Easy One Pound Meatloaf Recipe

Looking to whip up a delicious meatloaf without drowning in leftovers? I've got just the thing for you! Our One Pound Meatloaf Recipe is a game-changer for smaller households, giving you all that amazing comfort food goodness in a perfect portion that serves 2-3 people. No more week-long leftover marathon – just pure, homestyle deliciousness!

Imagine pulling a perfectly sized meatloaf from your oven, its top glistening with a mouthwatering glaze. This One Pound Meatloaf Recipe is your new weeknight dinner hero! Since it's smaller, it cooks up faster than traditional recipes, but trust me – every bite packs that classic meatloaf flavor you're craving.

Classic One Pound Meatloaf Recipe featuring a moist and tender beef loaf topped with a rich, tangy glaze. This easy homemade meatloaf is packed with savory flavors, making it a comforting and delicious family dinner option.

Why You'll Love This One Pound Meatloaf Recipe

Let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new favorite! If you've been looking for a just-right meatloaf that won't have you eating leftovers until next weekend, you're in for a treat. This little gem is absolutely perfect for couples or small families - think of it as meatloaf's cozier cousin!

Well, we've cracked the code on keeping all that delicious moisture and texture you love about traditional meatloaf, but in a size that makes so much more sense for your household. And here's the real win - it cooks up way faster than those giant loaves! You'll get that incredibly tender, flavor-packed meatloaf you're craving in under an hour.

It's a total lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade and delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. This recipe hits that sweet spot of being both convenient and completely satisfying. Trust me, once you try this perfectly portioned version, you'll never go back to making those massive meatloaves again!

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This One Pound Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
One Pound Meatloaf Recipe Instructions
Hints and Tips
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Storage Instructions
Equipment For One Pound Meatloaf Recipe
Top Tip
Grandma's Magic Touch
FAQ
Related
Pairing
Easy One Pound Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

Let's Get Your Ingredients Ready!

For Your Amazing Meatloaf Mix:

Grab 1 pound of ground beef (go for that 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio - it's the sweet spot for a juicy meatloaf!)
1 large egg to bind everything together perfectly
½ cup of breadcrumbs to keep things tender
¼ cup of milk to add that perfect moisture
¼ cup of finely diced onion for that savory goodness
2 cloves of minced garlic (because let's be honest, garlic makes everything better!)
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for that wonderful depth of flavor
1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to add that special touch
½ teaspoon of salt to bring out all the flavors
¼ teaspoon of black pepper for just the right kick

Fresh ingredients for a One Pound Meatloaf Recipe, including ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. This classic homemade meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavors for the perfect comfort food dinner.

For That Irresistible Glaze:

1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to tie it all together with a savory twist

¼ cup of ketchup (the base of our sticky-sweet topping)

1 tablespoon of brown sugar to get that gorgeous caramelization

Homemade meatloaf glaze for a One Pound Meatloaf Recipe, made with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. This tangy and sweet topping adds the perfect finishing touch to a classic juicy meatloaf for a flavorful family dinner.

One Pound Meatloaf Recipe Instructions

Let's Make Your Perfect Meatloaf!

Getting Started - Quick Prep Steps:

First things first - let's get your oven warming up to 350°F (175°C). This is our sweet spot for perfect meatloaf!
Grab your loaf pan and either line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of oil - this way your meatloaf will slide right out when it's done
Here's a little chef's secret: mix your milk and breadcrumbs in a small bowl and let them hang out for about 5 minutes. This creates the perfect texture!

Let's Mix It Up:

Now for the fun part! In your large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, those soaked breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and all your seasonings
Time to get your hands dirty! Mix everything together gently - but here's the trick: don't overdo it! Just mix until everything's combined for the most tender meatloaf
Shape your mixture into a lovely loaf and nestle it into your prepared pan

Creating That Amazing Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together your ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until it's looking glossy and delicious
Paint half of this gorgeous glaze over your meatloaf before it goes into the oven

Time to Bake:

Pop your masterpiece into the oven for 35-40 minutes
When there's about 10 minutes left, add the rest of that mouthwatering glaze
Your meatloaf is ready when it hits 160°F (71°C) inside - a meat thermometer is your best friend here!
The hardest part? Waiting 10 minutes before slicing! But trust me, this rest time makes all the difference for the perfect slice

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 For One Pound Meatloaf Recipe

8x4-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl for glaze
Meat thermometer

Top Tip

Let the One Pound Meatloaf Recipe rest for 10 minutes before slicing - this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist, perfect slices every time.

Grandma's Magic Touch

You know that incredible aroma that used to fill Grandma's kitchen? The one that made everyone gather around, hoping to snag the first slice? Well, this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe captures all that magic, but in a perfect smaller portion! While Grandma might have cooked for an army, we've taken her time-tested secrets and turned them into a One Pound Meatloaf Recipe that's perfectly sized for modern households.

What makes this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe so special? It's all in those little details Grandma always insisted on - like soaking the breadcrumbs in milk for that perfect tenderness, mixing the meat just enough (but not too much!), and that heavenly glaze that caramelizes on top. We've kept all her clever tricks while creating a version that's ideal for today's smaller households.

This One Pound Meatloaf Recipe might be more compact than Grandma's Sunday masterpiece, but it packs every bit of that made-with-love flavor that made hers famous at family gatherings. Whether you're cooking for two or just want to avoid leftovers, this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe proves that good things really do come in smaller packages - and Grandma would definitely approve!

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 meatloaf uncovered to achieve a nicely browned top and caramelized glaze. Only cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.

What is the secret to juicy meatloaf?

Use 80/20 ground beef, add milk-soaked breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing the meat. Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside.

How did your One Pound Meatloaf Recipe turn out?

This recipe is sure to impress with its juicy, savory goodness and that irresistible caramelized glaze! If you're a fan of hearty comfort food classics, be sure to try our Steak and Pasta Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat that's perfect for smaller households!

Did you make this One Pound Meatloaf Recipe? We'd love to hear how it went! Drop a star rating and share your kitchen adventure in the comments below. Maybe you added your own special twist - like extra herbs or a different glaze? Or perhaps you discovered a helpful tip while making it? Your experience could be super helpful for other home cooks trying this recipe for the first time!

And hey, don't be shy about showing off your creation - we'd love to see how your One Pound Meatloaf Recipe turned out! Snap a photo of your perfectly sliced meatloaf and share it with our community. There's nothing better than seeing everyone's unique take on this classic comfort food!

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Pairing

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