Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Alyssa Pike, RDN Recipe photo by Stacy K. Allen. Design by EatingWell.
Key Points:
Mini Meatloaves with Green Beans & Potatoes is a beloved recipe in my family.
This sheet-pan meal offers a complete dinner option.
Prep time is just 20 minutes, followed by a 20-minute baking period.
My parents reside in Michigan while I live in Vermont. Due to our differing schedules – with our daughter being busy and my parents retired – they visit us more frequently than we visit them. When we do make the trip to Michigan, certain items always greet me in their kitchen: a ceramic bowl of fruit, a basket filled with internet-sourced recipes, and a cookbook holder showcasing past EatingWell issues. Often, the open September 2014 edition featuring the Mini Meatloaves with Green Beans & Potatoes recipe catches my eye.
Despite working at EatingWell for over two decades, I hadn’t attempted the recipe until seeing it at my parents’ home. Developed during my parental leave, my mom’s rave reviews prompted me to give it a try, and it swiftly became a household favorite.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is its completeness; it provides two vegetable servings and ample protein in a single dish, eliminating the need to plan additional sides. The quick prep time of 20 minutes allows me to tackle other tasks while it bakes. Catering to our family’s nutritional requirements, the protein-rich meal suits our daughter’s athletic needs and my husband’s cycling regimen.
Using pantry staples like paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, along with ground beef, potatoes, and green beans, makes shopping a breeze. The convenience of sheet-pan cooking means minimal cleanup, easing the post-dinner chores.
The recipe’s versatility allows for ingredient swaps based on preference or availability. Personal touches like using sweet potatoes or broccoli can tailor the dish to suit individual tastes. The positive reception from my family, with requests for leftovers in lunchboxes, speaks volumes about its appeal. If you’re seeking a simple yet satisfying sheet-pan meal, consider trying Mini Meatloaves with Green Beans & Potatoes. Here’s hoping your family enjoys it as much as mine does.
