Easy One-Pan Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes

One-Pan Glazed Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes: Your New Favorite Comfort Meal

Prepare to redefine your weeknight dinner routine with a dish that combines classic comfort with unparalleled convenience: our One-Pan Glazed Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes. This mouthwatering meal delivers tender, juicy meatloaf alongside perfectly crispy roasted potatoes, all cooked together on a single sheet pan in under an hour. It’s a complete, wholesome dinner that promises rave reviews from the entire family, all while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

Do you ever find yourself longing for the familiar, soul-satisfying taste of a home-cooked meal, just like mom used to make? That yearning for comforting flavors is universal, and this recipe is designed to bring that warmth straight to your table. We’ve taken the beloved meatloaf — a timeless classic — and elevated it into an effortlessly elegant and incredibly tasty one-pan wonder.

This recipe is a testament to the idea that delicious, hearty meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Simple enough for even the most novice cook, it requires minimal prep, just one bowl for mixing, and transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. The result? A deliciously juicy beef meatloaf, perfectly complemented by flavorful, golden-brown roasted potatoes, all cooked to perfection on a single sheet pan in less than an hour. It’s the ultimate solution for busy evenings when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss.

One of the greatest appeals of this dish is its ingenious simplicity. As the meatloaf bakes to perfection, the baby potatoes, tossed in olive oil and seasoned to taste, roast alongside it, crisping up beautifully. This synchronized cooking method means you have a complete, balanced dinner ready to serve without the added stress of preparing multiple side dishes. While this meal is satisfying on its own, I often enjoy serving it with a quick, easy vegetable, such as vibrant steamed broccoli or a crisp, fresh green salad, to add an extra layer of freshness and nutrition.

What truly sets this meatloaf apart is its irresistible tangy glaze. Brushed generously over the meatloaf during the final stage of cooking, it caramelizes into a glossy, flavorful crust that perfectly balances the rich, savory beef. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes – a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you craving more. This hearty meal is ideal for warming up on chilly evenings, and any leftovers make for an equally delicious and satisfying lunch the next day, proving that comfort food can be both convenient and versatile.

Why This One-Pan Meatloaf Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite

Beyond its comforting appeal, this One-Pan Glazed Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes recipe offers a multitude of benefits that make it a standout choice for your dinner rotation. First and foremost, the “one-pan” aspect is a game-changer. Imagine preparing a full meal with minimal dirty dishes – that’s the magic of this recipe. It frees up precious time, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal and your family, rather than scrubbing pots and pans.

The ingredients are simple, wholesome, and readily available, meaning you likely have most of them in your pantry already. Ground beef, fresh vegetables, and common pantry staples come together to create a dish that is both economical and incredibly flavorful. The blend of seasonings and the homemade tangy glaze ensures that every bite of meatloaf is packed with savory goodness, while the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness and tender texture of the potatoes, with delightfully crispy skins.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. While we recommend baby potatoes for their ideal size and texture, you can easily adapt it to other sturdy vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes. The meatloaf itself can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your family’s preferences. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen while guaranteeing a delicious outcome every time.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect One-Pan Meal

To achieve the ultimate One-Pan Glazed Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes, selecting the right ingredients is key. For the meatloaf, we use 1 pound of lean ground beef. Leaner beef prevents excess grease, while still providing plenty of flavor and moisture. A finely chopped medium onion adds a crucial aromatic base and moisture. One large egg acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together, while 1/3 cup of oatmeal or panko breadcrumbs adds texture and helps absorb moisture, ensuring a tender loaf. A couple of tablespoons of milk further contributes to the meatloaf’s moist texture. Essential seasonings include 2 teaspoons of ketchup (which adds a touch of sweetness and umami), 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage, which imparts a classic, earthy flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with beef.

For the potatoes, 1 pound of baby potatoes (gold or red varieties work best) are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly. Halving them maximizes their surface area for crisping. 2 tablespoons of olive oil ensure they roast beautifully and develop a golden, crispy exterior, while a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper enhances their natural flavor.

The star of the show, the meatloaf glaze, is a simple yet impactful combination. It starts with 1/2 cup of ketchup for its rich tomato base. 1-1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar provides sweetness and aids in caramelization, while 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar adds that essential tangy counterpoint. Finally, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper round out the flavor, creating a glaze that’s both sweet, savory, and perfectly piquant.

Contents

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One-Pan Glazed Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

FOR THE MEATLOAF:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup oatmeal, or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage

FOR THE POTATOES:

• 1 lb. baby potatoes, halved, gold or red
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

FOR THE MEATLOAF GLAZE:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1-1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

FOR THE MEATLOAF:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Coat a large sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients (ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, oatmeal/breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and ground sage). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed, but be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf. Form the mixture into a compact log shape (about 4-5 inches thick and approximately 9-10 inches long) directly on the prepared sheet pan.

FOR THE POTATOES:

1. In a separate bowl, or directly on the sheet pan, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil until they are lightly coated. Spread the potatoes evenly around the meatloaf on the sheet pan, ensuring they are in a single layer for optimal crisping. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
2. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. During this time, the meatloaf will cook through and the potatoes will begin to soften and turn golden brown.

FOR THE MEATLOAF GLAZE:

1. While the meatloaf and potatoes are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix all glaze ingredients together: ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
2. After 45 minutes of baking, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has caramelized beautifully on the meatloaf.
3. Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. It is crucial to rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. After resting, cut the meatloaf into thick slices and serve hot with the roasted potatoes alongside.
4. Enjoy this hearty and comforting one-pan meal!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment or share a photo on Pinterest!

Cuisine: American

© Georgia

Tips for Success and Variations

Achieving the perfect meatloaf is all about balance. Firstly, avoid overmixing the meatloaf ingredients; this can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix just until everything is combined. Secondly, don’t pack the meatloaf too tightly when forming it into a log. A slightly looser consistency allows for better air circulation during cooking, resulting in a more tender texture. Lastly, always let your meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful slice every time.

For those who love to experiment, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork for a different flavor profile. Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the meatloaf mixture – a pinch of thyme or rosemary would be lovely. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the glaze. For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the meatloaf during the last 5 minutes of baking.

The potatoes can also be varied. Consider adding other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, cut into similar sizes as the potatoes, to the sheet pan. For an even more aromatic touch, toss a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme with the potatoes before roasting.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

While this one-pan meal is complete on its own, it pairs wonderfully with additional fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, some steamed green beans, or a simple corn on the cob would complement the rich flavors beautifully. For an even heartier meal, a side of creamy mashed potatoes (if you’re not worried about extra dishes!) or a crusty bread to soak up any extra glaze would be fantastic.

This recipe is also excellent for meal prepping. Leftover meatloaf and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven. For longer storage, slices of meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Leftover meatloaf can also be repurposed into delicious sandwiches, crumbled into pasta sauce, or served cold with a side salad for a quick lunch.

Embrace the ease and deliciousness of this One-Pan Glazed Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes. It’s a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience together in perfect harmony, making it an instant hit for any occasion.

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