This Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf recipe transforms a classic comfort food into an easy, weeknight-friendly meal. By cooking it on a sheet pan, you ensure even cooking and a beautiful glaze caramelization that’s simply irresistible. This isn’t your grandma’s dry, bland meatloaf – this version is incredibly moist, flavorful, and boasts a tangy-sweet glaze that elevates it to a whole new level.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper means minimal cleanup.
- Even Cooking: The sheet pan allows for even heat distribution, ensuring your meatloaf cooks perfectly throughout.
- Flavorful Glaze: The glaze, made with ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, creates a beautiful caramelized crust that’s bursting with flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses to the meatloaf mixture.
- Family-Friendly: This is a dish that the whole family will enjoy, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a savory, nutty flavor)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white onion works well)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (freshly minced is always best)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for moisture and binding)
- 1 large egg (acts as a binder)
- Salt and pepper to taste (be generous with the seasoning to enhance the flavor)
- For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup (forms the base of the glaze)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adds sweetness and helps with caramelization)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (provides tanginess and depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds acidity and balances the sweetness)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial for easy cleanup and prevents the meatloaf from sticking to the pan. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to guarantee even cooking.
Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, and egg. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. Use your hands for the best results, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Season Generously. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s essential for bringing out the flavors of the meat and other ingredients. Taste a small amount of the mixture (before it’s cooked, of course!) to check the seasoning and adjust as needed. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf. Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared sheet pan. You can make one large loaf or divide the mixture into smaller mini-loaves for individual servings. Ensure the loaf is evenly shaped for uniform cooking.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the meatloaf but still easily spreadable.
Step 6: Glaze the Meatloaf. Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Ensure the entire surface of the meatloaf is coated with the glaze for maximum flavor and caramelization.
Step 7: Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes, brushing the meatloaf with more glaze halfway through the cooking time. The meatloaf is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C). Basting the meatloaf with the remaining glaze during cooking will create a beautiful, glossy crust.
Step 8: Rest. Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf. Tent the meatloaf loosely with foil while it rests to keep it warm.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
- Green beans
- A simple side salad
- Macaroni and cheese
Tips:
- For a moister meatloaf, add 1/4 cup of milk or beef broth to the mixture.
- To prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan, you can also use a meatloaf pan instead of a sheet pan.
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
- For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
- Ensure the ground beef is not too lean, as this can result in a dry meatloaf. An 80/20 blend is recommended.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients)
Calories: 350 Protein: 30g Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion:
This Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The sheet pan method ensures even cooking and minimal cleanup, while the tangy-sweet glaze adds a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meatloaf that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences, adding your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to create a unique and flavorful meal. Enjoy!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. However, keep in mind that ground turkey tends to be drier than ground beef, so you may want to add a little extra moisture to the meatloaf mixture, such as a tablespoon or two of olive oil or beef broth.
- Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply shape the meatloaf, glaze it, and bake as directed. You can also bake the meatloaf completely ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
- What’s the best way to prevent the meatloaf from drying out? To prevent the meatloaf from drying out, make sure to use ground beef with a good amount of fat (80/20 blend is recommended). Also, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture, as this can make it tough. Adding moisture to the mixture, such as milk or beef broth, can also help to keep it moist. Finally, be sure to let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Can I freeze leftover meatloaf? Yes, you can freeze leftover meatloaf for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven or microwave.
- What other vegetables can I add to this meatloaf? You can add a variety of vegetables to this meatloaf to customize it to your liking. Some popular options include finely chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Be sure to chop the vegetables finely so they cook evenly and don’t make the meatloaf too bulky. You can also add sautéed onions or garlic for extra flavor.
