Meatloaf: Bread Pan Or Not?

You don't need a bread pan to make meatloaf. In fact, some recipes recommend using a baking sheet or large baking dish to allow the edges to caramelise nicely. If you don't have a loaf pan, you can simply form the meat mixture into the shape of a loaf and bake it on a baking sheet.

Meatloaf can be formed into a loaf shape and baked on a baking sheet without a loaf pan

Meatloaf is a highly customizable dish, and while some recipes call for a loaf pan, it is not always necessary. In fact, some recipes specifically recommend against using a loaf pan, as it can cause the meatloaf to steam and result in a less crispy exterior.

If you don't have a loaf pan, or simply prefer a different method, you can form the meatloaf into a loaf shape and bake it on a baking sheet. This method will give your meatloaf a nice crust and allow the edges to caramelize.

To do this, simply combine all of your meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl and mix until combined. Then, form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet. You can also add a sauce or glaze on top of your meatloaf for extra flavor.

Bake your meatloaf in the oven at a temperature between 350-400°F for about 40 minutes to an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

So, if you don't have a loaf pan, don't worry! You can still enjoy a delicious, crispy meatloaf by baking it on a baking sheet.

Meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months

Meatloaf is a great dish to make ahead of time and freeze for later. Whether you're batch cooking or simply have leftovers, freezing meatloaf is a convenient way to ensure you always have a tasty meal ready to go.

Freezing Cooked Meatloaf

First, let the meatloaf cool down completely. Then, cut it into slices. You can wrap each slice in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a plastic bag, or freeze them on a baking sheet before bagging and returning to the freezer.

Cooked meatloaf can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply place the slices in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing Uncooked Meatloaf

You can also freeze uncooked meatloaf. Simply assemble the meatloaf according to your recipe and shape it into a loaf. Cover and freeze in the pan for 24 hours, then remove the frozen loaf, wrap it in foil, and place it in a plastic bag. Return it to the freezer.

As with cooked meatloaf, uncooked meatloaf will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight and then cook as per your recipe.

Tips for Freezing Meatloaf

• To preserve flavour, add extra seasoning or sauces before freezing.
• Ensure the meatloaf is tightly wrapped to prevent air exposure, which can cause flavour loss and freezer burn.
• Consider flash-freezing individual slices or mini meatloaves to preserve freshness and flavour.
• Reheat gently to avoid flavour loss—overheating can dry out the meatloaf.

Meatloaf should be left to rest for 10 minutes before serving

You've put in the effort to make a delicious meatloaf, and now it's time to serve it. But wait! Don't skip this crucial step: let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Here's why this step is essential:

First of all, resting the meatloaf allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the loaf. If you slice into it too soon, those juices will end up on your cutting board or plate, resulting in a dry and unappetizing meatloaf. By letting it rest, you're ensuring that all that delicious moisture stays locked inside, giving you a juicy and tender meatloaf.

Secondly, resting helps the meatloaf hold its shape better. If you cut into it straight out of the oven, it's more likely to crumble apart on your plate. But a little patience and letting it rest will give you neat slices that hold together nicely.

Additionally, resting the meatloaf gives it time to cool down slightly, making it easier to handle and serve. This brief waiting period allows the muscle fibres to retain the tasty juices, so they don't run out when you start eating.

Finally, this resting period is also a great opportunity to make any sides or finish preparing the rest of your meal. So, while your meatloaf rests, you can quickly mash some potatoes, roast some vegetables, or make a tasty gravy to go with it.

In conclusion, letting your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring a juicy, tender, and well-presented dish. It's a small wait for a big payoff!

Meatloaf can be served with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese

Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preference. Here are some reasons why mashed potatoes or mac and cheese are excellent choices to accompany your meatloaf:

Mashed Potatoes:

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with meatloaf. They provide a creamy and comforting texture that complements the savoury and hearty meatloaf. The potatoes can be prepared with buttermilk, adding a tangy and rich flavour to the dish. Alternatively, you can try "frosting" your meatloaf with mashed potatoes. This unique twist involves spreading mashed potatoes over the cooked meatloaf, creating a crispy and tasty topping.

Mac and Cheese:

Macaroni and cheese is another comforting and indulgent side dish that goes well with meatloaf. You can serve it as a simple side, or take it a step further by stuffing your meatloaf with mac and cheese. This creates a delicious surprise centre and adds a cheesy twist to your meatloaf. You can use store-bought or homemade mac and cheese, and even include additional cheese, such as mozzarella, for an extra gooey and decadent treat.

Other Sides:

In addition to mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, there are several other side dishes that can accompany meatloaf. These include roasted vegetables, such as green beans, French green beans, or a salad. Bread is also a great option, with homemade rolls, breadsticks, or no-knead artisan bread being ideal choices.

So, whether you choose mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or a combination of both, you can create a satisfying and flavourful meal that is sure to impress. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different side dishes to find your perfect pairing!

Meatloaf can be made with ground beef, ground turkey, or a combination of the two

Meatloaf is a delicious comfort food and a favourite for many. While it is typically made with ground beef, you can also use ground turkey or a combination of the two.

Using ground turkey instead of ground beef is a healthier option as turkey is lower in fat. You can also add extra vegetables to your meatloaf to make it even healthier. For example, Spend with Pennies' recipe includes onion, carrot, and parsley, while The Spruce Eats' recipe includes onion, garlic, green pepper, and mushrooms.

When making meatloaf with ground turkey, it is best to use lean ground beef to ensure the meatloaf stays juicy. You can also add breadcrumbs to help the meatloaf hold together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound ground turkey breast or ground chicken
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 carrot, cut into chunks
• 1 small onion, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (or ketchup/chili sauce)
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce or half BBQ sauce and half chili sauce, for topping

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• In a blender, combine the egg, carrot, onion, BBQ sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and pepper. Blend until the carrot and onion are finely chopped and the mixture is smooth.
• In a large bowl, combine the blended mixture, beef, turkey, and breadcrumbs. Mix until evenly combined.
• Spray a foil-lined pan with non-stick spray. Place the meat on the pan and form into a loaf shape about 4" wide x 3" high. Cover with foil to create a seal.
• Bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil, spread the topping over the meatloaf, and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches 160°F. (The temperature will rise to 165°F while resting.)
• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

So, whether you prefer ground beef, ground turkey, or a combination of the two, you can enjoy a delicious and juicy meatloaf!

Frequently asked questions