This cozy cast iron skillet meatloaf is a simple but delicious family favorite! It is the perfect dinner to whip up for the family on a weeknight, or even a Sunday dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Meatloaf stores well and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping and enjoying over several days.
- This recipe makes a generous amount, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.
- It uses a cast iron skillet for multiple uses, making less dishes!
- The familiar flavors and simple ingredients make this meatloaf a hit with kids and picky eaters.
- Using ground beef and pantry staples makes this recipe budget-friendly without compromising on flavor.
Recipe Tips
Chili Sauce: Chili sauce is similar to a tangy, less sweet ketchup. If you don’t have it on hand, you can use ketchup or a bit of BBQ sauce with ketchup.
Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
Optional Additions: You can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- medium bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- Onions: white, diced
- Butter: unsalted, to cook the onions in
- Eggs: acts as a binder for the meatloaf
- Milk: helps soften the bread crumbs
- Italian breadcrumbs: creates texture in the meatloaf
- Lean ground beef: use a ground blend for added flavor
- Chili sauce: add a sweet tang!
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley: or dried parsley
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Sauce
- Chili sauce: adds a sweet tang!
- Ketchup: makes the sauce sweet and saucey
- Mustard: binds the sauce
- Brown sugar (optional): add some additional sweetness
How to Make This Cozy Cast Iron Skillet Meatloaf
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Onions: In a cast iron skillet, cook the diced onions in butter over medium-low heat until they are tender. Let them cool completely.
Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, ground beef, cooked onions, chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until just combined, do not overmix!
Shape and Bake: Form the ground beef mixture back into the cast iron skillet. Bake for 40 minutes.
Prepare Sauce: While the meatloaf is baking, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Add Sauce and Finish Baking: After 40 minutes of baking, spread the sauce mixture over the meatloaf. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For a caramelized top, broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cozy Cast Iron Skillet Meatloaf
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Medium Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 1 tsp butter
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper more to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Onions: In a cast iron skillet, cook the diced onions in butter over medium-low heat until they are tender. Let them cool completely.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, ground beef, cooked onions, chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until just combined, do not overmix!
- Shape and Bake: Form the ground beef mixture back into the cast iron skillet. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: While the meatloaf is baking, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Add Sauce and Finish Baking: After 40 minutes of baking, spread the sauce mixture over the meatloaf. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For a caramelized top, broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chili Sauce: Chili sauce is similar to a tangy, less sweet ketchup. If you don’t have it on hand, you can use ketchup or a bit of BBQ sauce with ketchup.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Optional Additions: You can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
