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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 delivers a delicious, tender, and moist result. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Loaf Pan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works beautifully)
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko works for a lighter texture)
  • ½ cup milk (any kind)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion (or onion powder for fuss-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Stir in the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, letting it sit briefly to absorb moisture.
  • Add the ground beef to the bowl and gently mix all ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Cooking

  • Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared pan or shape into a free-form loaf on the baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze.
  • Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, spread the glaze over the top, and return to the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Serving

  • After cooking, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure a tender and moist result.

Notes

To avoid a tough meatloaf, be sure not to overmix the ingredients. Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for a tender and juicy result.