The Best Meatloaf Pans : Ugly Duckling Bakery

Do you love meatloaf and want to learn about how to make meatloaf and the Best Meatloaf Pans? Maybe you’ve got grandma’s recipe but don’t yet have the best pan for meatloaf.

Crafting the perfect meatloaf involves not only the best meatloaf recipe with the right meat and spice combinations and the perfect homemade BBQ sauce or other glaze but also the right meatloaf pan for the most efficient cooking and easiest clean-up. In this meatloaf pan review, we’ll delve into the various options for meatloaf pans.

meatloaf pan, loaf pan, cast iron skilled, and muffin pan on a countertop.

Best meatloaf pan: specific meatloaf pans!

If you love making meatloaf, you’ll want to buy a meatloaf pan with an insert. The best meatloaf pans are specifically designed for baking meatloaf, often featuring a non-stick surface and an insert that lets the grease drain. The insert is particularly helpful for meatloaves made with meats having higher fat content, such as beef or pork.

If you’re picking among meatloaf pans, I’d recommend one that has both the drainage holes as well as a gap along the sides or the ends of the meatloaf pan. In my meatloaf experience, some times those holes end up plugged during baking.

meatloaf mixture packed into a meatloaf pan.

Best meatloaf pan alternative: cast iron skillets

Cast iron skillets are prized for their ability to retain and distribute heat evenly, and I love mine for going to stove top to oven when I make pan-roasted chicken breasts or skillet cornbread.

Using a cast iron skillet as a meatloaf pan is an excellent choice for baking meatloaf, especially if you want to cook any bacon or vegetables beforehand. You’ll have to shape your meatloaf by hand, but the larger surface area will let you drain the fat, just like a meatloaf-specific pan.

Loaf pans

Traditional loaf pans are versatile, and you probably already have one for making sandwich breads or easy loaf cakes. While a loaf pan might not be designed explicitly as a meatloaf pan, it still will do a reasonable job, especially with lower fat meats like chicken or turkey.

Disposable aluminum

For easy cleanup and convenience, disposable aluminum pans are a popular choice. They’re inexpensive and are perfect if you’re bring a meatloaf to a potluck or giving it away as part of a meal train.

Silicone loaf pans

Silicone loaf pans are flexible, non-stick, and easy to clean. While they may not provide as much browning as metal pans for your favorite meatloaf recipes, they are convenient and often dishwasher safe.

Muffin tins and other cake pans

You can even make mini meatloaf muffins by baking your meatloaf recipe in a muffin tin. Or have fun with meatloaf by baking it in a heart-shaped pan! Again, because these aren’t meatloaf pans with drain holes, these ideas are best for lower fat meatloaf mixtures.

a muffin tray containing baked parmesan crusted muffins.

Meatloaf pan FAQs

Can I use a regular baking sheet instead of a meatloaf pan?

Sure, just like with cast iron, you can shape a meatloaf and bake it on a baking sheet. Consider lining the baking sheet with parchment or foil to protect your baking sheet and for easier clean-up.

How do I prevent my meatloaf from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick pan or greased pan or line it with parchment paper to help prevent sticking. Additionally, allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing can make your meatloaf less likely to crumble and easier to remove from the pan.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time or temperature when using different types of pans?

Yes, cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on which pan you use for meatloaf. Thicker pans like cast iron may require longer cooking times, while disposable aluminum pans may result in faster cooking due to their thinner construction.

Do I need any other tools for making meatloaf?

It’s always safest to cook your meatloaf to the recommended temperature, so a basic meat thermometer or an instant read thermometer are great tools to have in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Choosing the best meatloaf pan will ensure a perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful meatloaf every time. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to create meatloaf perfection with some of the meatloaf recipes below.