Skillet Meat Loaf

This skillet meat loaf recipe is perfect if you’re cooking for two and looking for a quick, satisfying dinner. This version offers all the heartwarming flavors of traditional meat loaf without the usual preparation. By using just one skillet, this recipe eliminates the need for loaf pans. It also significantly reduces cook time, allowing you to serve a delicious homemade meal in just 30 minutes.

This cooking method ensures that the meat loaf is moist inside and nicely browned outside. The direct heat from the skillet speeds up the cooking process, allows for full flavor development and creates a beautifully caramelized crust—a delightful touch that’s difficult to achieve with traditional baking methods.

Ingredients for Skillet Meat Loaf

• 2% milk: Milk adds moisture to the meat loaf, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during cooking. Unsweetened almond or soy milk can be a nondairy option for a similar consistency. 
• Quick-cooking oats: The oats act as a binder to hold the meat loaf together, making it firm yet tender. Bread crumbs or crushed crackers can also serve as effective binders. Almond flour works as a gluten-free option, and a whole egg could be used for a protein-based binder. 
• Onion: Chopped onion offers a bit of crunch and sweetness, enhancing the flavors around it.
• Lean ground beef: While ground beef is the backbone of this dish, lean ground chicken or turkey are lighter alternatives with a similar texture and ability to absorb flavors. For a vegetarian option, lentils combined with chopped mushrooms provide a meaty texture.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the tomato sauce slightly. Arrowroot will also work in a pinch, and tapioca starch or a roux made from flour and butter can also be thickening agents.
• Italian tomato sauce: The sauce adds a tangy and herby touch. If you don’t have Italian-style sauce, you can use plain tomato sauce and add Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary). Crushed tomatoes with added seasoning can also work in a pinch.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the meat loaf mixture

In a small bowl, combine the milk, oats, onion and salt. Crumble the beef over that mixture, and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into two loaves.

Editor’s Tip: When preparing your meat loaf mixture, remember that overmixing can lead to toughness. To keep your meat loaf moist and tender, mix until your ingredients are just combined.

Step 2: Brown the loaves

In a nonstick skillet, brown the meat loaves on all sides, allowing a savory crust to form and seal in the juices; then drain.

Editor’s Tip: Browning the loaves on all sides gives a delectable texture and layers the flavors.

Step 3: Make the sauce

Whisk together the cornstarch, tomato sauce and water till smooth, then pour the mixture over the loaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, then cover and simmer until meat is no longer pink, 15 to 20 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Up the spice level: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture to kick up the heat.
• Make it cheesy: Add shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture before cooking, for a gooey, cheesy delight.

How to Store Easy Skillet Meat loaf

Let the meat loaf cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. It will be ready and waiting to satisfy your comfort food cravings even on busy days.

How long does skillet meat loaf last?

If your leftovers are safely stored in the fridge, you can enjoy them within three to four days.

Can you make skillet meat loaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the loaf, store it in the fridge overnight and cook it the next day.

How to Freeze Skillet Meat Loaf

Freeze individual slices for quick meals. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Stovetop Meat Loaf Tips

What is the secret to a great meat loaf?

The secret to tender, juicy meat loaf is keeping the ingredients balanced and not overmixing the beef mixture before cooking.

Why do you put milk in meat loaf?

Milk soaks into the bread crumbs (or oats), keeping the meat loaf moist and tender.

Should I cover meat loaf when cooking?

Yes, you should. When cooking meat loaf in a skillet, covering the pan helps create even, thorough cooking without drying out the meat loaf.