Mom’s Meatloaf recipe is easy, flavorful, and the ultimate comfort food. No formal recipe is needed for this comfort food classic. There are so many recipes that it’s truly overwhelming. My easy 1-pound meatloaf is classic and simply the best. The recipe can also be doubled for sharing.
Many times I don’t cook with recipes, I go into the kitchen and throw together tasty meals with whatever ingredients I have on hand.
Everyone has a meatloaf recipe that Mom made; this one is mine. Make this a few times then start adding or subtracting ingredients to create your own special Meatloaf recipe.
Main Ingredients
- Ground Beef: An 80/20 has enough flavor and just enough fat to give you a great flavor.
- Eggs & Breadcrumbs: These ingredients really keep the meatloaf together
- Sauce: A simple combination of Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce is all you need for that classic meatloaf flavor.
- Seasonings: Onions, salt, and pepper. I also like to sprinkle in a little garlic powder.
Which Ground Beef is good for making meatloaf?
Use regular ground beef which is usually a ground Chuck. Fat adds flavor, so don't use anything too lean; I use an 80% lean.
Do you use milk in meatloaf?
I don't, but some recipes call for using milk or another liquid. The milk softens the bread crumbs, but I never had any issues, so why add more ingredients than you need? I prefer my milk in mashed potatoes. :-).
Drum roll Please! Mom's Meatloaf Recipe instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
- In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of the ketchup and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, mix together and set aside for later basting.
- Throw 1 pound of ground beef 80% Lean/20% Fat content into a big bowl. Break up into chunks and salt and pepper. Just give the salt shaker a couple of good shakes, and a little more with the pepper. If you like garlic shake in a bit of garlic powder, NOT garlic salt.
- Dice up ½ a medium onion and toss into the bowl.
- Squirt in ketchup, probably about ¼ cup to start.
- Shake in Worcestershire sauce until it just smells right, about 1 tablespoon. It’s a personal preference with the amount. If you really have no idea how much to use then give the bottle a couple of good shakes to start.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat two eggs and mix into the ground beef mixture
- Pour in a ½ cup of plain bread crumbs.
- Use a wooden spoon to get everything mixed up nicely. Compress into a big ball.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and plop the meatloaf onto the lined baking sheet and mold the meatloaf into a rectangle. You can also bake in a small loaf pan.
- Put the meatloaf into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes then baste with the ketchup Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking for a total of 60 minutes. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- I like a little crispy to the sides; place it under the broiler at the end for a couple of minutes. Watch it so you don’t burn the top.
- Refrigerate the leftovers for cold meatloaf sandwiches. Yum!
You can also divide the uncooked meatloaf into smaller loaves and freeze them for later.
Serve the Meatloaf with classic mashed potatoes or for a change bake a couple of potatoes and top with sour cream and chives.
Mom's Meatloaf will become your go-to comfort food dinner. if you enjoyed this meatloaf then you might like my small batch Sunday Roast Dinner recipe
- If you enjoy this recipe then make sure to check out my classic salmon patties .
- Try https://aweekendcook.com/lemon-coffee-cake/ for a light dessert after a hearty comfort food meal.
More Classic Comfort Foods
Did you make this recipe? I would love it if you left a comment or review! Be sure to sign up for the email list and follow "A Weekend Cook" on Pinterest and my Facebook page.
Moms Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 2 Eggs
- ½ Onions diced
- ½ cup Bread Crumbs
- ½ cup Ketchup divided
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire divided
- Salt and Pepper
- Optional: Garlic Powder
- Optional: Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- In a small bowl mix together ¼ cup of the ketchup and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, mix together and set aside for later basting.
- Throw 1 pound of ground beef 80/20 fat content into a big bowl. Break up into chunks and salt and pepper. Just give the salt shaker a couple of good shakes, and a little more with the pepper. If you like garlic shake in a bit of garlic powder, NOT garlic salt.
- Dice up ½ a medium onion and toss into the bowl.
- Squirt in ketchup, probably about ¼ cup to start.
- Shake in Worcestershire sauce until it just smells right, about 1 tablespoon. It’s a personal preference with the amount. If you really have no idea how much to use then give the bottle a couple of good shakes to start.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat two eggs and mix into the ground beef mixture
- Pour in a ½ cup of plain bread crumbs.
- Use a wooden spoon to get everything mixed up nicely. Compress into a big ball.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and plop the meatloaf onto the lined baking sheet and mold the meatloaf into a rectangle.
- Put the meatloaf into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes then baste with the ketchup Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking for a total of 60 minutes. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- I like a little crispy to the sides so I broil at the end for a couple of minutes. Watch it so you don’t burn the top.
Notes
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cold meatloaf makes tasty sandwiches. Yum!
- Use fattier ground beef, an 80/20 is perfect.
- Serve with mashed potatoes.
Britney
This meatloaf is so yummy!
It's an easy recipe that produces great results. I use it every time I make meatloaf and my family loves it.
Maryanne
This is such an easy to make, delicious meatloaf recipe! My husband usually doesn’t rave about meatloaf, but he went nuts for this! He said it was the best dinner I ever made 🙂 this is my new go to meatloaf recipe.
Sydney
Thank you so much for sharing, I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Joan
Thanks for this 1 lb. meatloaf recipe! All I could find in my cookbooks were for 1-1/2 or 2 lbs. Your recipe was tasty and easy to make. Thank you!
Bee
I have tried a lot of meatloaf recipes over the years, and they are never quite "right", or at least not to my liking. This recipe hit the bullseye for me; it's exactly how I want it to taste, the right texture, etc. My Go to Meatloaf recipe from now on!
lili
very easy and tasty recipe!
Christina Wright
This meatloaf was wonderful!! Will definitely be making it again.