This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (2024)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, tastes fantastic, and brings back fond memories of family dinners, then you’ve come to the right place. I’m about to share the secrets of an old-fashioned skillet meatloaf recipe – a timeless classic that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. This recipe will remind you of your grandma’s meatloaf!

This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (1)

This is a family recipe that I make at least once a month. It’s one of our favorites, because it’s both incredibly easy to make, while also delivering that home-cooked, special-dinner vibe.

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s get acquainted with the star players in this old-fashioned meatloaf recipe. To make a hearty 2-pound meatloaf, you’ll need:

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs. ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 1/2 cups old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce

For the Topping:

  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Now, let’s get ready to make the best meatloaf ever!

This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (2)

Preparing Your Oven

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This step ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and to perfection.

Mixing Up the Meatloaf

Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs to get them nicely beaten and ready to bind all the ingredients together.

Add the Flavors: Now, it’s time to infuse your meatloaf recipe with those wonderful old-fashioned flavors. Add the finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, 1 cup of ketchup, and the Worcestershire sauce to the beaten eggs. Stir this mixture until everything is well blended.

Incorporate the Ground Beef and Oats: Once your flavorful base is ready, add the star of the show – the 2 pounds of ground beef. Along with the beef, add the 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats. Using a wooden spoon or your clean hands (yes, it’s a bit messy but oh-so-effective!), thoroughly mix everything together. You want all the ingredients to blend seamlessly for the best meatloaf experience.

Into the Skillet: Here comes the fun part! Dump your old-fashioned skillet meatloaf mixture into a 10-inch cast iron skillet. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, don’t worry; you can use a regular bread pan and follow the same instructions.

Baking the Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf

The First Bake: Pop your skillet or bread pan into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about one hour. This initial bake sets the foundation for a juicy and flavorful meatloaf.

Creating the Topping: As your meatloaf is nearing perfection in the oven, it’s time to prepare the delicious topping. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of ketchup and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Mix them well until you have a sweet and tangy glaze that will add an irresistible finish to your meatloaf.

Topping Time: When the first hour of baking is almost up, take your meatloaf out of the oven. Now, generously spread the prepared topping over the meatloaf, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Final Bake: Put your topped meatloaf back in the oven and let it bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the center reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). This last bit of baking caramelizes the topping, adding a delightful layer of flavor.

Rest Before You Slice: As tempting as it may be to dive right in, let your meatloaf rest a few minutes to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meatloaf, ensuring that each slice is as succulent as the last.

Serving Up the Best Meatloaf

Now that your cast iron old-fashioned skillet meatloaf has rested, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Slice it up and serve it alongside your favorite sides. Whether it’s creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or buttery cornbread, this classic dish pairs wonderfully with many options.

This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (3)

Why Choose a Cast Iron Skillet?

You might be wondering why we recommend using a cast iron skillet for this old-fashioned meatloaf recipe. Well, there are a few excellent reasons:

  1. Even Heating: Cast iron skillets are known for their exceptional heat retention and even distribution. This ensures that your meatloaf cooks uniformly, preventing any hot spots or unevenly cooked portions.
  2. Versatility: Cast iron skillets are incredibly versatile and can go from stovetop to oven without any issues. This means you can sear your meatloaf before baking it, giving it a lovely browned crust.
  3. Enhanced Flavor: Cooking in a cast iron skillet can also enhance the flavor of your dishes. It imparts a subtle, smoky depth that adds character to your meatloaf.
This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (4)

Tips for the Perfect Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf

Making a fantastic old-fashioned meatloaf is a breeze with our recipe, but a few extra tips can make it even better:

Quality Meat: Start with good quality ground beef. Aim for 80/20 or 85/15 meat-to-fat ratio. This ensures a juicy and flavorful meatloaf.

Don’t Overmix: While it’s essential to combine the ingredients thoroughly, overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf. Mix until everything is just incorporated.

Customize: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the mix. Some folks love adding garlic, bell peppers, or even a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked, invest in a meat thermometer. The center should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.

Leftovers are Delicious: Old-fashioned skillet meatloaf makes fantastic leftovers. Slice it up for sandwiches, or reheat it alongside some fresh vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.

This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure to choose ground poultry with a similar fat content to maintain flavor and moisture.

2. Can I make this meatloaf recipe in advance?

Certainly! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making it a great make-ahead dish.

3. What sides go well with old-fashioned skillet meatloaf?

This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (6)

The possibilities are endless, but classics like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad are always winners. You can also serve it with macaroni and cheese, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

4. How long should I let the meatloaf rest before slicing?

Give your meatloaf about 5-10 minutes to rest after taking it out of the oven. This helps retain its juiciness by allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

5. Can I freeze leftover old-fashioned skillet meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze leftover meatloaf. Slice it into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date it, and it will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven or microwave.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf

My kids call this recipe grandma’s meatloaf, because it’s a recipe that my mom always makes!

With this recipe, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of flavorful ground beef, oats, and that sweet ketchup and brown sugar topping creates a mouthwatering experience that you’ll want to savor again and again.

More Old-Fashioned Recipes

  • Ground Turkey Meatloaf
  • Sweet Potato Chili Casserole
  • Best Mashed Potatoes
  • Egg Salad
This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (7)

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

This delicious old-fashioned meatloaf is made in a cast iron skillet and tastes like heaven.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. Ground Beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

Topping

  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl whisk the eggs. Add the onion, salt, pepper, 1 cup ketchup and the Worcestershire sauce to the eggs stir until blended. Add the ground beef and the oats mix well using a wooden spoon or your hands ( I used my hands).
  3. Dump mixture into a 10in. cast iron skillet, press to shape. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can follow the same instructions for a bread pan.
  4. Bake for one hour. Toward the end of baking, mix the ingredients for the topping. Remove from oven, spread on the topping and bake for 25 more minutes or until the center reaches 160 degrees.
  5. Let the meatloaf rest about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This Old Fashioned Skillet Meatloaf Recipe Will Remind You of Grandma's Cooking (2024)

FAQs

Why don t you want to cook the meatloaf in the loaf pan? ›

Loaf pans corral the juices and fat to create a moister, more steamed, texture. The steamed texture can often be more reminiscent of a school cafeteria meatloaf, which some people are averse to, but it will look more like a typical meatloaf when it's cooked this way as meatloaf in a sheet pan tends to be flatter.

What kind of pan do you use for meatloaf? ›

Meatloaf that isn't soggy

Shape it into a long mound on a sheet tray lined with parchment or foil, and the excess fat will drain away from the loaf during cooking.

Do you need to grease a loaf pan for meatloaf? ›

Lightly grease a standard size loaf pan with cooking spray. Add all of the meatloaf ingredients to a large bowl and gently mix everything to combine (without over-working the meat). Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan and gently pat into an even layer.

What does Ina Garten serve with meatloaf? ›

Ina says her meatloaf serves 6 people, but I think it can easily serve up to 8 if you're enjoying it with a couple of sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.

Is it better to cook meatloaf in a loaf pan or on a sheet pan? ›

When choosing a baking pan, avoid a small loaf pan or baking dish. A tight fit means that the loaf will steam — think school cafeteria meatloaf. Instead, use a sheet pan or a large baking dish and leave some breathing room so the edges will caramelize nicely.

What is the best binder for meatloaf? ›

If you don't have any bread, you can substitute it for breadcrumbs, crackers, cereal grains, oatmeal, instant rice, instant barley, or even potato flakes! However, bread is still the best choice of all the potential options.

Is it better to cook meatloaf in glass or metal pan? ›

The ideal vessel for baking in most cases is a light-colored pan made from a metal that's an efficient heat conductor.

Can you over mix meatloaf? ›

Add the ground beef. With clean hands, use your fingers to thoroughly but gently mix the ground meat into the egg-bread crumb mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the meat loaf dense and tough.

What is the best non stick meatloaf pan? ›

Our favorite loaf pan is the Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Nonstick Loaf Pan, which baked picture-perfect loaves. We also liked the round-edged Nordic Ware Treat Nonstick Loaf Pan. It had handles, making it easy to pull out of the oven.

Are you supposed to drain meatloaf? ›

Cool 15 minutes before serving.

If you baked the meatloaf in a loaf pan, carefully drain off the liquid fat before transferring the meatloaf to a clean cutting board. Cut into thick slices and serve.

Can you cook meatloaf in a glass loaf pan? ›

Press mixture in ungreased 8-inch round (1 1/2-quart) glass baking dish. Bake at 350°F. for 65 to 75 minutes or until thoroughly cooked in center and meat thermometer registers 160°F.

What can I line my meatloaf pan with? ›

For a loaf pan, you'll need a piece of parchment that's the length of the loaf pan and about three times its width. Spray or oil the pan, then press in the parchment paper so that there's overhang on the two long sides. Be sure to spray or oil the bare sides, as well.

How to make a Bobby Flay meatloaf? ›

directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. ...
  3. Whisk together the eggs and herbs in a large bowl. ...
  4. Whisk together the remaining ketchup and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl then brush the mixture over the entire loaf.
  5. Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

Why do people put milk in their meatloaf? ›

Milk and other dairy products, like heavy cream and buttermilk, contain both water and fat, adding two types of moisture to our meatloaf. There's a long-held theory that milk can tenderize ground meat, and this is the reason often cited for cooking ground meat in milk to make a Bolognese-style ragù.

How do you get meatloaf out of a loaf pan? ›

I just turn it out. I always spray the pan with a cooking spray to help it not stick, and if you let it rest a few minutes the meatloaf will shrink away from the sides. Just a bit of patience is required.

Can you cook meatloaf in a silicone loaf pan? ›

Silicone bakeware is a natural choice for a messy and easily baked-on dish like meatloaf, though draining the grease can be a challenge.

What is the difference between a loaf pan and a bread pan? ›

A bread pan, also called a loaf pan, is a kitchen utensil in the form of a container in which bread is baked. Its function is to shape bread while it is rising during baking. The most common shape of the bread pan is the loaf, or narrow rectangle, a convenient form that enables uniform slicing.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 6233

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.