Meatloaf

This is the best 4 ingredient 1 Lb. meatloaf recipe! We have tips on How Long to Cook Meatloaf to keep it moist and variations you can make like adding shredded vegetables if you like too.

This is an easy ground beef recipe with few ingredients we have made for years and passed down for generations. Make into a loaf to bake or as a Ninja Foodi meatloaf. Many of us learned the basics from our moms and over the years have changed it up a bit. If you need some help though, we're here to help.

If you've followed us on Pynmi blog at all you know we are all about easy recipes! This easy meatloaf recipe from Lipton Onion Soup Mix is one we make pretty often and the only way we have altered it is to make it in a muffin tin rather than a loaf pan. We have made them into balls too if we are in a rush.

How long to cook meatloaf at 400 is a bit quicker than this and will get the top a bit crispier too. 350 below keeps everything tender. If we are added a sauce on the top we like a bit higher temp. to caramelize that a little bit.

Ingredient notes

In general we always use Ground beef or you could mix half spicy ground sausage in there for heat if you like that. We mean honestly, more fat = more flavor and pork will add that.

Egg is best added at room temperature if possible to keep it nice and moist. If you need egg free you could swap out for 2 tsp plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise works well too.

Italian Bread crumbs seasoned are best to spread it out and feed a bit larger crowd than if you had the meat itself.

French onion soup mix packet is our go to for adding flavor so we don't have to have any other seasonings on hand, this is plenty.

You can also add some finely grated carrots but slices of mushrooms and/or diced onions are super yummy in there too if you want as many as you can get in there “hidden” for your family to enjoy.

How to Add More Flavor to Meatloaf

Worcestershire sauce we usually add to deepen the flavor, soy sauce works too when you combine everything in a large bowl. Another idea is to incorporate finely diced onions or minced onions that are dried. And then there are seasonings you can incorporate.

Swaps

Other optional add ins we love would be to throw in some parmesan cheese. Instead of breadcrumbs you can use other bindings like Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf. That is right, a few. You likely have all the ingredients in the cupboard. For the optional items you might need to visit the store for some diced and/or shredded veggies.

If you wanted a lower fat option you could make Instant Pot turkey meatloaf or with ground chicken but we do not recommend it. Those have different textures that aren't super appetizing and you will likely need to add more binder into the mix so it isn't as sticky.

How Long to Bake 1 Lb. Meatloaf

For 1 pound of meat you will need about 25 minutes. Remember that beef can remain a bit pink in the center and should so it remains moist. If you didn't want much pink but wanted to keep it tender you could adjust to 30 minutes.

When to Add a Glaze

On the top you could brush 1/4 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes to caramelize. This will do two things; add flavor and kinda' crisp up the top with that flavor giving it even more texture. This is what it is kinda' going to look like when you combine everything together.

How can you bake meatloaf quicker?

Make our meatloaf in muffin tins!! That way you get the same flavors you love but with more of a crispy crust all the way around the outsides. Our kids love anything made in smaller portions too. Instead of 25 minutes these cook in 15 minutes instead!

How do you know when meatloaf is done?

The outer edges should start to get a bit crispy and the top should be golden brown. This is beef so you don't want to overdo it or it will dry out. The grease on the sides should be clear and continually bubbling as well.

Is it ok for meatloaf to be a little pink?

Yes it is. It should be 160 degrees F in the center but since the base is beef and not pork or chicken it is safe for it to be a bit on the underdone side. When you make meatloaf in a smoker the color on the inside is likely pink, depending on the type of pellets or chips used.

Can you make meatloaf ahead of time?

You can but it is best right out of the oven of course. There will be some grease in the pan so if it is going to sit a bit you want to drain that off or it will solidify and not be a pleasant texture. Then keep warm with foil over the top.

Quick Meatloaf Recipe

By 1 Lb. quick meatloaf recipe with 4 ingredients is here, and your whole family will enjoy it. You can change it up a bit too if you have other things on hand but this is the basics. Prep: 10 minutes minsCook: 25 minutes minsTotal: 35 minutes minsServings: 6 Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe Comment Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or half ground sausage, half beef
• 1/2 cup Bread crumbscan use crushed crackers
• 1 large egg
• 1 packet onion soup mix

Instructions

• Mix all 4 items together well, using your hands works best. Put in loaf pan and cook at 350 for about 25-30 minutes or until middle is the desired "doneness" for you.
• If you cook it in a muffin pan check at around minute 12 to see how done they are.
• If you'd like some bbq sauce on top, spoon or brush 1/4-1/2 cup sauce on top, increase temp to 400 for about 5 min. to brown and sort of caramelize.

Notes

Optional Add-ins

You could add other items into your 4 ingredient meatloaf if you wanted. We would say the best options would be 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce for bolder flavors, 2 tbsp minced onions, 1/2 cup grated carrots or chopped up mushrooms to add veggies. If you do add something else you may need a bit more breadcrumbs so it stays together in a loaf but bake time shouldn't change.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Entree, Main CourseCuisine: American Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!

Can you make meatballs out of meatloaf?

You can use this recipe to make basic meatballs as well with this same mix. We do this many times because the seasonings add a lot of flavor to otherwise boring hamburger meat. Throw them into spaghetti or enjoy with some sauce for a low carb meal.

Air Fryer Directions

We will share with you here! This is how to cook meatloaf in the oven but we also have an ninja foodi meatloaf recipe as well. use hamburger, binding ingredients and lots of seasonings. Here are a few questions you might have before you get started on this

Smoker Directions

For a bacon and cheese smoked meatloaf recipe try this one. Made the same way as here but rolled with cheese and bacon on the inside of it and cooked low and slow.

Printable recipe is below with nutritional information such as saturated fat etc… Amounts will vary depending on what % fat was in your hamburger.