Skillet Meatloaf isn’t reinventing the wheel. There’s nothing novel about it. But it’s just as good as its loaf pan counterpart. And it’s easier too – You don’t really have to shape it, just toss it in the pan, bake, and serve it up!
Skillet Meatloaf may even be better than it’s loaf pan counterpart.
I have the worst trouble with making meatloaf in a traditional loaf pan. I either have to cook it for over an hour, or at a higher temp, to ensure that the center is done. That generally (but not always) means my meatloaf is dry.
What’s actually cooked is usually dry, but the center is often pink and raw. Not good when you’re cooking meatloaf. And before anyone asks, yes, I let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes before cutting into it.
That usually doesn’t help much.
So this time, I opted to use my cast iron skillet. My mom told me one time that her grandfather used to make meatloaf in a cast iron skillet and it was the best.
I think I agree.
For Skillet Meatloaf, I would definitely use two pounds of ground beef. For one thing, I’ve made it before with one pound, and it really dries out. And no one likes that.
For another, it’s one of the few things the bambino will actually scarf down like it’s his last meal, so I usually try and double up the ground beef whenever I do make meatloaf. I usually serve this with mashed potatoes (and occasionally gravy), but my Stovetop Mac and Cheese is also a good side.
And of course, there’s the benefit of cold meatloaf the next day, for sandwiches. Assuming you have leftovers, that is.
As is usual in our house, I had to snag my lunch portions right away, so that they wouldn’t get eaten!
And today, it’s perfect leftovers as we got MORE snow overnight. Dammit.
I know it’s only March, and here in South Dakota, we can get snow into May (Like last year. Boy, that was fun), and even June. But still. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
By the end of the week, we’re supposed to be sunny and close to sixty degrees. Come ON Spring!!!
Skillet Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 1 C old-fashioned oats, breadcrumbs, or 1 sleeve of saltines, crushed
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- salt & pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 C ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a cast iron skillet with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. With clean hands, mix together just until combined. Place in the skillet, and pat into a circle about 2-inches thick.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, and spread over the top of the meatloaf.*
- Place in the oven and cook for 1 hour (start checking the internal temperature after 45 minutes), or until the internal temp has reached 165 degrees. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving.
Notes
*You can also spread the top with a barbecue sauce of your choice, if you prefer
I’d ‘scarf it down’ for sure. It looks like there are more ‘ends’ to be had with this method. Trying it! Thanks!
Ha–Those are my favorite parts too! I’ve been known to stab people with the serving fork if they try & get in my way! :D
Mom always used a cast iron skillet to cook her meatloaf Chica. Something about the cast iron that makes anything tast good. She baked her pineapple upside down cakes in cast iron too. Much better than a traditional cake pan. The brown sugar & pineapple browns perfectly.
I thought you said great-grandpa did too? Well, regardless, it’s good. I’m not a fan of pineapple upside down cake, but I should give it a try–Lex & Jay really like it.
Meatloaf in a skillet is a fantastic idea! I think the wedges are a fun way to serve it.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: No more snow! :)
Haha–I thought of you when I was writing this post! :) The only thing I don’t like about the wedges is that it ends up being less than if it was in loaf form. But then again, that could be a good form of portion control!
Agreed. Winter is OVER.
What a fun idea! I’m a meatloaf girl through and through and I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy it !
Thank you! :) I love finding new uses for my cast iron skillets.
This is now a family-endorsed recipe. Anxious to try it in the Dutch oven when camping.
Let me know how it turns out, if you try it!
AH … you can cook a meatloaf in any pan or casserole dish (including the frying pan) there is no magic to the cast iron one.
To make sure it’s not over cooked insert a temp probe in the middle of the loaf and when it hits 160* F its done and not dry at 350 it will be less than an hour.
Don
I probably have weird cool spots in my oven or something. I do need to invest in a good meat thermometer though.