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Classic meatloaf sliced on a white plate with golden-brown exterior and herbs garnish
Dinner

Classic Meatloaf

I love making my meatloaf in a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan. Cooking the meatloaf in a classic loaf pan can result in undercooked meat in the middle, or alternatively, overcooked, dry meatloaf overall.

Prep
25 min
Cook
50 min
Total
1hr 15min
Serves
8
Style
💰 Everyday

I love making meatloaf in a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan. Cooking the meatloaf in a classic loaf pan can result in undercooked meat in the middle, or alternatively, overcooked, dry meatloaf overall. This problem is solved by making a thin, flavourful meatloaf with the most delicious glaze.

Ingredients

Servings:
8
  • 3 lbs ground beef
  • 6 slices white bread
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 1/2 cup parsley, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, heaping
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup parmesan, grated
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha
  • 1 1/2 tsp soy sauce
  • Parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease half a sheet pan and sprinkle bread crumbs all over.

  2. 2

    Soak bread slices in milk and break them up with your fingertips.

  3. 3

    Heat oil in a frying pan, add onions, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden (not burnt). Set aside to cool.

  4. 4

    Whisk all the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl.

  5. 5

    Place ground beef in a large bowl. Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder over it. Add the cooled onions, parsley, and Parmesan. Add the soaked bread and mix with your hands until well combined. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan evenly, ensuring even thickness in the middle and edges.

  6. 6

    Brush the meatloaf with the glaze evenly.

  7. 7

    Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes until cooked through (check to ensure it's no longer pink in the centre and the internal temperature registers at least 165°F/74°C).

  8. 8

    Remove from the oven, cut into squares, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve on top of mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

FAQ

Can you make meatloaf ahead of time?+
Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake—just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it'll start cold. You can also freeze a fully cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months and reheat it in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
What can I substitute for ground beef in meatloaf?+
Ground turkey or ground chicken work great as leaner alternatives, though they're drier so stick with the milk-soaked bread and eggs to keep it moist. You can also do a 50/50 mix of ground beef and ground pork for extra flavor and tenderness.
Why is my meatloaf dry?+
The most common culprit is overmixing the meat or baking it too long—mix just until combined and use a meat thermometer to pull it at 160°F internal temp. Make sure you're not skipping the milk-soaked bread step, as it's what keeps this meatloaf moist and tender.
How should I slice meatloaf without it falling apart?+
Let your cooked meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps it hold together much better. Use a sharp serrated knife and cut with gentle sawing motions rather than pressing down hard.

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Classic Meatloaf Recipe | Sheet Pan Method | Food 400°