Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes – A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes is the kind of meal that instantly feels like home. It’s hearty, satisfying, and built around simple ingredients most families already have in their kitchen.
This recipe combines a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with perfectly seasoned roasted potatoes, all cooked together in one dish for maximum convenience and flavor.
It’s the ultimate answer to “What’s for dinner?” on busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want something comforting without extra effort.
What makes this dish especially appealing is how practical it is. Everything bakes in the oven at the same temperature, which means less monitoring, fewer dishes, and a relaxed cooking experience.
The meatloaf stays tender thanks to the breadcrumb-and-milk mixture, while the potatoes roast in the savory juices, soaking up flavor as they cook. The optional glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that makes every slice irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or serving guests who appreciate classic food done right, this Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes recipe delivers every time.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works so well because it’s built on proven techniques that guarantee great texture and flavor.
The breadcrumb and milk mixture creates a moist meatloaf instead of a dense or dry one. Gentle mixing keeps the meat tender, while the combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and garlic builds a deep, savory profile.
Cooking the meatloaf and potatoes together is another reason this recipe shines. As the meatloaf bakes, its juices drip into the pan, subtly flavoring the potatoes.
At the same time, the potatoes roast and crisp on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside. Everything finishes at roughly the same time, making serving simple and stress-free.
The optional glaze is also a smart addition. It caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a glossy topping that balances sweetness, tang, and savory notes.
Overall, this recipe succeeds because it’s balanced, forgiving, and designed for real-life cooking.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
This recipe uses straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the meatloaf, you’ll need ground beef as the base, breadcrumbs and milk for moisture, and an egg to bind everything together.
Finely chopped onion and minced garlic provide aroma and depth. Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce add tangy, umami-rich flavor, while salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried parsley season the meat perfectly.
For the potatoes, simple cubed potatoes are tossed with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
These seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes without overpowering the meatloaf.
The optional glaze combines ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. It’s not required, but it adds a classic meatloaf finish that many people love.
How To Make Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature allows the meatloaf to cook through evenly while giving the potatoes time to roast properly.
Prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk together and let them soak for about two minutes. This step is crucial for keeping the meatloaf moist.
Once the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk, add the ground beef, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Arrange the potatoes around the meatloaf in the baking dish, spreading them out so they roast evenly.
If you’re using the optional glaze, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Brush the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake everything uncovered for 55–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
If you notice the potatoes browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
For the best texture, always use gentle mixing when combining the meatloaf ingredients. Overworking the meat can result in a dense loaf. Using a light hand keeps it tender.
Finely chopping the onion is important. Large chunks can prevent the meatloaf from holding together properly. If you prefer an even softer texture, you can sauté the onion briefly before adding it to the mixture.
Choosing the right potatoes also makes a difference. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work especially well because they hold their shape and develop a creamy interior. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate.
If you want extra crisp potatoes, give them a quick stir halfway through baking. Just be careful not to disturb the meatloaf.
Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is a step you shouldn’t skip. This simple pause makes a noticeable difference in juiciness and presentation.
How to Serve Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes
This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven after resting. Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and plate it alongside a generous portion of roasted potatoes.
The flavors are rich and satisfying on their own, so you don’t need much else to make it a complete meal.
A simple green vegetable like steamed green beans, broccoli, or a fresh salad pairs beautifully with the hearty meatloaf and potatoes. The contrast of textures and colors makes the plate more appealing and balanced.
Serving Suggestions for Family Dinners and Gatherings
For a classic family dinner, serve this dish with buttered peas or corn and a side of dinner rolls. It’s comforting, familiar, and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re hosting guests, consider adding a light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meatloaf.
You can also serve extra glaze or ketchup on the side for those who like a saucier bite.
Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day. Slice the cold meatloaf and serve it on toasted bread with lettuce and a little extra glaze or mustard for an easy lunch.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the meatloaf and potatoes ahead of time, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
When ready to cook, simply place it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Easy Variations to Try
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Swap half of the ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile. Add grated cheese to the meatloaf mixture for extra richness, or mix in finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
For the potatoes, try adding dried rosemary or thyme for a more herby flavor. You can also use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more colorful side.
Why One-Pan Meals Like This Are So Popular
One-pan meals are loved because they simplify cooking without sacrificing flavor. This Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes recipe is a perfect example of how everything can come together in one dish, saving time, effort, and cleanup.
By cooking the meat and potatoes together, the flavors blend naturally, creating a cohesive, satisfying meal. It’s practical, efficient, and ideal for busy households.
Perfect Occasions for Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes
This recipe works for so many occasions. It’s casual enough for a weeknight dinner but comforting enough for Sunday family meals. It’s also great for colder months when you want something warm and filling.
Because it uses familiar ingredients, it’s a safe choice when cooking for picky eaters or guests with simple tastes. It’s classic comfort food that rarely disappoints.
Time Needed for Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes
Preparation time for this recipe is about 15–20 minutes. Baking takes 55–60 minutes, and resting time adds another 10 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, most of which is hands-off oven time.
Final Thoughts on Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes
Oven Baked Meatloaf and Potatoes is a timeless dish that proves simple food can still be incredibly satisfying.
With minimal prep, easy ingredients, and reliable results, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Whether you’re feeding a family, planning meals for the week, or just craving a comforting homemade dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Juicy meatloaf, perfectly roasted potatoes, and classic flavors come together in one pan for a meal that truly feels like home.