How to Cook a One-Pound Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a cornerstone meal of the American table. It's cheap, easy to make and, whether using ground beef or turkey, provides a good source of protein for your family. There are countless family recipes for meatloaf, but they all pivot around a few basic ingredients. Begin with this simple recipe for a one-pound meatloaf but feel free to add any special ingredients and start your own family tradition. Meatloaf is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, gravy and a fresh vegetable such as corn or broccoli.

Things You'll Need

• Ground beef
• Vegetable oil
• Onion
• Celery
• Salt
• Pepper
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Steak sauce
• Ketchup

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp. vegetable oil in a small pan. Add one small diced onion and two stalks of chopped celery, and cook until soft. Turn off the heat and set aside.

2. Mix 1 lb. ground beef, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper, one large beaten egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup steak sauce and the onion and celery mixture together in a large mixing bowl. Blend everything together thoroughly.

3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

4. Lightly grease the inside of a small loaf pan and put the meat mixture inside. Don't stuff it in or work it too much, this will just make your meatloaf dense.

5. Spread 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ketchup evenly across the top of the meatloaf. This will sweeten your meatloaf and keep it from drying out while it cooks.

6. Place the meatloaf in the oven and cook for approximately 40 minutes. It will be done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. You can add more ketchup to the top of the loaf while if its cooking, if you need to.

Tips & Warnings

• Blend well-cooked carrots into meatloaf to give children some added vegetables. They never know the difference. For added kick, add 1 tbsp. of horseradish. Meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches the next day.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Traditional American Food Recipes