Craving something hearty, cozy, and totally satisfying; but don’t want to be stuck with a mountain of leftovers? I’ve got just the thing. This One Pound Meatloaf Recipe is a total game-changer for small households, solo cooks, or anyone who loves comfort food in just the right portion.
I created this recipe when I realized most meatloaf recipes out there make enough to feed a crowd… and while that’s great for Sunday dinners or gatherings, sometimes you just want a classic, homestyle meal that fits into a regular weeknight. This One Pound Meatloaf Recipe brings all the savory, tender goodness of the meatloaf you grew up loving; but in a size that makes sense for real life.
It’s juicy, full of flavor, and topped with that nostalgic sweet-and-savory glaze we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) love. And the best part? It’s quick to prep, easy to bake, and makes just the right amount; no food waste, no fridge overload, no stress.
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true, smaller batch recipe that still feels like a big warm hug on a plate, this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe has your name on it. It’s become a staple in my kitchen for those nights when I want something comforting but low-effort; and I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation too.
So go ahead, grab that pound of ground beef and let’s make dinner simple, delicious, and just the right size. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor fits into this little loaf. Trust me; this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You'll Love This One Pound Meatloaf Recipe
This One Pound Meatloaf Recipe is a scaled-down twist on the traditional classic, thoughtfully crafted for couples, small families, or anyone cooking for fewer people. Don’t let the smaller size fool you; it still delivers big on flavor! With just the right balance of moisture and texture, every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with that familiar, homey goodness you crave.
Because it’s made with only a pound of ground meat, this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe not only cooks faster than the oversized versions but also fits beautifully into a busy weeknight routine. You can have a satisfying, homemade dinner on the table in under an hour; no fuss, no waste, and no leftovers crowding your fridge.
Whether you're new to meatloaf or just want a simpler option that still hits all the comforting notes, this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe is an easy go-to that brings warmth to your table without the overwhelm.
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Ingredients
the meatloaf:
- Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Finely diced onion
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried Italian herbs
- Salt
- Black pepper
the glaze:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal
- In a small bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs; let stand for 5 minutes
Making the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined - avoid overmixing to ensure tender results
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in the prepared pan
Preparing and Adding the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce
- Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf before baking
Baking
- Bake for 35-40 minutes
- Add remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing
Hints and Tips
- Don't overwork the meat mixture - this can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness without overcooking
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This protein-rich meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic sides like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Garden salad
One serving provides approximately 25g of protein and can be part of a balanced meal when paired with vegetables and whole grains.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Ground Turkey Version: Replace beef with ground turkey for a leaner option
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds
- Extra Vegetables: Add ¼ cup each of finely diced carrots and celery
- Dairy-Free: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or chicken broth
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave or whole loaf in a 350°F oven until heated through
Equipment
- 8x4-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for glaze
- Meat thermometer
“The Weeknight That Changed My Meatloaf Game Forever”
I’ll never forget the chilly Tuesday evening that inspired this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe. I’d just come home from a long day, craving something warm and comforting; but the last thing I wanted was a giant pan of leftovers or a long prep session. I looked at the pound of ground beef in my fridge and thought, what if I could capture all the cozy nostalgia of classic meatloaf… but just enough for tonight? That moment led to countless tweaks, tests, and taste-tests (with lots of happy mouths), until this scaled-down version was born.
Every bite brings me back to that cozy night when I realized comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated; or oversized. Now, this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe is my go-to for weeknights when I want a little extra warmth without the extra work. I hope it brings that same kind of comfort to your table, too.
FAQ
How long does it take to bake a 1 lb meatloaf?
A 1 lb meatloaf needs 35-45 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C), until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) at its thickest part. After baking, allow 10 minutes resting time for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?
350°F is the ideal temperature for cooking meatloaf. While 375°F might cook the meatloaf faster, the lower 350°F temperature allows for even cooking and helps retain moisture. This ensures the outside doesn't overcook before the center reaches the proper temperature, resulting in a consistently juicy meatloaf with perfect texture throughout.
Should you cook meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Cook your meatloaf uncovered to let the glaze caramelize and the top brown beautifully. Covering the loaf can trap steam and make the top soggy. If it starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil during the final minutes. For best texture and flavor, keep it uncovered throughout most of the baking time.
What is the secret to juicy meatloaf?
The secret to juicy meatloaf lies in the right fat ratio (80/20 ground beef), adding milk-soaked breadcrumbs, and mixing gently. Overmixing toughens the texture. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking is key; it helps redistribute the juices evenly, ensuring every slice of your One Pound Meatloaf Recipe stays moist and flavorful.
Where the One Pound Meatloaf Recipe Becomes a Weeknight Classic
By now, you’ve seen just how comforting, practical, and delicious this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe can be. It's more than just a smaller version of a classic; it’s a thoughtful answer to busy nights, smaller households, and anyone craving a cozy, home-cooked meal without going overboard. From the tender texture to that irresistible glaze, this little loaf has big flavor that brings everyone to the table; even if it’s just you and a fork in your favorite sweatpants.
The beauty of this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe is in its simplicity: quick to make, easy to clean up, and just the right amount of food with zero waste. But the joy doesn’t have to end at dinner. Want to make your weeknight feel like something extra special? Round out your menu with a silky, flavorful side like my Boursin Cheese Pasta; it’s rich, garlicky, and creamy in all the best ways. And if you’re the type (like me!) who can’t end the night without a sweet bite, treat yourself to my nostalgic, bakery-style Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes ; they’re soft, fruity, and topped with that iconic crunch everyone loves.
So whether this is your first time trying the One Pound Meatloaf Recipe or it’s already on repeat in your kitchen, I hope it brings you comfort, flavor, and a little moment of calm in the middle of your week. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug on a plate; and really, don’t we all need a bit more of that?
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with One Pound Meatloaf Recipe
One Pound Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- 8x4-inch loaf pan For shaping meatloaf
- Mixing bowl For meat mixture
- Measuring cups and spoons For accuracy
- Small bowl for glaze
- Meat thermometer Check doneness
Ingredients
the meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 fat ratio preferred
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs Dried
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
the glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Mix milk and breadcrumbs; let stand 5 minutes
- Combine all meatloaf ingredients, mix gently
- Shape into loaf in 8x4-inch pan
- Mix glaze ingredients
- Spread half the glaze on meatloaf
- Bake 35-45 minutes to 160°F internal temp
- Add remaining glaze in last 10 minutes
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing
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