Sheet Pan Meatloaf Recipe

Sheet Pan Meatloaf Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Meatloaf Recipe with BBQ Sauce

This delicious meatloaf recipe is a perfect combination of tender ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and a tangy BBQ sauce. Its easy to make and a great meal for any day of the week!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 large eggs
  • cup panko bread crumbs
  • cup finely chopped onion
  • cup BBQ sauce, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand.

Step 3: Line a sheet pan with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Shape the meatloaf mixture into a rectangular shape and place it onto the prepared sheet pan.

Step 4: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Step 5: After 45 minutes, brush the meatloaf with the remaining BBQ sauce (add more if desired) and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 165F (73C), about 15 more minutes.

Step 6: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce, if desired.

Cook's Note

For the BBQ sauce, I used a homemade Boozy BBQ Sauce recipe. Also, the plastic rectangular that ground beef comes in is perfect for shaping the meatloaf. Simply wash out the tray, add the meatloaf mixture, and invert it onto the foil-lined baking sheet.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 465
  • Total Fat: 33g (43% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 13g (66% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 190mg (63% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 341mg (15% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g (7% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
  • Protein: 25g (49% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 381mg (8% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Sheet Pan Meatloaf

Recipe by Allrecipes

History and Origin of Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a beloved dish in many households, particularly in the United States, where it became popular in the early 19th century. Initially, it served as a way to stretch the meat supply by combining ground meat with other ingredients like breadcrumbs, rice, or vegetables, which were then bound together with eggs. It has roots in various European cuisines, including the German "frikadellen" and the Swedish "kottbullar," both of which are meat-based dishes that predate the American meatloaf. Over time, meatloaf evolved into a comfort food staple, prized for its versatility and ease of preparation.

Regional Variations of Meatloaf

While the basic concept of meatloaf remains consistent, it varies widely across regions. In the United States, different states have their own twists on the recipe. For instance, in the Southern U.S., meatloaf is often served with a tangy tomato or barbecue glaze, similar to the recipe in this sheet pan meatloaf dish. In contrast, Midwestern meatloaf often features ingredients like green peppers, mushrooms, or mashed potatoes incorporated directly into the loaf. Some families also add bacon or cheese for additional flavor. In Europe, meatloaf can be found in variations such as the French "terrine" or the Italian "polpettone," often with added herbs, wine, or cheese.

How Sheet Pan Meatloaf Differs from Similar Dishes

The sheet pan meatloaf stands apart from traditional meatloaf recipes mainly due to its preparation method. While classic meatloaf is often baked in a loaf pan, the sheet pan method results in a more evenly cooked and crispy exterior, as the meatloaf is shaped into a flat, rectangular form on a sheet pan. This variation allows for a faster cooking time and a more pronounced glaze on the surface. Additionally, the use of barbecue sauce as a glaze in this recipe adds a layer of smoky sweetness, making it a standout among other meatloaf dishes.

Where to Serve Sheet Pan Meatloaf

Sheet pan meatloaf is a perfect dish for casual family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. Its an easy and affordable meal that can feed a crowd, and the ingredients are simple yet flavorful. This dish is often served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of salad. Its versatility means it can also be paired with various sides depending on your preference, including macaroni and cheese or even cornbread for a more Southern touch.

Interesting Facts About Meatloaf

  • The largest meatloaf ever made weighed a whopping 2,000 pounds and was cooked in 2000 at the Menomonee Falls High School in Wisconsin.
  • In the U.S., meatloaf is a popular dish during the holidays, often served as part of a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
  • Meatloaf was one of the first "convenience foods" made popular in the early 1900s, as it was easy to prepare and could feed many people at once.
  • In the U.K., meatloaf is known as "meatloaf pie" and is sometimes served as a savory pie with a pastry crust.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 large eggs
  • cup panko bread crumbs
  • cup finely chopped onion
  • cup BBQ sauce, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
  2. Combine ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix by hand.
  3. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Shape the meatloaf mixture into a rectangular shape.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Brush with the remaining BBQ sauce (or more as needed) and bake for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F (73C).
  5. Slice the meatloaf and serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

FAQ about Sheet Pan Meatloaf Recipe

Store leftover sheet pan meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. However, ground turkey is leaner, so the meatloaf might turn out a bit drier. Consider adding a bit more moisture with ingredients like milk or olive oil.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. Just be sure to bake it within a day for best results.

Yes, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even oats. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still work well.

You can enhance the flavor by adding extra seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a bit of hot sauce. You could also add sautéed mushrooms, bacon, or cheese for additional richness.

Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth to the meatloaf, but if you don't have it, you can substitute with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Sheet pan meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even some crusty bread. You could also serve it with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

The meatloaf is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Yes, you can cook the meatloaf in a loaf pan, but the cooking time may be a bit longer. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C). A sheet pan allows for more even cooking and a slightly crispier exterior.

To reheat frozen meatloaf, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Comments

David Moore

10/14/2023 09:56:50 PM

I decided to mix things up by using a combination of Italian sausage and ground beef for this recipe. To enhance the flavors, I included garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Instead of using barbecue sauce, I opted for ketchup as a topping, which turned out to be a delicious choice.

Debra Nelson

12/22/2024 04:07:50 PM

Added mushrooms and bacon strips on top - just delicious!

Frank Jackson

03/05/2023 05:11:21 PM

Fantastic meatloaf! (And I don't typically enjoy meatloaf much) The garlic flavor is just right, not overpowering. I really enjoyed the BBQ sauce both inside and on top. I might add even more next time to the meatloaf. Overall, a wonderful recipe!

Katherine Lopez

04/17/2024 05:26:29 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this meatloaf - its perfect firmness from the addition of panko and an extra egg, the delicious BBQ and garlic flavors that blended beautifully (I was afraid the garlic might be overwhelming, but it was just right!). I will absolutely be making this again.