One Pound Meatloaf Recipe
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This one-pound meatloaf recipe makes for a comforting dinner with just one pound of ground beef. You can also make it with ground meatloaf mix, chicken, or turkey.
We’re a mashed potato and meatloaf family. Meatloaf is a classic and we find that most enjoy meatloaf dinner with mashed potatoes.
Looking for ideas on what to serve with meatloaf? We love red skin mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, and of course our perfect mashed potatoes.
We also go for a green veggie like air fryer broccoli, Green Beans Almondine, or a simple Cucumber Onion Salad.
One Pound Meatloaf Ingredients
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 80% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
- Egg: We use one large egg, but you can also omit if needed.
- Onion: We blitz it quickly in a food processor. You can also do this in large batches to prep ahead.
- Milk: For dairy free we recommend Oatly full fat.
- Bread Crumbs: For dairy allergies we recommend using panko.
- Ketchup: Not a fan of ketchup? Try your favorite BBQ sauce!
- Parsley: Use freshly chopped parsley or 1 teaspoon dried for a bit herb flavor and color.
- Granulated Garlic: You can also use fresh garlic if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: If you change to BBQ sauce you may need to adjust the salt.
Meatloaf Glaze Ingredients
- Ketchup: Ketchup is the base for the glaze. Don’t love ketchup? Skip the glaze ingredients and go for BBQ sauce!
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the glaze.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Optional, for an added depth of flavor.
How to Make One Pound Meatloaf
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the meatloaf just until combined. Do not over mix to avoid a dense meatloaf.
Place the mixture into an 8×10 casserole dish and shape into a loaf. You can also use a loaf pan or baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the meatloaf glaze ingredients and set aside.
Brush the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
When slicing you’ll want to wait until it’s cooled. Can’t wait? That’s fine too, it just may fall apart a bit.
Recipe tips and alterations
- Don’t over mix the meat mixture. This can result in a tough meatloaf. Mix just until combined.
- Let the meatloaf cool slightly before slicing. This way it stays together and doesn’t fall apart for a better presentation.
- Try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, celery, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and moisture.
- Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of meat for this one-pound meatloaf recipe?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or a meatloaf mix instead of ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and check the temperature for doneness. Ground beef is 160 degrees F whereas ground chicken breast is 165 degrees F.
What can I use instead of ketchup in the meatloaf glaze?
If you prefer not to use ketchup, you can substitute it with barbecue sauce or even a carrot puree after baking for that familiar sweetness but with a twist. It’s actually really good!
What can I use instead of milk in this recipe?
If you need a dairy-free alternative, you can use a plant-based milk. We like using full fat Oatly.
One Pound Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Meatloaf Recipe
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/8 cup parsley chopped, or use 1 teaspoon dried
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Meatloaf Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, onion, milk, bread crumbs, ketchup, parsley, granulated garlic, pepper, and salt. Mix just until combined; do not over mix.
- Place the meatloaf mixture into an 8×10-inch casserole dish and shape into a loaf. You can also use a loaf pan or baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze. Brush the glaze onto the top and sides of the meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
So nice to have you here! Did you try this recipe? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Be sure to leave a recipe rating! Also, tag us @courtneyssweets #courtneyssweets on Instagram so we can share it!
Easy to make and it was very moist.
It’s my go to recipe now.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed it and that it’s become your go-to recipe. Making cooking easy and delicious is always the goal! 😊
Great recipe. Perfect for 1 lb. I added a touch of Worcestershire to the meat to mix in. I also cook it in a flat pan on parchment so the fat runs off. That did shorten the cook time slightly. Recommend!’
So glad you enjoyed it! Love hearing how you made it your own. Appreciate you sharing your tips!
I live by myself since my spouse passed away. It’s hard for me to cut back on my recipes that make so much. I came across this one and it is absolutely delicious! I added a few spices that I normally use in things I make but other than that I followed your recipe! Thank you for sharing! I will definitely keep making this! Tonight I’m having a salad and smashed baby potatoes with it!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m really touched that you tried the recipe and enjoyed it. Your additions sound perfect and that dinner with the salad and smashed potatoes sounds amazing! Thank you so much for sharing and for being here. ❤️
Thanks for the recipe; it turned out great as per instructions. I didn’t have any breadcrumbs so I substituted with Panko. My dad passed away in May, he was 89, independent and still drove his car, so it’s just me and mom now and we needed something comforting and this fit the bill. Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them because no matter how long you have them, it’s never long enough.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my parents in my late teens and early twenties, so your words really hit home. I’m glad the recipe brought you and your mom some comfort. Sending love your way. ❤️
My husband and I loved this! I added some bell pepper but that’s the only change I made. Very flavorful recipe! I got rid of all my other meatloaf recipes!
I’m so happy you and your husband loved it! Bell pepper sounds perfect!! I sometimes add bell pepper, celery, and carrots too. I’m honored this has become your go-to meatloaf recipe! 😊
Made this gluten free with gluten-free panko crumbs. Added some Worcestershire to the meatloaf, and some green and red peppers plus fresh minced garlic. Served it with mashed potatoes and sautéed fresh baby spinach. Totally yummy.
So glad you enjoyed and that it works well with gluten free panko too!!
Would this recipe work with ground turkey? Please advise and thank you!
Yes, you can definitely make this with ground turkey. I’d recommend using 93% lean turkey (not 99% lean) for the best texture, and keep an eye on the internal temp, 165°F is perfect!
I just made this recipe. Altered spices for what I had, etc. Simple, easy and brilliant. Tasted great.
That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks so much for giving it a try and for the kind feedback!