Emilie Meyer
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be made in a variety of ways, but can you make meatloaf in a 9x13 pan? The answer is yes! While some recipes call for a traditional loaf pan, meatloaf can also be made in a larger, 9x13 baking pan or sheet pan. This method has several benefits, including faster cooking time, more even cooking, and the ability to spread the meatloaf mixture out to fill the pan, resulting in more surface area and delicious caramelized edges. Additionally, cooking meatloaf in a 9x13 pan allows excess grease and fat to flow out of the meat, which can improve the texture and taste. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, making meatloaf in a 9x13 pan is a great option for a quick, tasty, and comforting weeknight dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan size | 9x13 |
| Pan type | Baking pan, sheet pan, roasting pan |
| Meatloaf shape | Loaf, flat and square |
| Meatloaf texture | Crispy edges, softer edges |
| Grease | Drained |
| Cooking time | Faster, 1 hour |
| Temperature | 350 degrees F, 375 degrees F, 425 degrees F |
| Browning | Even, all the way around |
| Taste | Flavourful, juicy, tender |
| Sides | Potatoes, carrots, onions, green beans, mac and cheese, cornbread, pasta |
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What You'll Learn
Meatloaf in a loaf pan vs a 9x13 pan
Meatloaf is a delicious comfort food that can be made in a loaf pan or a 9x13 pan. But which is better? Let's look at the pros and cons of each.
Meatloaf in a Loaf Pan
Using a loaf pan is a traditional way to cook meatloaf. It gives the meatloaf a classic loaf shape and results in softer edges. However, one of the downsides of using a loaf pan is that it can be more challenging to achieve even cooking. The meatloaf may end up with overcooked edges and an undercooked centre. Additionally, all the grease and fat released during cooking tend to pool at the bottom of the loaf pan, which can make the meatloaf greasy and less healthy.
Meatloaf in a 9x13 Pan
Using a 9x13 pan, also known as a sheet pan, offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a larger surface area, allowing the meatloaf to cook more evenly and reducing the risk of undercooked spots. The increased surface area also means more exposure to the delicious caramelized ketchup topping that meatloaf is often served with. Secondly, the larger pan size allows the grease and fat to flow out of the meat, resulting in a healthier dish. Finally, the thinner shape of the meatloaf in a 9x13 pan reduces cooking time, making it a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
In conclusion, while both options have their merits, cooking meatloaf in a 9x13 pan may be preferable due to the more even cooking, reduced cooking time, and ability to drain excess grease. However, if a classic loaf shape and softer edges are important to you, a loaf pan can still be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your meatloaf recipe.
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How to shape the meatloaf in a 9x13 pan
To shape the meatloaf in a 9x13 pan, start by spraying the pan with cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan. You can line the pan with parchment paper. Then, transfer the meatloaf mixture to the pan and press it into an even layer for even cooking. You can shape it into a loaf in the middle of the pan, leaving room around the sides for vegetables, or spread it out to fill the pan.
If you want a traditional loaf shape, you can buy meatloaf pans with drains in the bottom to avoid the issue of grease pooling and boiling the meat. However, a 9x13 pan allows the fat/grease to flow out of the loaf, which some people prefer.
After shaping the meatloaf, you can top it with a ketchup-Worcestershire mixture or a glaze. Then, bake the meatloaf until it is cooked through.
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What temperature to bake the meatloaf at
The ideal temperature to bake a meatloaf depends on the size of the loaf and the type of pan used. For a standard meatloaf, the recommended temperature is 350°F. At this temperature, a 1-pound meatloaf will take about 35 to 45 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 160°F. A 2-pound meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes, while a 3-pound meatloaf will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
If you are using a 9x13 pan, some sources suggest baking at 350°F for an hour. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your meatloaf and the desired level of doneness.
For a meatloaf baked in a loaf pan, some recipes recommend baking at 375°F for 40 minutes, while others suggest baking at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the loaf.
It is important to monitor the internal temperature of your meatloaf to ensure it reaches the safe temperature of 160°F to 165°F. Additionally, letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier meatloaf.
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How long to bake the meatloaf for
Baking time for meatloaf in a 9x13 pan varies depending on the oven temperature and the desired level of doneness. For example, baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour will yield a well-done meatloaf with browned edges. However, increasing the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and baking for an hour and a half will result in a more thoroughly cooked meatloaf.
It is important to note that the shape of the meatloaf also affects the baking time. A traditional loaf shape will take longer to cook than a flat, spread-out meatloaf in the same-sized pan. This is because the traditional shape results in a thicker loaf, requiring more time for heat to penetrate the centre.
To ensure the meatloaf is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. A temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is considered safe for consuming meatloaf.
Additionally, the presence of additional ingredients, such as vegetables or cheese, can impact the baking time. These ingredients may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are properly cooked.
In summary, the baking time for meatloaf in a 9x13 pan can range from 20 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the oven temperature, the shape of the meatloaf, and the inclusion of additional ingredients. It is essential to monitor the meatloaf's internal temperature and adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure food safety and your desired level of doneness.
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What to serve with meatloaf
Meatloaf is a hearty and nourishing meal, perfect for cold winter nights. There are several side dishes that go well with meatloaf, from classic options to more creative ones.
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish to serve with meatloaf. To make them even more delicious, you can add ingredients like sour cream, milk, parmesan, or garlic-and-herb goat cheese. If you want to stick with the classic but add a twist, you can try colcannon, an Irish side dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage dressed with browned butter. Smashed and roasted potatoes are also a great option.
Green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are also excellent choices to serve with meatloaf. You can simply sauté or roast them, or try something more creative like oven-baked green beans with a crispy, crunchy texture.
Other vegetable sides that go well with meatloaf include glazed carrots, creamed spinach, creamed corn, or sautéed mushrooms. If you're looking for a starch, mac and cheese, cornbread, pasta, or rice are all great options.
For a more unique side dish, you can try making a meatloaf in a 9x13 pan with a layer of potatoes, carrots, and onions surrounding the meat. The meat flavours the veggies, and the veggies add extra flavour to the meatloaf.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make meatloaf in a 9x13 pan. However, you may not get the traditional loaf shape.
Using a 9x13 pan allows the fat and grease to flow out of the meatloaf. It also lets you cook vegetables in the same pan, which will be flavoured by the meat and vice versa.
Shape the meatloaf mixture into a mound in the middle of the pan. You can then layer sliced vegetables around it. Cover with foil and bake until the vegetables are soft.
