Easy & Delicious Small Meatloaf Recipe for Two

Craving classic comfort food without the mountain of leftovers? This Small Meatloaf Recipe is perfectly scaled down for two people! It’s incredibly tender and juicy, packed with flavor from onions and garlic, and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Get ready for a satisfying and easy meal!

I have one simple rule when it comes to cooking: if I disliked a food as a child, I must try it again as an adult. Why? Because more often than not, it’s the cooking method I objected to, not the food itself.

This Small Meatloaf Recipe is a prime example. I used to *hate* meatloaf.

Growing up, it was always a dry, bland block of meat. No offense, Mom! I know you did your best.

So, why am I, someone who actively disliked meatloaf, posting a meatloaf recipe? Because I’m confident this is the best small meatloaf recipe you’ll ever try – even someone like me enjoys eating it!

It’s similar to how I created my pork chops with mushroom gravy. I hated pork chops as a kid, but now I love them because I know how to cook them properly.

The issue with the meatloaf I ate in the past was that it was always dry and lacking flavor. But I promise you, this small meatloaf for two is anything but!

Compared to other small meatloaf recipes, I doubled the amount of onion and garlic. I found that a standard amount for a 1-pound meatloaf didn’t provide enough flavor. The extra onion also contributes to a moist and tender texture – a win-win!

The sweet and tangy ketchup glaze on top locks in even more moisture, preventing the top from burning and drying out. The acidity from the ketchup also balances the richness of the meat.

And the best part? No loaf pan is needed! Simply shape the meatloaf directly on a baking sheet for more even baking.

You can even make mini meatloaves by dividing the meat mixture in half and shaping two individual portions.

For a complete Sunday supper, serve this small meatloaf with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, homemade gravy without drippings, and green beans with almonds. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination.

Ingredients For This Small Meatloaf Recipe

To make this fantastic meatloaf recipe for two, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Breadcrumbs: These absorb moisture, preventing the meatloaf from crumbling and falling apart.
• Milk: Used to create a panade (more on that below), which adds moisture and tenderness.
• Onion and garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add a significant amount of flavor. Don’t skimp on these!
• Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together.
• Ketchup: Adds flavor and moisture to both the meatloaf and the glaze.
• Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami flavor, adding depth and complexity. It elevates the taste profile, preventing a one-dimensional flavor.
• Parsley: Adds freshness to the hearty dish. You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• Ground beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for the best flavor and moisture. It’s often the most affordable option, too. A leaner blend can be used, but the meatloaf may be slightly drier.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramelization and sweetness to the glaze. You can use light or dark brown sugar.

What is a Panade?

A panade is a paste made by combining a starch (breadcrumbs) and a liquid (milk). It functions as a binder and keeps the meatloaf incredibly tender. The panade coats the ground beef protein fibers, preventing them from tightening and drying out during cooking.

Creating a panade ensures the breadcrumbs fully absorb the milk. If you add dry breadcrumbs directly to the ground beef, they would absorb the meat juices instead, leading to a dry meatloaf. So, don’t skip this step!

How To Make This Small Meatloaf Recipe

Ready to create your own 1-pound meatloaf masterpiece? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Make the Panade: Stir together the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl until a paste forms. This is your panade!
2. Combine Ingredients: Mix in the diced onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper with the panade. Ensure everything is well combined.
3. Add the Beef: Gently add the ground beef to the mixture and combine it with your hands. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf. Mix until just combined.
4. Shape the Loaf: Line a baking sheet with foil. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a loaf shape. A slightly oval shape works well.
5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. This glaze adds a lovely sweetness and tang.
6. Glaze and Bake: Brush the ketchup glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
7. Rest: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.

Refrigerate any leftover meatloaf for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

What To Serve With This Mini Meatloaf

As mentioned earlier, I love serving this meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans for a well-rounded and comforting dinner for two. This combination offers a great balance of flavors and textures.

If you’re looking for other vegetable options, consider roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, or even a simple green onion salad. These are all great side dishes that complement the richness of the meatloaf.

Or, sneak in more veggies with broccoli and cheese mashed potatoes for a fun and flavorful twist on a classic.

I opted to make my gravy without meat drippings to save time, but the meatloaf will release enough juices during baking to make a delicious gravy from drippings. Alternatively, you could make a mushroom gravy for even more meatiness and depth of flavor.

More Comfort Food Classics

If you enjoyed this small meatloaf recipe, you’ll also love these other classic comfort food recipes designed for two people:

• Small Pork Roast
• Instant Pot Pork Roast
• Stove Top Beef Stew
• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Mac and Cheese For Two
• Shrimp Alfredo with Homemade Alfredo Sauce