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How to Make the World’s Cutest Meatloaf

Finally, a meatloaf recipe perfect for one person.
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Published Apr. 1, 2022.

How to Make the World’s Cutest Meatloaf

The majority of cozy, homey recipes are written to feed a crowd . . . or at least a family of four. When you’re craving a little comfort for only yourself, it can be frustrating to prep and cook multiple servings of a single dish. That’s exactly why we developed this perfectly portioned recipe for meatloaf that serves just me, myself, and I. 

This glazed meatloaf is inspired by the satisfyingly meaty interior of a pork dumpling, incorporating hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and panko bread crumbs to create a truly flavorful meal that turns dining for one into a luxury experience.

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But of course, if you’re in the mood for more of a classic diner-style loaf, have no fear. Just swap the scallions, soy sauce, and ginger for parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, and make a glaze out of ketchup and cider vinegar instead of hoisin and rice vinegar.

And that’s just the beginning of how customizable this single-serving meatloaf is. If you don’t happen to have ground pork on hand as the recipe calls for, you can easily substitute ground beef or even meatloaf mix.

Glazed Meatloaf for One

Meatloaf brings to mind diner-style fare for a family, but we wanted down-home goodness in a smaller package (without the assistance of cutesy, single-use, mini equipment).
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The cleanup is also breezier than your regular meatloaf dish. Making a free-form loaf, browning it in a skillet, and then finishing it off in the oven in the same skillet means fewer dishes at the end of the night.

So instead of scheduling a big family dinner or feeling the need to ship your leftovers to the neighbors, remember that you can make a delicious, single-serving meatloaf all for yourself in less than an hour. It's truly comfort food at its finest (and you don’t have to share!).

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