loaf into thick portions and serve hot with your favorite sides, or let it cool completely and serve cold for sandwiches the next day.

Notes

What are Common Meatloaf Mistakes?

One of the biggest meatloaf mistakes is overmixing the meat, which creates a dense, tough texture instead of a tender, juicy loaf. Using meat that’s too lean results in dry meatloaf, so aim for ground beef with at least 15 to 20 percent fat content. Skipping the resting period after baking causes the juices to run out when you slice it, leaving you with a crumbly mess. Not seasoning adequately makes for bland results, so be generous with salt, pepper, and flavorful additions like Worcestershire sauce. Finally, baking at too high a temperature dries out the exterior before the inside cooks through, so stick to moderate oven temperatures around 350°F for best results.

What are Common Meatloaf Mistakes?

One of the biggest meatloaf mistakes is overmixing the meat, which creates a dense, tough texture instead of a tender, juicy loaf. Using meat that’s too lean results in dry meatloaf, so aim for ground beef with at least 15 to 20 percent fat content.

Skipping the resting period after baking causes the juices to run out when you slice it, leaving you with a crumbly mess. Not seasoning adequately makes for bland results, so be generous with salt, pepper, and flavorful additions like Worcestershire sauce.

Finally, baking at too high a temperature dries out the exterior before the inside cooks through, so stick to moderate oven temperatures around 350°F for best results.

Mary Berry Meatloaf Substitutions and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you’ll probably find yourself wondering what else you can do with this forgiving formula, and that’s where things get fun. Ground pork or a beef-pork blend works beautifully if you want something slightly less dense.

Swap the herbed stuffing mix for crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs—I’d use about the same amount. Not a Worcestershire fan? Try soy sauce or balsamic vinegar instead. You could add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or celery for extra moisture and flavor.

Want it spicier? A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce kicks things up nicely. Even swapping the bacon topping for a ketchup glaze transforms the whole vibe. The beauty here is that this meatloaf adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand.

What to Serve with Mary Berry Meatloaf

How do you round out a slice of this savory, bacon-topped meatloaf into a complete meal? I’d pair it with creamy mashed potatoes—they’re basically designed to catch those delicious pan juices. A crisp green salad works wonders too, cutting through the richness with fresh acidity.

Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition without fussing much. For something heartier, crusty bread soaks up every last drop of goodness. I’d skip anything too heavy alongside it, since the meatloaf itself is pretty substantial.

A simple tomato-based side complements those herbed flavors nicely. Think about what makes your mouth water: maybe glazed root vegetables or buttered corn. Whatever you choose, keep sides simple so this beautiful meatloaf stays the star.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’ll actually impress people without keeping you in the kitchen all evening, this meatloaf hits different—it’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family ask for seconds. Mary Berry’s version proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. The combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and that crispy bacon topping creates something genuinely special. You’re getting a complete meal that’s budget-friendly yet feels indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or dinner guests, this recipe delivers reliable results every single time. It’s the kind of dish I’d confidently make again and again, knowing it won’t disappoint. Simple, satisfying, and utterly dependable.