Mini Meatloaf

Mini Meatloaf

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Mini meatloaves are the perfect way to enjoy classic comfort food in a convenient, individual-sized portion. They cook faster than a traditional meatloaf, making them great for busy weeknights. With a flavorful, juicy interior and a tangy, caramelized glaze on top, these little meatloaves are a guaranteed family favorite.

Mini Meatloaf

Why You’ll Love This Mini Meatloaf Recipe

1. Faster Cooking Time

Since these meatloaves are smaller, they cook much faster than a full-sized loaf.

2. Perfectly Portioned

Each mini meatloaf is the ideal serving size, making meal prep and portion control a breeze.

3. Great for Freezing

You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a quick meal later.

4. Customizable

Easily swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients List

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Timing

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.

  2. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Shape the Mini Meatloaves

  1. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions.

  2. Shape each portion into a small loaf and place them in a greased muffin tin or on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

  2. Brush the glaze evenly over the tops of each mini meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaves

  1. Place the mini meatloaves in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  2. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze further.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

  1. Let the mini meatloaves rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

  2. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish.

Mini Meatloaf

Tips for the Best Mini Meatloaf

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

  • Don’t overmix the meat to keep the texture light and tender.

  • Let them rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain moisture.

  • Customize the seasonings to match your preference.

  • Make them ahead and freeze for easy meal prep.

Variations to Try

1. Cheesy Mini Meatloaves

Stuff a cube of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack) into the center of each meatloaf for a melty surprise.

2. Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf

Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

3. BBQ Mini Meatloaf

Replace the glaze with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.

4. Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280

  • Total Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Cholesterol: 80mg

  • Sodium: 480mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 6g

  • Protein: 20g

FAQs

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! You can mix the meat mixture, shape the loaves, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use a muffin tin instead of shaping loaves?

Absolutely! Using a muffin tin helps keep them uniform in shape and makes serving even easier.

How do I reheat mini meatloaves?

Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Mini meatloaf is a game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It’s quick, flavorful, and easy to customize based on your family’s taste. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad, these little loaves are sure to become a favorite in your home.