How to Make 4 Ingredient Meatloaf in Under 1 Hour

Growing up in a busy household, I watched my family gather around simple, hearty meals that everyone loved. One of my go-to dishes became my 4 Ingredient Meatloaf, a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, and ketchup, this customizable meatloaf delivers comforting flavors while keeping dinner stress-free. You’ll love how simple, family-friendly, and satisfying this recipe is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and irresistible, this 4 Ingredient Meatloaf is a must-try. With just ground beef, bread crumbs or Stove Top stuffing, egg, and ketchup, it’s a family-friendly meal that comes together in under an hour. You’ll love this 4 Ingredient Meatloaf because it’s fully customizable—you can swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or make mini loaves for portion control. This meatloaf is comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights or special occasions, making it one of the easiest and most satisfying recipes to have in your rotation.

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Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in this 4 Ingredient Meatloaf is chosen to keep the recipe simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. Ground beef provides a hearty, juicy base, while bread crumbs or Stove Top stuffing act as a binder to keep the meatloaf tender and perfectly shaped. The egg helps hold everything together, ensuring each slice stays intact. Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tang while keeping the loaf moist, and you can even spread a little extra on top for a glossy, flavorful glaze. This combination of minimal ingredients makes this 4 Ingredient Meatloaf quick to prepare, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

🛒 Ingredients (for 1 loaf, serves 4–6):

For the Meatloaf:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork

1 cup bread crumbs or Stove Top stuffing

1 large egg

½ cup ketchup plus extra for topping

How to Make This Recipe

Making this 4 Ingredient Meatloaf is simple, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights. Each ingredient works together to create a tender, flavorful meatloaf. Ground beef or a beef-pork mix forms the hearty base, while bread crumbs or Stove Top stuffing keep the loaf moist and structured. The egg binds all the ingredients for perfect slices, and ketchup adds a sweet, tangy flavor that enhances every bite. Following these easy steps, you’ll have a classic 4 Ingredient Meatloaf ready in under an hour that’s both comforting and family-approved. This recipe is fully customizable—swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or make mini meatloaves for portion control—while keeping it quick, easy, and delicious.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan for even cooking.

In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup bread crumbs or Stove Top stuffing, 1 large egg, and ½ cup ketchup. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Spread extra ketchup on top for a flavorful glaze.

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Serve hot for a quick, easy, and family-friendly 4 Ingredient Meatloaf dinner.

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Expert Cooking Tips

To make the perfect 4 Ingredient Meatloaf, understanding how each ingredient works is key. Ground beef or a beef-pork mix forms the hearty base, while bread crumbs or Stove Top stuffing absorb moisture and help the meatloaf hold its shape. The egg binds everything together for neat slices, and ketchup not only adds flavor but keeps the loaf juicy during baking. By following a few expert tips, you can create a tender, flavorful, and family-approved 4 Ingredient Meatloaf every time. These tricks make your meatloaf quick, easy, and customizable for weeknights or special occasions.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use fresh ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for a juicy 4 Ingredient Meatloaf.

Don’t overmix ingredients; gentle mixing keeps the meatloaf tender.

Swap bread crumbs for Stove Top stuffing for extra flavor and seasoning.

Spread extra ketchup on top for a sweet, tangy glaze that keeps the loaf moist.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for perfect doneness.

For mini meatloaves, divide mixture into muffin tins for faster cooking and portion control.

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This 4 Ingredient Meatloaf is the ultimate quick and easy dinner that your whole family will love. With just ground beef, bread crumbs or Stove Top stuffing, egg, and ketchup, it’s a simple, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Fully customizable, this 4 Ingredient Meatloaf can be adapted with extra seasonings, mini portions, or alternative binders, making it a versatile and reliable recipe to keep in your weekly dinner rotation.