The Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious, comforting meal. The tender meatloaf, glazed to perfection, pairs wonderfully with the roasted baby potatoes and green beans, creating a full meal that’s not only delicious but easy to prepare. This one-pan dish is great for a busy weeknight when you need something quick and satisfying. The meatloaf gets that golden, caramelized finish from the glaze, while the vegetables stay crisp and tender. It’s a complete meal that takes minimal effort but packs in flavor, making it a perfect go-to recipe for any night of the week.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup milk
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup green beans
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1 cup baby potatoes, halved
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup ketchup to make the glaze.
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Brush the glaze over the meatloaf.
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In another part of the sheet pan, drizzle olive oil over the green beans and baby potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
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After 30 minutes, brush the meatloaf with additional glaze and return it to the oven for another 15-20 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) internally.
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Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4
Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf: A Perfect Weeknight Dinner
When it comes to family dinners, nothing beats a classic like meatloaf, especially when it’s made with a little twist. This Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf recipe brings together all the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf with the convenience of a one-pan meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe makes meal preparation simpler while still delivering a hearty and satisfying dish. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave a nourishing dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
The Convenience of a One-Pan Meal
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With the meatloaf, potatoes, and vegetables all cooked on a single sheet pan, cleanup is a breeze. No need to worry about multiple pots and pans piling up. This makes it an excellent option for anyone who wants a delicious meal without the hassle of excessive cleanup afterward. The sheet pan allows for the perfect balance of flavors and textures—tender meatloaf, crispy potatoes, and perfectly roasted green beans, all in one dish. The best part? The roasting process in the oven helps lock in flavors while ensuring everything cooks evenly.
Why This Meatloaf Recipe is the Best
There’s a reason this Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf recipe has become a favorite in so many households. First, it’s made with wholesome ingredients like lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings that can easily be found in any kitchen. The addition of the glaze made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ketchup creates a perfectly caramelized finish on top of the meatloaf, giving it that irresistible sticky-sweet coating. It’s a delicious combination that keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Beyond taste, this dish offers nutritional value as well. Ground beef is a great source of protein and essential vitamins, such as B12 and iron, which support overall health. The accompanying vegetables—green beans and baby potatoes—offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this meal a well-rounded option for a balanced diet. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to fill up on comfort food without compromising on nutrition.
A Family-Friendly Meal for All Ages
One of the biggest benefits of this Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf recipe is its versatility. It’s a great dish for all age groups, from young children to adults. The flavors are familiar, and the textures are soft and satisfying. Children tend to love meatloaf because it’s easy to eat and not overly spicy or complex in flavor. Plus, by baking everything on the same sheet pan, you can easily customize the vegetables or add sides according to personal preferences.
If you have picky eaters at home, you can swap out the green beans for carrots, peas, or any other vegetable of your choice. The flexibility of this recipe ensures that you can make it work for your family, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. Additionally, this recipe is easily scalable, so it’s perfect for both smaller and larger families.
Tips for the Perfect Glazed Meatloaf
While the recipe is fairly simple, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf to the next level. First, be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly but don’t overwork the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf, and we want it to be tender. If you like your meatloaf extra moist, you can add a bit more milk to the mixture or substitute half of the breadcrumbs with rolled oats for a different texture.
Another important note is to make sure the glaze is applied at the right time. Coat the meatloaf generously at the start of baking, then add a second coat during the final 15 minutes of cooking to ensure the meatloaf gets that beautifully glossy, caramelized finish.
Make It Your Own: Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own variations. For a healthier twist, try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also experiment with different vegetables—broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be great alternatives to green beans and potatoes. If you prefer a more savory flavor profile, you can substitute the Dijon mustard with a bit of garlic powder or even grated Parmesan cheese.
For a spicy kick, try adding a bit of hot sauce to the glaze or mixing in some finely chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what’s available or to suit your taste preferences.
Health Benefits of This Meal
This Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf is not just a crowd-pleaser; it also packs several health benefits. The lean ground beef used in the recipe provides a great source of protein and iron, essential for maintaining strong muscles and healthy red blood cells. The green beans offer fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to keep you feeling full for longer. The baby potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy without causing blood sugar spikes.
If you’re looking to make this recipe even healthier, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular white breadcrumbs, or replace some of the meat with finely chopped mushrooms to reduce the overall fat content. You can also substitute the ketchup in the glaze for a low-sugar version or make your own homemade sauce for a healthier alternative.
Time-Saving Benefits for Busy Families
If you’re a busy parent or professional, the Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf is the perfect meal for you. The recipe doesn’t require a lot of preparation, and most of the cooking is hands-off. After mixing the meatloaf and assembling the sheet pan, all you need to do is pop it into the oven and let it cook. This frees up your time to focus on other tasks, making it an excellent meal choice for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner solution.
Leftover Potential
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its leftover potential. The meatloaf holds up well in the fridge and can be enjoyed the next day in a variety of ways. You can slice it up and serve it in sandwiches or wraps for a quick lunch, or use it in casseroles, pastas, or even as a topping for salads. The glaze adds an extra burst of flavor, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the fresh meal.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf is the ideal weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, with the added bonus of minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. The balance of meatloaf, roasted vegetables, and the sweet glaze ensures that this dish will satisfy everyone’s cravings for comfort food. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different dietary preferences and available ingredients, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights. Try it today, and discover how a classic dish can be reinvented with ease and flavor!