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.
Jump To
- The only Meatloaf Recipe you’ll ever Need
- 4 Basic Meatloaf Ingredients
- How to Add Flavor to Meatloaf
- Can you add vegetables?
- How Long to Bake 1 Lb. Meatloaf
- When to Add a Glaze
- How can you bake meatloaf quicker?
- FAQ
- Quick Meatloaf Recipe
- Can you make meatballs out of meatloaf?
- Air Fryer Directions
- Smoker Directions
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.
The only Meatloaf Recipe you’ll ever Need
If you’ve followed me on The Typical Mom blog at all you know I am all about easy recipes! This easy meatloaf recipe from Lipton Onion Soup Mix is one I make pretty often and really the only way I have altered it is to make it in a muffin tin rather than a loaf pan. I have made them into balls too if I am 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 I am added a sauce on the top I like a bit higher temp. to caramelize that a little bit.
4 Basic Meatloaf Ingredients
In general I always use Ground beef or you could mix half spicy ground sausage in there for heat if you like that. I 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 just had the meat itself.
French onion soup mix packet is my go to for adding flavor so I don’t have to have really any other seasonings on hand, this is plenty.
How to Add Flavor to Meatloaf
Worcestershire sauce I 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.
Can you add vegetables?
Yes, my mom did this throughout my childhood and I never noticed they were there because as they bake they soften, she always added 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.
Other Variations
Other optional add ins I 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, just 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 I do not recommend it. Those have very 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 literally 15 minutes instead!
FAQ
You may usually choose a low fat ground beef, but for this you want more. It will keep it moist and allow all ingredients to bind together easier so it doesn’t fall apart.
Yes it is. It should be 160 degrees F in the very 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.
Quick Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9×5 loaf pan
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef , or half ground sausage, half beef
- 1/2 cup Bread crumbs, can 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.
Video
Notes
Optional Add-ins
You could add other items into your 4 ingredient meatloaf if you wanted. I 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.
Can you make meatballs out of meatloaf?
You can use this recipe to make basic meatballs as well with this same mix. I 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 air fryer meatloaf recipe as well. Just 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.
Made as large muffins & the taste was great. Hard to find a great meatloaf – thank you.
Awesome
How much garlic powder do you put in
Its beyond me how people just cant help themselves and have to critique and try to add items to a recipes. If you dont like this version then just move on to a version you do like and make that recipe. No need to comment with negative views. OR better yet blog about your version of recipes on your own. OR dont make a snarky comment and add your own twist in your own home. I really dont need your NEGATIVE feedback. THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND TAKING THE TIME TO POST IT!!
I made this and my husband loved it. I’m making again today
Oh yay!
Has anyone tried with plant based ground meat?
It was really good, but it definitely needed to have ketchup on top before putting it in the oven.
How long do you cook these in the muffin tins? 350?
did you like them?