An easy meatloaf recipe is classic and comforting. If you want to add something special, look toward your bar cart for an unusual addition: bloody mary mix.

With spicy ingredients like horseradish, sriracha, Tabasco, or serrano peppers, the bloody mary mix adds heat and fruity tanginess to the meatloaf and can improve its texture.

Add a cup of the mix to your bread crumbs, which will absorb the liquid and become more flavorful. Once baked, the flavor will be evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf.

You can also add bloody mary mix to the saucy topping. Combine a tablespoon with a half-cup of ketchup or tomato sauce and spread it across the top before putting it into the oven.