Easy & Delicious One-Pound Meatloaf: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner 🎯🍽️🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying, and hearty meal to end your busy day, look no further than this one-pound meatloaf recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy meatloaf combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a comforting classic that everyone will love. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this cheesy mashed potato meatloaf variation can elevate your dining experience. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious dish!
2. Ingredients for the Perfect One-Pound Meatloaf
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup or BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme
- Optional: shredded cheese, chopped vegetables
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Quick One-Pound Meatloaf
Preparing the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mixing the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Forming the Meatloaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into your prepared pan. For a more rustic look, freeform it on a baking sheet.
Baking the Meatloaf
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). During the last 10 minutes, you can add extra tomato ketchup or cheese for a flavorful topping.
Resting and Serving
Once cooked, let the one-pound meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and makes serving easier.
4. Storage Tips for Your Easy Meatloaf
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or oven for a quick remeal.
5. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pair your one-pound meatloaf with classic sides like healthy broccoli pasta or creamy mashed potatoes. Add a fresh green salad for some crunch and a burst of flavor. Looking for a cheesy twist? Check out this cheesy mashed potato meatloaf recipe for a delightful variation.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About the One-Pound Meatloaf
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?
Absolutely! Substituting ground beef with ground turkey results in a lighter version of the easy meatloaf. Just ensure to adjust cooking time slightly, as turkey can dry out faster.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The preparation is quick, taking about 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of around 50 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick one-pound meatloaf recipe on busy weeknights.
What are good side dish options?
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For additional comfort, explore our creamy tortellini or parmesan chicken pasta recipes.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Elevate your cooking with durable, easy-to-clean pots and pans—perfect for baking and sautéing.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: While primarily for beverages, this handy tool can be used to quickly chill your drinks for the perfect meal pairing.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Prepare your meatloaf in a slow cooker for a hands-off experience or make alternative slow-cooked dishes.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Quickly chop and prepare vegetables to serve alongside your easy meatloaf.
8. Conclusion
This one-pound meatloaf recipe is your new go-to for a satisfying, quick, and delicious dinner. Its simplicity and tender texture make it ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonings or toppings to make it uniquely yours. Happy cooking!
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Easy & Delicious One-Pound Meatloaf: Perfect for Weeknight Dinners!
Discover the ultimate quick and hearty dinner with this easy & delicious one-pound meatloaf recipe, perfect for weeknights. Combining simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this classic dish guarantees a satisfying and comforting meal for the entire family. Customize it with cheese or vegetables for a personalized touch, and enjoy a flavorful, tender meatloaf every time.
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup or BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme
- Optional: shredded cheese, chopped vegetables
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared pan or on a baking sheet for a rustic look.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Add extra ketchup or cheese in the last 10 minutes if desired.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices and ease serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Ensure not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- You can top with cheese or additional sauces during baking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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