This Sheet Pan Meatloaf and Potatoes is a super easy one-dish meal. Juicy meatloaf is cooked alongside crispy potatoes, making cleanup a breeze!
Your family will love how tasty and comforting this dish is. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy meatloaf with perfectly roasted potatoes? It’s a cozy dinner win! 😊
I appreciate that everything cooks on one pan, making it easy for me, and there’s no fussing with multiple dishes. Just mix, shape, roast, and enjoy a hearty meal together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a juicy meatloaf. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 can work, but your meatloaf might be a little dryer. Turkey or chicken can also be substituted if you’re looking for a lighter option!
Onion: A small finely chopped onion adds great flavor. If you’re not an onion fan, you can leave it out or use onion powder instead. Green onions are a milder alternative, too.
Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best for texture, but you can use dried ones if that’s what you have. If you need a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
Ketchup: It adds moisture and flavor to the meatloaf. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for sugar-free ketchup or mix in some tomato paste with a bit of vinegar for acidity.
Potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes are perfect for their creamy texture. However, you can swap them for red potatoes or even sweet potatoes if you like a different flavor. Cut them to a similar size for even cooking!
How Do I Get the Meatloaf Just Right?
The key to a moist and flavorful meatloaf is in the mixing and baking. Here are a few tips to nail it:
- Soak those breadcrumbs in milk for at least 5 minutes. This helps keep your meatloaf moist!
- When mixing, go easy! Overmixing can make your meatloaf dense. Just combine until everything is mixed, then shape it gently.
- Hello, ketchup! Don’t skip adding it on top. It keeps the meatloaf moist while adding a sweet, tangy flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; aim for an internal temp of 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it hold its shape when slicing.
With these tips and ingredients, you’re all set for a delicious one-pan dinner your whole family will love!
Sheet Pan Meatloaf And Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
For the Potatoes and Veggies:
- 1 ½ pounds baby yellow potatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts (optional, for roasting alongside)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 45-50 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need about an hour total to enjoy a delicious meatloaf dinner! Perfect for a weeknight meal with minimal cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup down the line!
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh bread crumbs with the milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes to soften—this is key to keeping your meatloaf juicy!
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix everything together, being careful not to overmix. You want it combined, but not tough.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and shape it into a loaf. Make it nice and compact, but don’t pack it too tightly.
5. Add the Potatoes:
Now, take those halved baby potatoes and arrange them around the meatloaf. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with a little salt, pepper, and some dried thyme or rosemary if you like that extra flavor!
6. Optional Veggies:
If you’re adding Brussels sprouts or any other veggies, place them on the sheet pan too. They can roast alongside the meatloaf and potatoes for a complete meal.
7. Ketchup Topping:
Spread a generous layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This gives it that classic flavor and helps to keep it moist.
8. Roast in the Oven:
Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) and the potatoes are tender and starting to get golden brown.
9. Rest and Slice:
Once cooked, take the sheet pan out of the oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the meatloaf into portions and serve it with the roasted potatoes and veggies. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if you’re feeling fancy!
This easy sheet pan recipe keeps everything simple, and you’ll get a warm, comforting meal without a mess. Enjoy it any night of the week!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional for meatloaf, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just remember that leaner meats may require a little extra moisture, so consider adding more milk or an additional egg to keep it juicy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices of meatloaf for longer storage; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven or microwave.
What Can I Substitute for Ketchup?
If you want to skip ketchup, try using barbecue sauce for a little sweetness and smoky flavor or even a mix of tomato paste with a splash of vinegar for tang. Adding some brown sugar or honey can also replicate the sweet flavor of ketchup if you prefer.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in more vegetables like carrots, green beans, or even zucchini. Just keep their cooking times in mind; cut them into similar sizes to the potatoes for even roasting. If they cook faster, you might want to add them to the pan halfway through the baking time.