Name: 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons ketchup or BBQ sauce

Jump to Recipe

When you want classic comfort food without the fuss, this 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe is the answer. It’s hearty, juicy, and full of savory flavors that make any dinner feel special. With simple pantry ingredients doing the heavy lifting, you get a tender meatloaf that’s perfectly seasoned and topped with a glossy, tangy sauce. Plus, it’s just the right size—not too much, not too little—making it perfect for small families or a satisfying meal with leftovers for tomorrow.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is essential and brings something special to the table, from flavor to texture to that signature golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe, with helpful tips for each item.

Ground beef (1 pound): This is the hearty foundation of your meatloaf—choose 80/20 for a juicy, flavorful result.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Breadcrumbs soak up moisture and help bind the loaf together while keeping it light.
Egg (1): One egg works behind the scenes, bringing all the ingredients together and providing structure.
Milk (1/4 cup): A splash of milk softens the breadcrumbs and makes the loaf extra moist.
Finely chopped onion (1/2 small): Onion adds subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch to every bite.
Minced garlic clove (1): Garlic infuses the meatloaf with delicious depth and aroma.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Adds just a touch of sweetness and tang in the mix—don’t skip it!
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): This ingredient boosts umami flavor and gives the loaf a savory kick.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the flavors in every component.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle heat that balances out the savory and sweet elements.
Dried Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch adds an herby, aromatic quality that shines through.
Ketchup or BBQ sauce for topping (2 tablespoons, optional): Brushed on top, this keeps the loaf moist and adds a glossy, flavorful finish.

How to Make 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures your meatloaf cooks through evenly without drying out. Grease a loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup after.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, gently combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can use clean hands or a sturdy spoon—just mix until everything is combined without overworking. This keeps your 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe tender and juicy.

Step 3: Shape and Assemble

Shape the mixture into a loaf—try not to press too hard or compress it, as too much packing makes for a dense meatloaf. Place it into your prepared pan, making sure it’s even from end to end for the most consistent cooking.

Step 4: Add the Topping

If you love that sweet and savory glaze, now’s the time to spread ketchup or BBQ sauce over the top. It caramelizes in the oven, giving your 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe a gorgeous sheen and extra layer of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 35–45 minutes. You want the internal temperature in the center to reach 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear when pierced. Let it rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes so the juices redistribute and your slices hold together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the meatloaf with a sharp knife and serve it warm. This is where all your effort is rewarded—each plate gets a cozy, savory slice that’s begging for your favorite sides.

How to Serve 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, instantly adds color and a pop of freshness to your 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe. If you want to impress, a dusting of flaky sea salt or a few grinds of black pepper right before serving goes a long way.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are the gold-standard partner, soaking up every drop of meatloaf flavor. Roasted vegetables, green beans, or even a crisp salad round out your plate for a well-balanced meal. Pick what your family craves—the 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe is super versatile!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn leftovers into a meatloaf sandwich by slicing thick pieces and tucking them into a crusty roll with a drizzle of extra sauce. Or, serve mini slices on a platter with toothpicks as a fun appetizer—no one will guess it’s the same 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe from the night before!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover meatloaf tightly in foil or pop it into an airtight container. Properly stored in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. The flavor even improves overnight, making the next meal extra special.

Freezing

If you want to have a homemade dinner ready in a flash, you can freeze your 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe bag. Label it and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To retain its moisture, reheat slices gently in the oven at 325°F (about 10–15 minutes) or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. For frozen meatloaf, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual—it’ll taste almost as good as fresh-baked!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While you’ll get a lighter flavor and slightly different texture, ground turkey or chicken work well. Just add a touch more milk or a drizzle of olive oil to keep the 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe moist since lean meats tend to be dryer.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed crispy rice cereal. Every other ingredient in this 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple change.

What’s the best way to tell if my meatloaf is done?

The most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) in the middle. Otherwise, check that the juices run clear, and the meatloaf feels firm to the touch.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just double each ingredient and use a larger loaf pan, or make two standard loaves. Keep an eye on baking time—it will take longer, so check the internal temperature to ensure your 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe is cooked through.

Is it okay to add vegetables?

Definitely! Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach add color, flavor, and extra nutrition. Just don’t overload the loaf or it may become too soft—about 1/2 cup of extras is perfect for this 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making—and eating—this 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe as I do every time. It’s deeply satisfying, reliable, and perfect for those days you crave a little taste of home. Invite someone you love to the table, slice into your loaf, and savor a meal that’s effortlessly delicious and full of heart!

1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 meatloaf 1x
Diet: Meatloaf

Print Recipe

Description

This classic 1 Pound Meatloaf Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Made with simple ingredients and topped with a savory sauce, this meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly.
Shape Meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan.
Add Topping: Optionally, spread ketchup or BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American