Bite-Sized Bliss: Irresistible Mini Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort calls with this irresistible mini meatloaf recipe that brings warmth to your dinner table.

Every bite packs a punch of rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

These perfectly portioned mini meatloaves combine tender ground beef with aromatic herbs and spices.

Crisp edges and a juicy interior make each compact loaf a delightful experience for meat lovers.

The individual servings ensure everyone gets a perfectly cooked portion without any fuss.

A simple yet satisfying meal that transforms weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to savor a classic dish reimagined in the most delectable way possible.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Mini Meatloaf Recipe Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein that forms the core of your mini meatloaf, choose lean cuts for a healthier option.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and adds perfect texture, opt for plain or seasoned varieties.
• Eggs: Provides structure and moisture, ensures meatloaf holds together beautifully.

• Onion: Adds sweet and savory depth, freshly chopped gives the most vibrant taste.
• Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic punch, select firm cloves without sprouting.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers tangy complexity, enhances meaty flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate overall taste.

• Ketchup: Creates classic sweet-tangy coating, look for brands with natural ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness to glaze, helps create beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces subtle heat and sharp complexity to the topping.

Tools For Mini Meatloaf Recipe Perfection

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Muffin tin or baking sheet: Creates individual mini meatloaves or one large loaf.
• Whisk or fork: Helps beat eggs and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Meat thermometer: Checks internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Sharp knife: Chops herbs and vegetables with ease.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients without overworking the meat.

Steps To Make Mini Meatloaf Recipe Quick

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

• Prepare Your Cooking Surface

Grab a muffin tin or baking sheet and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

• Mix the Meat Magic

In a large bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, eggs, and your favorite seasonings. Get your hands dirty and mix everything until it’s perfectly blended.

• Shape Your Mini Masterpieces

Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and gently press them into the muffin cups or shape them into individual loaves on the baking sheet.

• Add a Flavor Punch

Brush the tops of your mini meatloaves with a tangy glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin or baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the meatloaves cook for about 20-25 minutes. They’re done when the internal temperature hits 160°F and the tops are beautifully caramelized.

• Rest and Serve

Let the mini meatloaves rest for a few minutes after pulling them out of the oven. This helps them stay juicy and makes them easier to handle.

• Enjoy Your Culinary Creation

Plate up your mini meatloaves and watch everyone dig in with excitement. Pro tip: Serve with mashed potatoes or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips To Keep Mini Meatloaf Juicy

• Meat Mix Magic: Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatloaf – overmixing can make the texture heavy and compact.
• Moisture Matters: Include grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to keep mini meatloaves extra juicy and tender without changing the core flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils, adjusting spices and binding agents to maintain the same delicious texture and robust taste.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or smoked paprika to elevate the meatloaf's taste, creating unique variations that surprise and delight dinner guests.

Serve Mini Meatloaf Recipe With Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve these mini meatloaves as the star of a hearty family meal, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables for a balanced plate.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack these individual meatloaves in lunch containers with roasted seasonal vegetables for an easy, portable lunch that stays delicious and moist throughout the day.
• Game Night Appetizer Twist: Transform these mini meatloaves into bite-sized party appetizers by cutting them into smaller pieces, skewering with toothpicks, and drizzling with a tangy barbecue or honey mustard sauce for a crowd-pleasing finger food.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Crumble cold mini meatloaves over a fresh salad or stuff into a warm sandwich for a quick and satisfying next-day meal that prevents food waste and keeps flavors exciting.

Store Mini Meatloaf Recipe For Later

• Meal Timing Magic: Prepare these mini meatloaves ahead of time for busy weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep sessions.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked meatloaves in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual meatloaves tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to enjoy for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated meatloaves in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.

Hearty Mini Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty mini meatloaf combines ground beef, herbs, and savory seasonings for a comforting meal. Baked in individual portions, these flavorful loaves offer a delightful twist on classic comfort cooking you’ll surely enjoy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork/turkey)
• ½ cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced onions, and garlic, creating a harmonious blend with consistent texture.
2. Seasoning Integration: Gently fold in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, herbs, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution without overworking the protein mixture.
3. Portioning and Shaping: Divide the meat mixture into uniform portions using an ice cream scoop, delicately placing each into a prepared muffin tin and creating a subtle indentation on top to promote even cooking.
4. Glazing and Baking: Brush the mini meatloaves with additional ketchup or glaze, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, approximately 20-25 minutes.
5. Resting and Serving: Allow the mini meatloaves to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution, then transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Texture: Mix meat ingredients gently to avoid compacting, which can lead to dense, hard meatloaves.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or health considerations.
• Moisture Preservation Technique: Create a small indent on top of each mini meatloaf to prevent uneven rising and maintain consistent moisture during baking.
• Flavor Enhancement Hack: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the overall taste profile and introduce subtle aromatic complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg