Quick & Juicy Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this skillet meatloaf that promises to warm your soul.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, the hearty skillet meatloaf brings a rustic charm to your dinner table.

The sizzling pan locks in every ounce of juicy goodness, creating a meal that speaks directly to hungry hearts.

Tender ground beef mingles with aromatic herbs and a perfectly balanced blend of seasonings.

Each slice promises a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Bold, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare, this meatloaf will become your new go-to recipe for a quick and delicious family dinner.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Keep Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Fresh

• Quick Fridge Storage: Transfer leftover meatloaf slices into airtight containers, sealing tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual meatloaf portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Frozen meatloaf stays delicious for up to three months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated meatloaf slices in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel covering the meat to retain juiciness and prevent rubbery texture.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Slice entire meatloaf into portions before storing, making grab-and-go lunches or dinners super easy. Label containers with date and contents for organized, stress-free meal planning that saves time and reduces food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

• Ground Beef: The star protein, choose lean cuts for a tender, flavorful meatloaf with less grease.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients, preventing a crumbly texture.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder, holding the meatloaf together perfectly.

• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the overall taste.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of robust, savory flavor to the meat mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy, umami depth to the meatloaf.
• Thyme: Introduces a subtle, earthy herbal note that complements the beef.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight the meat's natural flavors.

• Ketchup: Creates a classic, sweet-tangy base for the meatloaf topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and helps the glaze develop a rich color.
• Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a bright, acidic touch.
• Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy kick to the glaze.

Pan Tools For Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

• Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for even heat distribution and creating a delicious browned crust on the meatloaf.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all the meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth, well-blended glaze quickly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps gently mix the meatloaf ingredients without overworking the meat.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160F.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for mixing and shaping the meatloaf.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing the meatloaf after cooking.

Steps To Make Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

• Soften Bread Mixture

Blend breadcrumbs with milk, letting them soak and become soft. This helps create a tender texture in your meatloaf.

• Combine Meat Ingredients

Gently fold ground beef with onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix carefully to keep the meat light and fluffy.

• Craft Skillet Patty

Shape the meat mixture into a flat, oval form that fits perfectly in your skillet. Ensure an even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Brown the Meatloaf

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet and sear the meatloaf until golden brown on both sides, creating a delicious crispy exterior.

• Create Tangy Glaze

Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard to make a sweet and zesty coating for the meatloaf.

• Finish Cooking

Pour glaze over the meatloaf, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the internal temperature reaches 160F, allowing flavors to meld.

• Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf sit for a few minutes, then slice and plate. Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a comforting meal.

Tips To Enhance Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

• Meat Mixing Mastery: Use your hands gently when combining ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatloaf. Cold hands work best, and mix just until ingredients are incorporated for a tender texture.
• Lean Meat Rescue: If using extra-lean ground beef, add an extra egg or some grated zucchini to keep the meatloaf moist and prevent drying out during cooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers, rolled oats, or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with mix-ins like finely diced bell peppers, grated cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or crispy bacon bits to elevate the classic meatloaf profile and add personal flair.

Serving Ideas For Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

• Comfort Plate Companions: Creamy mashed potatoes nestled beside the meatloaf create a classic, hearty dinner that warms the soul and satisfies serious hunger.
• Veggie Vibrance: Roasted green beans or buttered corn add bright colors and fresh textures, balancing the rich, savory meatloaf with crisp, nutritious sides.
• Rustic Bread Boost: Serve with crusty sourdough or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious glaze and complete the homestyle meal with extra comfort.
• Leftover Love: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches with sharp cheddar cheese and tangy mustard on toasted bread for a next-day lunch treat.

Hearty Skillet Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic old-fashioned skillet meatloaf blends hearty beef with comforting home-style ingredients. Family dinners become memorable with this simple, satisfying midwestern dish that brings comfort straight to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) ground beef (85/15 for best flavor)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp mustard (optional)

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Instructions

1. Milk Soak: Immerse breadcrumbs in milk for one minute to enhance moisture and tenderness of the meat mixture.
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika with soaked breadcrumbs, gently folding to maintain a light texture without compressing the meat.
3. Shape Patty: Craft an oval-shaped patty approximately one-inch thick, perfectly sized for a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet.
4. Sear Meatloaf: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat, then carefully place the meat patty, developing a golden-brown crust by cooking 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Prepare Glaze: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard into a vibrant, caramelizing coating.
6. Glaze and Simmer: Brush prepared glaze evenly over browned meatloaf, reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, allow meatloaf to rest 5 minutes for juice redistribution, then slice and plate with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttered corn.

Notes

• Prevent Dense Meat: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture to maintain a light, tender texture.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning the exterior.
• Customize Glaze Options: Experiment with alternative glaze ingredients like honey, sriracha, or BBQ sauce for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg