This sheet pan meal is not only incredibly easy to make but also offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The mini meatloafs are juicy and flavorful, complemented perfectly by the crispy, golden roasted potatoes that soak up all the savory goodness. It’s the ideal meal for a busy weeknight when you want to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
You can also customize this dish by adding vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to the sheet pan for extra flavor and nutrition. The beauty of sheet pan meals is their versatility – just toss in whatever veggies or seasoning you like! This meal is a perfect weeknight winner that will keep your family coming back for more.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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500g ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup milk
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1 large egg
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Shape the mixture into small meatloaves, about 6-8 mini loaves.
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Place the mini meatloafs on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
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In a separate bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange the potatoes around the meatloafs on the sheet pan.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloafs are cooked through and the potatoes are golden and crispy.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes
When it comes to quick, simple, and satisfying dinner ideas, few recipes can match the ease and heartiness of sheet pan meals. Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes is a delightful and effortless option that delivers both comfort and flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines savory mini meatloafs with crispy roasted potatoes, all cooked together on one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Not only is this recipe a time-saver, but it’s also packed with flavors that appeal to all ages. The mini meatloafs are tender and juicy, infused with a blend of aromatic herbs and seasonings, while the roasted potatoes offer a crispy, golden exterior with a fluffy interior. This dish is ideal for those who love the comforting, rich flavors of a classic meatloaf dinner but want something easier and faster to prepare.
Why Choose Sheet Pan Meals?
Sheet pan meals have become a favorite in many kitchens, and for good reason. The concept of cooking everything on one pan simplifies the entire process, making it more efficient while maintaining delicious flavor combinations. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can mix and match ingredients, adjusting them to your dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry. For this particular dish, the combination of mini meatloafs and roasted potatoes is a perfect pairing because it strikes a balance between protein and carbs, making it a well-rounded meal.
Cooking on a sheet pan also allows the meatloaf to maintain its juicy tenderness while allowing the potatoes to roast to a crispy perfection, with the natural flavors of each ingredient blending together during the cooking process. This method makes clean-up a breeze since everything cooks together in one pan, leaving you with fewer dishes to wash.
The Versatility of the Mini Meatloaf
The beauty of this dish lies in the adaptability of the mini meatloafs. Traditional meatloaf recipes often come in large loaves that need to be sliced and served, but by making mini meatloafs, you can create perfectly portioned servings for each individual. This is especially helpful when preparing meals for families, where each person may have different appetites or preferences. Additionally, the mini meatloafs cook faster than a large meatloaf, making the overall dish quicker to prepare.
Mini meatloafs also offer the flexibility to personalize the flavor. You can easily swap ground beef for other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. The seasonings can be adjusted according to your taste, from classic herbs like oregano and thyme to more adventurous spices like cumin or chili powder. This makes the dish highly customizable and perfect for experimenting with different flavor profiles.
Perfectly Roasted Potatoes: The Ultimate Side Dish
Roasted potatoes are a beloved side dish that pairs well with nearly any entrée. The key to getting them just right is ensuring they are cut into uniform pieces, so they cook evenly. With Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes, the potatoes take on a wonderfully crispy texture on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside. The simplicity of roasting potatoes with a little olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika allows the natural flavor of the potatoes to shine through, adding depth to the overall dish.
You can also customize the seasoning for the potatoes, depending on your preferences. Adding fresh rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor, giving the potatoes a fragrant herbal aroma. For those who love a bit of heat, a dash of chili flakes can bring a spicy kick. The best part is that these potatoes cook alongside the meatloafs, soaking up the delicious juices from the mini loaves, further enhancing their flavor.
How to Make the Most of Leftovers
One of the greatest benefits of preparing this sheet pan meal is that it’s easy to make extra servings and use leftovers the next day. Leftover mini meatloaf can be used in a variety of ways, including in sandwiches, wraps, or salads. You can slice the meatloaf and layer it between slices of bread for a quick and satisfying lunch, or break it up and toss it into a salad for added protein.
The roasted potatoes can also be repurposed the following day. They can be reheated in the oven or even turned into a hearty breakfast hash by combining them with some scrambled eggs and sautéed veggies. The versatility of this dish makes it ideal for meal prepping and ensuring that you have tasty leftovers ready to go for the next day.
Family-Friendly Meal with Minimal Effort
One of the reasons Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes is so popular is that it’s an easy, family-friendly meal. It’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Kids will love the mini meatloafs, as they’re perfectly sized for little hands and full of savory goodness. The roasted potatoes, with their crispy edges, are also a hit with children who enjoy the texture and flavor of this classic side.
This dish also makes it easy to involve the kids in the kitchen. You can have them help shape the mini meatloafs or toss the potato wedges with olive oil and seasonings. Cooking together can be a fun and educational experience, and it’s a great way to teach children about healthy, homemade meals. Plus, everyone will love the aroma that fills the house as this meal bakes in the oven.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
To ensure that your Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
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Uniformly Cut Potatoes: For even cooking, make sure your potato wedges are cut to a similar size. This will help them cook uniformly, ensuring some pieces don’t burn while others remain undercooked.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While it might seem tempting to load up the pan with lots of ingredients, make sure there’s some space between the meatloafs and potatoes. Crowding the pan can cause the food to steam rather than roast, preventing that crispy texture you’re aiming for.
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Customize the Meatloaf Seasonings: While this recipe uses classic seasonings, feel free to get creative! Add grated cheese, chopped veggies, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
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Use Lean Meat: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap out ground beef for leaner meats such as ground turkey or chicken. These options are healthier and still offer delicious results.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes is a fantastic addition to any meal rotation. It’s a simple, flavorful, and adaptable dish that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this meal ticks all the boxes: it’s quick, satisfying, and easy to clean up afterward. The combination of juicy mini meatloafs and crispy roasted potatoes is a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust the seasonings, swap ingredients, or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own. The best part is that it’s a complete meal on one sheet pan, so you get to enjoy a delicious and nutritious dinner with minimal fuss. So next time you’re in need of a quick and hearty dinner, remember that Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes has got you covered—because sometimes, simple really is best.