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Sheet Pan Meatloaf and Green Beans: A Simple and Hearty Recipe

In the realm of home cooking, few meals are as comforting and satisfying as a classic meatloaf. This Sheet Pan Meatloaf and Green Beans recipe not only simplifies preparation but also makes clean-up a breeze. With its rich flavours and wholesome ingredients, it serves as the perfect dish for a family dinner.

Why Choose Sheet Pan Cooking?

Sheet pan cooking has surged in popularity for good reason. It allows you to prepare an entire meal in one go, saving time and energy while delivering a delicious and balanced plate. This method ensures that all elements of your meal cook uniformly, allowing flavours to meld beautifully as they share the same baking environment.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 500g minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce (or ketchup), for glazing

For the Green Beans:

• 400g green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Zest of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overwork the mixture, which could lead to a tough meatloaf.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture onto a sheet pan lined with baking parchment. Shape it into a rustic loaf, approximately 25cm long and 10cm wide.

Step 4: Prepare the Green Beans

In a separate bowl, toss the trimmed green beans with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired. Spread them around the meatloaf on the sheet pan, ensuring they are in a single layer for even roasting.

Step 5: Bake

Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven. Bake for around 45-50 minutes. After about 30 minutes, brush the meatloaf with BBQ sauce or ketchup to create a delicious glaze.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F) when fully cooked. After removing it from the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps to retain its juices.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside the roasted green beans. A sprinkle of lemon zest over the beans can add a delightful zing that complements the savoury meatloaf.

Tips for Success

1. Customise Your Meatloaf: Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. Adding grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, or herbs can introduce new flavours and textures.

2. Make it Ahead: The meatloaf mixture can be made a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

3. Leftovers: Any meatloaf not consumed can be used in sandwiches or even crumbled into a hearty pasta dish.

4. Vegan Alternative: For a plant-based version, substitute the minced beef with lentils or a store-bought meat alternative, and use flaxseed as a binding agent.

Conclusion

This Sheet Pan Meatloaf and Green Beans recipe is not only easy to prepare but also encapsulates the essence of comforting home-cooked meals. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or a laid-back Sunday dinner. With its rich flavours and uncomplicated technique, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try, and enjoy a slice of comfort on a plate!

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