Description
This One Pound Meatloaf recipe is a classic comfort food made with lean ground beef, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze. Baked to perfection at two temperatures for a moist and flavorful result, this meatloaf is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 3 Tbsp. BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Add the lean ground beef and sprinkle the dry breadcrumbs on top. Gently mix with your hands until combined without overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf measuring approximately 6 inches long by 3 inches wide and about 1 ½ inches high for even cooking. Brush 1 tablespoon of the BBQ sauce evenly over the top, sides, and ends of the loaf.
- Bake at 350°F: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake helps set the shape and begin cooking through.
- Glaze and Increase Heat: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce over the top. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and return the meatloaf to bake for another 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring it is cooked safely.
- Rest and Serve: Take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for 7-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making slicing easier and the meatloaf more moist. Use two metal spatulas to lift the loaf onto a cutting board, then slice into 8 pieces and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use lean ground beef (90% lean) to avoid excess grease.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
- Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-42 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, BBQ meatloaf, ground beef, classic meatloaf, easy dinner, baked meatloaf
