Simple Cast Iron Skillet Meatloaf

Cast iron skillet meatloaf is classic comfort food made even better, with a beautifully browned crispy crust on the outside and a juicy, tender center that the whole family will love. This easy old fashioned recipe comes together in minutes and bakes in one hour for a hearty, satisfying dinner that tastes just like the meatloaf you grew up loving.

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This is the kind of dinner recipe that never goes out of style. Simple pantry ingredients, no special prep work, and the cast iron skillet does all the heavy lifting to give you a meatloaf with incredible flavor and texture.

The Cast Iron Skillet Tradition We Grew Up With

Both Jim’s mother and my own mother cooked with cast iron skillets. They were a staple in both of our kitchens growing up, and Jim and I have been leaning more and more back into cast iron cooking over the last few years. Once you understand what it does for your food, and how good it actually is for you, it is hard to cook any other way.

Here is something I love to share with people: cooking in cast iron actually adds small amounts of dietary iron to your food. A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association confirmed that foods cooked in cast iron contain measurably more iron than the same foods cooked in glass or non-iron cookware. That is especially good news for women and children, who are the most likely to need extra iron in their diet.

And unlike many non-stick pans that are coated with PFAS and PTFE chemicals, cast iron is completely natural. Nothing but iron and a natural vegetable oil seasoning. That is the kind of simple, wholesome cooking I believe in.

This recipe is one I learned from my mother-in-law, and it is very similar to the meatloaf my own mother made. Simple ground beef, Panko bread crumbs, a handful of dried herbs, and ketchup on top. That is really all you need. I know your family is going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The cast iron creates a crispy, golden-brown crust on the bottom and edges that a loaf pan simply cannot produce
• Juicy and tender on the inside every single time
• Made with simple pantry staples you already have at home
• Mix all the ingredients in 10 minutes
• Ready in just 1 hour from oven to table
• Easy to customize with vegetables or a different glaze
• The whole family will love this comforting classic dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

• lb 90/10 lean ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of ketchup for the topping

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Equipment Needed

• Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan 8 Inch
• Large mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer
• Disposable Latex free gloves

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Meatloaf

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. You want the oven fully preheated before the meatloaf goes in so it cooks evenly.
   • Pro tip: Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This gives the bottom of the meatloaf an even crispier crust from the very first minute it hits the pan.
2. Mix the meat mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Panko bread crumbs, dried onion flakes, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands (I use disposable gloves) just until everything comes together.
   • Pro tip: Do not overmix. Stop as soon as the ingredients are combined. Overmixing makes the meatloaf dense and tough instead of tender and juicy.
3. Form the loaf. Shape the meat mixture into an oval loaf and place it directly in your cast iron skillet. Press it into an even shape so it bakes uniformly.
4. Add the topping. Spread 2 tablespoons of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This creates that classic caramelized topping as it bakes.
5. Bake for 1 hour. Bake at 350°F for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meatloaf reaches 160°F.
6. Rest before slicing. Let the meatloaf rest in the skillet for 5 to 10 minutes before you cut into it.
   • Pro tip: Resting is important. It lets the juices redistribute so every slice stays moist and holds together neatly on the plate.

Variations

• Loaded with vegetables: Add 1/2 cup of finely diced onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the meat mixture before forming the loaf. This adds extra nutrition, moisture, and a little natural sweetness.
• Brown sugar glaze: Mix 2 tablespoons of ketchup with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of mustard for a sweet and tangy topping.
• Italian style: Stir 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan into the meat mixture and swap the ketchup topping for marinara sauce.
• Barbecue twist: Replace the ketchup topping with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky variation.
• Leaner option: Use 93/7 ground beef or lean ground turkey in place of the 90/10 beef.

What to Eat with This Recipe

Cast iron skillet meatloaf pairs beautifully with so many classic sides. Some of our favorite combinations include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a simple side salad.

• Easy Mashed Potatoes
• Classic Macaroni Salad
• Mason Jar Salads

Frequently Asked Questions

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