The Best Meatloaf Recipe Using One Pound of Ground Beef (2024)

It is not easy to find a meatloaf recipe that that requires only one pound of ground beef and that is designed for 2-4 servings. In fact, if you search for the best meatloaf recipe you will likely find that nearly all of them have a serving size of 6-8 people and require 2 pounds of ground beef.

Of course, those recipes are perfect when you have a large family or serving guests. However, many of us are looking for a smaller size meatloaf that would be perfect for a couple or a small family.

This classic comfort food dish is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly delicious. However there are a few essential ingredients and special recipe tips that will help you create the best tasting meatloaf that also has the perfect texture.

Ingredients Required

Although the ingredient list may look a little long, you most likely have the majority of ingredients already in your kitchen. However it is these crucial ingredients that gives the meatloaf both amazing flavor and moist texture.

The Meatloaf Base

Egg: The egg serves as a binding agent in this recipe. It helps hold the meatloaf together, ensuring it doesn’t fall apart during baking.

Milk: Milk is a key ingredient that adds moisture to the meatloaf. It plays a crucial role in keeping the meatloaf tender and preventing it from becoming dry.

Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to provide structure to the meatloaf. They absorb excess moisture and help maintain the desired texture.

Lean Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef is the primary ingredient and star of this meatloaf recipe. Using lean ground beef ensures that your meatloaf won’t be overly greasy.

Meatloaf Seasoning

Diced Onion: Diced onion not only add a slightly sweet flavor to the meatloaf but also contribute to its overall moisture and texture.

Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce provides a complex, savory flavor. It imparts its deep umami taste to this one pound meatloaf recipe, enhancing its overall flavor.

Dried Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of various herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, and thyme. It provides a slightly earthy flavor to the meatloaf.

Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and brightness to the meatloaf. Not to mention that the specs of green scattered throughout brings a nice visual contrast to the meat.

Salt: Salt enhances the meatloaf’s overall flavor and also helps with moisture retention.

Ground Black Pepper: Ground black pepper adds a subtle spiciness and depth to the meatloaf’s flavor profile.

These carefully chosen ingredients, when combined in the right proportions and prepared as instructed, result in a delicious and perfectly sized meatloaf that’s ideal for a couple or small family.

The Keys To Making Moist Meatloaf

If you want your one pound meatloaf to have the best texture, that is moist yet doesn’t fall apart when cut, then be sure to follow the tips below.

1. Soak The Breadcrumbs

The first step to ensure that the meatloaf turns out nice and moist is to soak the breadcrumbs in a mixture of milk and egg.

The reason that you do this is that breadcrumbs will soak up all the moisture in your meatloaf if left in their original form. And this will leave your meatloaf dry and crumbly.

Simply whip an egg with the milk until it is well incorporated. Then mix in the breadcrumbs and allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes.

2. Mix The Meatloaf Ingredients Just Until Combined

If you over mix the meatloaf ingredients, it will turn out very dense when baked. Therefore, I prefer to use a fork instead of my hands when mixing the ingredients.

When I use my hands, I have a tendency to squeeze the mixture between my fingers too much and the meat fibers begin to break down. So instead, I use a standard kitchen fork to combine the ingredients.

However, if you prefer to mix the meatloaf with your hands, do so with your fingers pointed straight. This will prevent the urge from squeezing the ingredients in your hands.

3. Use A Baking Sheet Not A Loaf Pan When Baking Meatloaf

Instead of reaching for your bread loaf pan, bake the one pound meatloaf on a rimmed baking sheet instead.

A baking sheet allows for more even cooking,as the hot air can circulate around the meatloaf on all sides.This will help the meatloaf to cook evenly.

However a baking sheet also allows for more surface area of the meatloaf to be exposed to the oven’s direct heat,which results in a more even browning and caramelization.This can give the meatloaf a richer flavor and more appealing appearance.

In addition, when you place the meatloaf on a lined baking sheet, clean up is a breeze. I use my Silicone Baking mat and it takes me literally seconds to clean it.

4. Use A Glaze

Although you don’t have to add a glaze to your one pound meatloaf, it really enhances the overall flavor of the outer surface. To keep things simple use your favorite barbecue sauce.

However, do this towards the end of the bake time. This will allow the barbecue sauce to caramelize but not burn as it would if you added it when the meatloaf first goes into the oven.

5. Use A Digital Thermometer To Check For Doneness

It is crucial to not overcook the meatloaf. If you do the meat will be dry and tough.

In order to ensure that you have perfectly cooked meatloaf use an instant read digital food thermometer. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Then pull it out of the oven and let it rest. As it rests it will continue to cook and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the safe consumption temperature.

Best One Pound Meatloaf Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 pound ground beef, lean
• 1/4 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Glaze

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE ONE POUND MEATLOAF

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a foil lined baking tray with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl combine egg, milk, and breadcrumbs. Allow mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes.

3. Add the ground beef, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix until just combined. Do NOT over mix.

4. Form the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35 minutes.

5. Spread the barbecue sauce over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cooked through and the center of the meatloaf reaches 160°F.

6. Remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm and refrigerate leftovers in a closed container for up to 4 days.

ENJOY!Mary

Other Delicious Meatloaf Recipes

• Air Fryer Meatloaf
• Low Carb Meatloaf
• Classic Meatloaf Recipe
• Barbecue Chicken Meatloaf

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