Easy Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crafting a mouthwatering sheet pan glazed meatloaf brings comfort and convenience to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand simple yet delicious solutions that satisfy hungry appetites.

Lean ground beef combined with aromatic herbs creates a classic dish everyone loves.

Crispy edges and a rich, tangy glaze promise maximum flavor in every bite.

Minimal cleanup makes this recipe a true kitchen champion for busy cooks.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can confidently whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in no time.

Let’s dive into a recipe that transforms an old-school favorite into a modern dinner delight.

Why This Glazed Meatloaf Is a Game-Changer

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss all ingredients on a sheet pan for a no-fuss meal that cuts down on dishes and cleanup time.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust ingredients to match family preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe super flexible.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The tangy-sweet glaze transforms classic meatloaf into a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
• Hands-Off Cooking Experience: Minimal active cooking time means you can relax while the oven does the hard work, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Sheet Pan Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that forms the base of the meatloaf and provides rich meaty flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and adds texture to the mixture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.

• Parmesan Cheese, Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic elements to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that adds moisture and caramelized flavor to the meatloaf's exterior.

How to Make Glazed Meatloaf on a Sheet Pan

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.

Step 2: Create Meatloaf Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Ketchup
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Form the meat mixture into a uniform loaf shape on the prepared sheet pan. Ensure the loaf is compact and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Whip Up the Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar

Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: First Glaze Application

Generously brush half of the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the meatloaf, creating a rich, glossy coating.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze

Place the sheet pan in a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes, applying additional glaze halfway through cooking to enhance flavor and create a caramelized exterior.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Slice and serve hot.

Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Meatloaf

• Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the meatloaf.
• Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease on the sheet pan while maintaining moisture.
• Allow meatloaf to rest after baking, which helps juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
• Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Creative Meatloaf Variations to Try

• Herb-Infused Meatloaf: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley to the meat mixture for an aromatic and earthy flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Mix in diced jalapeños, chili powder, and replace ketchup with salsa for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Meatloaf: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano into the ground beef for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky BBQ Meatloaf: Swap the glaze with a smoky barbecue sauce and add smoked paprika to the meat mixture for a rich, deep flavor.

Pairings That Make Glazed Meatloaf Shine

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf and cut through its hearty texture.
• Create Tangy Coleslaw Side: Prepare a crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet-glazed meatloaf.
• Roast Seasonal Root Vegetables: Chop potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, toss with olive oil and herbs, and roast alongside the meatloaf to create a complete one-pan meal with complementary caramelized flavors.

Storage Know-How for Glazed Meatloaf Meals

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to keep moisture.

Sheet Pan Meatloaf FAQs You’ll Want to Know

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Just ensure the turkey is not too lean to maintain moisture.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. The meat should no longer be pink in the center.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can replace Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Romano or simply omit it. The meatloaf will still be flavorful with the other ingredients.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and tangy glaze makes this meatloaf appealing to children, and it’s an easy way to serve a protein-packed meal that most kids enjoy.

Sheet Pan Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets simplicity in this sheet pan glazed meatloaf, a classic American dinner reimagined with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Succulent meat mingles with a tangy-sweet glaze, promising a hearty meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.5 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup (40 grams) finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, egg, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, gently blending until just incorporated.
3. Mold the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape, carefully positioning it centrally on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Create a tangy glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a separate small bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Generously coat the entire surface of the meatloaf with half of the prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, applying an additional layer of glaze midway through cooking to enhance flavor and caramelization.
7. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F, then remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute before slicing.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version that still packs incredible flavor and reduces overall fat content.
• Ensure breadcrumbs are fresh to maintain the perfect moisture and texture of the meatloaf, preventing it from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Experiment with alternative glaze ingredients like honey or maple syrup for unique sweet-savory combinations that elevate the traditional recipe.
• Allow meatloaf to rest completely before slicing to lock in juices and maintain a tender, succulent consistency that will impress everyone at the dinner table.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg