Go Back
A freshly baked one-bowl easy meatloaf, still warm from the oven.

Classic One-Bowl Easy Meatloaf

This classic one-bowl meatloaf recipe is incredibly easy to make and results in a flavorful, moist, and tender meatloaf with a delicious sweet and tangy topping. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 people

Equipment

  • oven
  • loaf pan or baking sheet
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs plain or panko
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Topping

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs until well combined and slightly softened.
  • Add the ground beef and gently mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Cooking

  • Shape the meat mixture into a loaf in your prepared pan or on the baking sheet.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for the topping and spread it evenly over the meatloaf.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Resting

  • Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

For best results, use lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease. Ensure you don't overmix the meatloaf mixture to maintain its tenderness. Letting the meatloaf rest is crucial for a moist and flavorful outcome.