The Perfect Mini Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy Little Comfort Bites

Crafting mini meatloaf brings joy to weeknight dinners with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Small portions mean faster cooking and easier serving for busy households.

Each compact bundle packs a punch of savory goodness that satisfies hunger quickly.

Lean ground beef combined with herbs and spices creates a delightful meal everyone loves.

Mixing ingredients becomes a breeze when you break down the traditional recipe into bite-sized portions.

Perfectly portioned and individually seasoned, these mini meatloaves turn ordinary dinners into something special.

Dive in and discover how simple making these delectable little meat parcels can be.

Mini Meatloaf Essentials

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Transforms classic chicken cobbler with a delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuit twist that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Combines ingredients directly in the baking dish, reducing cleanup and making this recipe super simple for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy biscuit topping that appeals to both kids and adults, creating a satisfying one-dish meal.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and preparation steps, perfect for families needing a fast, nutritious dinner solution that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Ingredients For Mini Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and juicy base that provides the primary texture and taste of the mini meatloaves.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: These ingredients work together to help hold the meatloaf together and keep it moist during cooking.

• Onion, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder: A combination of ingredients that adds depth and complexity to the meatloaf's overall taste profile.
• Ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy glaze that adds moisture and enhances the visual appeal of the mini meatloaves.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the natural flavors of the ground beef.

Step-By-Step Mini Meatloaf Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting it ready for some meaty magic.

Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Finely chopped onion
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s perfectly blended.

Step 3: Shape Your Mini Meatloaves

Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into adorable mini loaf shapes that’ll make mouths water.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Place your mini meatloaves on a greased baking sheet or nestle them into a muffin tin. This ensures they cook evenly and look picture-perfect.

Step 5: Add the Tangy Topping

Generously spread a layer of ketchup over the top of each mini meatloaf, creating a mouthwatering glaze that’ll caramelize beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaves into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

They’re done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C), ensuring they’re cooked through and safe to eat.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the mini meatloaves rest for 5 minutes after baking.

This helps them set and makes cutting a breeze. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with delight!

Helpful Notes For Mini Meatloaf

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier mini meatloaf.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking and prevent overcooking the meatloaves.
• Experiment with different herbs like fresh parsley or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
• Line the muffin tin with parchment paper for easier removal and quick cleanup.

Flavorful Twists For Mini Meatloaf

• Mediterranean Mini Meatloaves: Replace ground beef with a blend of ground lamb and beef, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, and sundried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired version.
• Southwest Spicy Mini Meatloaves: Mix in diced green chiles, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mushroom Swiss Mini Meatloaves: Incorporate finely chopped sautéed mushrooms, swap ketchup with Dijon mustard, and sprinkle Swiss cheese on top for an earthy, rich flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Mini Meatloaves: Blend ground pork with grated ginger, minced garlic, green onions, and top with a glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and sriracha for a tangy, umami experience.

Suggested Sides For Mini Meatloaf

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve these mini meatloaves with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal that brings everyone together.
• Lunch Box Champion: Pack a mini meatloaf with a side of mixed roasted vegetables in a bento-style container for a hearty and portable lunch that stays warm and delicious.
• Game Night Appetizer: Cut the mini meatloaves into bite-sized pieces, skewer with toothpicks, and drizzle with extra ketchup glaze for a crowd-pleasing finger food perfect for snacking during movie or game nights.
• Brunch Twist: Crumble a mini meatloaf over a crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette for a protein-packed midday meal that breaks away from traditional breakfast options.

Best Storage Practices For Mini Meatloaf

• Cool the mini meatloaves completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each mini meatloaf individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for maximum flavor and texture.
• Thaw frozen meatloaves in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through to an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
• Prepare mini meatloaves in advance, store in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to enjoy, making weeknight dinners quick and easy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same cooking method.

• Is it possible to make these mini meatloaves ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape them in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep easier.

• How do I know the meatloaves are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). This ensures the meat is safely cooked through and prevents dryness.

Mini Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent mini meatloaf combines ground beef, herbs, and rich seasonings for a hearty family dinner. Perfectly portioned and easily customized, these individual servings will satisfy hunger while bringing comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup (for topping)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) ketchup
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C), preparing a baking sheet or muffin tin with light oil coating.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully form the meat mixture into 4 uniform mini loaf shapes, ensuring consistent size and shape for even cooking.
4. Arrange the mini meatloaves on the prepared baking surface, maintaining slight separation between each portion.
5. Generously brush the top of each mini meatloaf with additional ketchup, creating a flavorful glaze.
6. Transfer to preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until internal temperature reaches 160F (71C) for safe consumption.
7. Remove from oven and allow meatloaves to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain moisture and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s lower in fat.
• Add finely diced bell peppers or grated carrots to boost vegetable content and enhance nutritional value.
• Ensure even cooking by using a muffin tin, which helps mini meatloaves maintain consistent shape and prevents burning.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or rolled oats to maintain moisture and binding.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg