If you are looking for a tasty meatloaf recipe that’s quick to make? This 1lb meatloaf with dehydrated onion is perfect. It’s ready in just 30 minutes. You’ll love the mix of classic flavors and modern cooking ease.
This dish is easy to make and tastes amazing. The dehydrated onions add a special touch. When you take your first bite, you’ll see why meatloaf is a family favorite.
Essential Takeaways
- This 1lb meatloaf with dehydrated onion cooks perfectly in under 50 minutes.
- Preparation takes only 10 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.
- The recipe serves 8, providing hearty portions for family meals.
- Store cooked meatloaf in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Enjoy a comforting dish that’s rated 4.97 out of 5 by 2,659 votes.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a 1lb Meatloaf Recipe?
To choose a one pound meatloaf recipe is great for small families or individuals. It makes enough for 2 to 4 people. This size is just right, not too much and not too little.
Going for a classic meatloaf recipe lets you get creative. You can change ingredients to fit your taste and diet. Want something leaner? Try ground turkey. Want more flavor? Add different spices.
This recipe is easy to make and cooks fast. It’s ready in 35 to 45 minutes at 350°F. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, tasty meal. It’s sure to be a hit in your home.
| Meatloaf Size | Estimated Cooking Time at 350°F |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | 35 to 45 minutes |
| 2 lb | 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| 3 lb | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Ingredients for a Flavorful Meatloaf
Making a tasty meatloaf means picking the right ingredients. The best ones mix great taste and texture. For my savory meatloaf, I use a mix that makes it both flavorful and tender.
Best Meatloaf Ingredients
To make a delicious meatloaf, I use these ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup Panko or breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup low sugar ketchup
- 1/2 cup diced onion or 1/4 cup meatloaf with onion flakes
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
This recipe makes a comforting dish that’s good for you. Dehydrated onions add flavor, even when fresh ones aren’t around.
Importance of Seasoning
Seasoning turns simple ingredients into a great meal. It makes the meatloaf taste better and brings out the best in each ingredient. I love adding special touches with drying that make flavors stronger.
Using both dehydrated onion and onion flakes keeps my meatloaf tasty. It’s perfect for any time, thanks to its rich flavor and aroma.
How to Make the Perfect 1lb Meatloaf with Dehydrated Onion
Making a tender meatloaf is an art. It needs the right ingredients, careful mixing, and baking techniques. I’ll share how to make a flavorful and easy meatloaf. Using a one-pound recipe with dried onion makes it even better.
Step-by-Step Preparation
To make a delicious meatloaf, start by getting all your ingredients. Mix ground beef, dried onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. This mix is the base for your tender meatloaf. Here’s a simple guide:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with 1 envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix, ½ cup of ketchup, ½ cup of dry breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Whisk eggs and spices together before adding them to the meat mixture.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf, either in a loaf pan or as individual portions in a muffin tin for quicker cooking.
- Top the meatloaf with your choice of ketchup or barbecue sauce for added flavor and a crispy finish.
Tips for Mixing the Meatloaf
Mixing the ingredients well without overdoing it is key. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Here are some tips to avoid this:
- Use your hands for mixing to gauge the texture better. Stop when all ingredients are just combined.
- Add optional ingredients like grated carrots or diced mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before shaping, as this helps the flavors meld together.
This easy meatloaf recipe with dried onion will impress everyone. By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious meatloaf that’s a hit at home.
Cooking Method for a Savory Meatloaf
To make a tasty meatloaf, you need to focus on how you cook it. The oven’s temperature and how long you bake it are key. I suggest setting your oven to 350°F for the best results. A 1 lb meatloaf usually takes 40-50 minutes to cook.
Using a meat thermometer is smart. It helps you know when the meatloaf is done, aiming for 160°F. Letting it rest for 10 minutes after cooking makes it juicy.
Oven Temperature and Baking Time
For my meatloaf with dried onion, I use 350°F. Cooking times can change based on what’s in the meatloaf. But, about 40-50 minutes at 350°F is a good starting point. Make sure it reaches 160°F inside.
This ensures your meatloaf is not only safe but also full of flavor.
Using a Baking Sheet vs. a Loaf Pan
Choosing the right pan is important. A baking sheet is better than a loaf pan. It helps the meatloaf brown and get crispy on the outside.
This method also stops the meatloaf from getting soggy. It’s great for meatloaf with dehydrated veggies or onion powder.
| Cooking Method | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Baking Sheet | Improved caramelization, crispier crust, prevents steaming |
| Loaf Pan | Uniform shape, retains moisture in dense mixtures |
Using these methods will make your meatloaf amazing. It becomes a go-to for quick dinners. A savory meatloaf with meatloaf sauce is a treat for any meal.
Enhancing Your Meatloaf with Dehydrated Onion
Adding dehydrated onions to meatloaf, like in my dehydrated onion meatloaf, is a great way to add flavor and ease. These onions make comfort food meatloaf taste better without the hassle. They mix well with the meat, spreading flavors evenly.
Benefits of Dehydrated Onion
Dehydrated onions have many benefits for quick meatloaf recipes:
- Convenience: They save time since you don’t need to chop or slice them.
- Extended Shelf Life: They last longer than fresh onions, making them easy to store.
- Flavor Contribution: They add a deep, savory taste that goes well with beef.
- Integration: They mix well with the meatloaf, making every bite tasty.
Alternative Onion Options
There are other dried onion options for my recipes. Each brings its own taste:
- Onion Flakes: They add a different texture and a stronger onion flavor.
- Onion Powder: This gives a fine texture and a strong onion taste.
- Sautéed Fresh Onions: Sauteed fresh onions add moisture and a rich flavor.
Quick Dinner Ideas: Perfect Meatloaf Sides
Adding the right sides to a savory meatloaf makes dinner better. Quick dinner ideas can be found by pairing meatloaf with the right sides. This makes your family dinner recipes more fun.
Complementary Side Dishes
For a richer meatloaf taste, try these sides:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Macaroni and cheese
- Country-style green beans
- Roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower
- Buttered egg noodles
- Sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon
- Oven-roasted O’Brien potatoes
- Roasted broccoli with cheese sauce
Simple Salad Pairings
A fresh salad can balance the meatloaf’s savory taste. Here are some easy salad ideas:
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette
- Classic coleslaw for crunch and creaminess
- Caesar salad for added flavor
- Tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing touch
Choosing the right sides makes dinner complete. From creamy mashed potatoes to fresh salads, these ideas are quick and easy. They make your meatloaf dinner a hit with everyone.
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and buttery | Soft and smooth |
| Steamed Vegetables | Light and fresh | Crisp and tender |
| Classic Coleslaw | Tangy and slightly sweet | Crunchy and creamy |
| Macaroni and Cheese | Rich and cheesy | Soft and creamy |
Meal Prep Meatloaf: Make Ahead and Freeze
Preparing a meal prep meatloaf saves time and ensures tasty meals all week. Freezing meatloaf keeps flavors and quality high. Here’s how to store uncooked and cooked meatloaf.
How to Freeze Uncooked Meatloaf
Freezing meatloaf before cooking is easy. Use a loaf pan with plastic wrap to keep its shape. Mix the meatloaf, press it into the pan, and cover it tightly.
Once solid, move it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Remove air to prevent freezer burn. This way, it’s easy to stack in the freezer. Uncooked meatloaf lasts up to four months in the freezer.
Storing Cooked Meatloaf for Later Use
For cooked meatloaf, slice it into portions for easy reheating. This makes enjoying leftovers simple. Cooked meatloaf stays fresh in the fridge for four days or in the freezer for three months.
To reheat, thaw it and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes. Always reheat to 155°F for safe and tasty food.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Uncooked Meatloaf | Up to 4 months in freezer | Bake at 350°F for 1 hour 30 minutes or until internal temp is 155°F |
| Cooked Meatloaf (Refrigerator) | Up to 4 days | Reheat in oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes |
| Cooked Meatloaf (Freezer) | Up to 3 months | Thaw and bake at 350°F for 1 hour |
Freezing meatloaf makes meal prep easy and efficient. It ensures a delicious dish is always ready. Next time, I’ll use these tips to store cooked meatloaf perfectly.
Quick and Delicious 1lb Meatloaf with Dehydrated Onion: Cooking Tips
When making a tasty meatloaf, it’s key to avoid common mistakes. Getting the ingredients right is crucial for a tender loaf. Make sure to mix well and let it rest, steps often missed.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t overmix, as it can make the meatloaf dense. Balance the meat and binder is important. Letting it rest after baking helps keep it moist and flavorful. Here are some cooking tips for meatloaf:
- Use lean ground beef, ideally 80% or 90% fat-free, to prevent greasiness.
- Don’t skip resting; it allows juices to redistribute, making for a flavorful meatloaf.
- Experiment with flavors by adding diced vegetables or herbs, which can elevate your dish.
Using a Thermometer for Perfect Cooking
Using a thermometer for meatloaf ensures it’s cooked safely and perfectly. Stick a meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. It should read 165°F after resting for the best results. This method keeps the meat juicy and avoids dryness.
| Cooking Temperature | Beef | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Temperature | 160°F | 165°F |
| Resting Temperature | 165°F | 165°F |
Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Meatloaf
After making a tasty meatloaf, it’s time to think about creative serving ideas for meatloaf. With a little creativity, this classic dish can become a delightful meal. There are many quick meatloaf serving options that make leftovers into tasty dishes.
Creative Ways to Serve Meatloaf
I love slicing the meatloaf thick and putting it on a big sandwich. A bit of mustard or ketchup makes it even better. Another great idea is to make meatloaf patty melts. Put meatloaf slices on grilled bread with cheese, then grill until it’s golden.
- Layer half slices of meatloaf in a tortilla with fresh veggies and ranch dressing for a quick wrap.
- Top pasta with marinara sauce and diced meatloaf for a comforting Italian-inspired dish.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic dinner plate.
Leftover Ideas for Meatloaf
Leftover meatloaf is perfect for making different meals all week. I like to try meatloaf leftover recipes that are easy and delicious. Adding leftover meatloaf to casseroles or tacos makes for hearty meals fast.
- Chop leftover meatloaf and mix it with eggs to make a crispy frittata.
- Use slices of meatloaf as a topping for a fresh garden salad, adding texture and protein.
- Transform leftover meatloaf into a savory shepherd’s pie by mashing potatoes on top before baking.
Exploring these easy meatloaf serving ideas means no part of my delicious meatloaf goes to waste. Every meal stays enjoyable.
Conclusion
The 1lb meatloaf with dehydrated onion is a great choice for a quick meal. It’s full of flavor and easy to make. This recipe uses ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices to create a comforting dish perfect for weeknights.
It only takes 30 minutes to prepare and cook. This makes it perfect for busy people. It’s a delicious and nostalgic meal that everyone will enjoy.
This meatloaf recipe is easy for anyone to make. It uses Lipton Onion Soup Mix and spices for a tasty dish. It serves 8 to 10 people, making it great for families or gatherings.
It’s also good for you, with plenty of protein and nutrients. You can make it even better with different sides and sauces. This meatloaf is a tasty and versatile dish that’s always a hit in my kitchen.
