Mini Meatloaves are the perfect individual-sized comfort food. Packed with all the classic flavors of a traditional meatloaf—tender ground meat, savory seasonings, and a tangy glaze—these bite-sized versions are both adorable and delicious. The smaller portions cook more quickly and offer a perfect balance of crispy edges and juicy centers. Paired with mashed potatoes or a side of veggies, Mini Meatloaves make for a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner or a fun dinner party dish.
I first made Mini Meatloaves when I wanted to serve a crowd but still have that comforting, homey feel of a classic meatloaf. The single-serve portions were perfect for portion control and made serving dinner a breeze. Plus, they baked up so much quicker than a full-sized loaf, so they’re ideal when you’re short on time.
What I love most about Mini Meatloaves is their versatility. You can easily customize them with different meats, such as turkey or chicken, or swap in vegetables like carrots and zucchini for extra flavor. You can also play around with the glaze—try a balsamic glaze, BBQ sauce, or even a honey mustard for a fun twist. Mini Meatloaves are a fun and easy way to enjoy a comforting favorite with a modern twist.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Weeknight meals
- Meal prepping
- Kid-friendly meals
- Comfort food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Mini Meatloaves will become your go-to dinner:
- Perfect Portion Sizes: Individual mini loaves are easy to serve and enjoy.
- Savory Flavor: The blend of ground beef, seasoning, and the tangy ketchup topping delivers a mouthwatering taste in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: These mini meatloaves come together quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: With their small size and savory flavor, these are perfect for kids and picky eaters.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to personalize the flavor.
- Comfort Food: A classic meatloaf recipe with a modern, easy-to-serve twist.
- Glazed to Perfection: The ketchup glaze creates a sweet and savory crust on top of each meatloaf.
- Freezer-Friendly: These mini meatloaves freeze well, so you can make extra and enjoy them later.
- Balanced Meal: Paired with vegetables or potatoes, they create a complete, satisfying meal.
- Satisfying and Filling: These mini meatloaves will leave you feeling full and content.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 mini meatloaves
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 24g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Ketchup Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, juicy base for the meatloaf.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the ingredients and keep the meatloaf moist.
- Ketchup Glaze: Adds a sweet and tangy finish to each mini loaf.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the flavor with a rich, savory undertone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Meatloaf:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Mini Meatloaves: Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into individual mini loaves. Place them on the prepared baking sheet or in the muffin tin.
Prepare the Ketchup Glaze:
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Glaze the Meatloaves: Brush the glaze generously over the top of each mini meatloaf.
Bake the Meatloaves:
- Bake: Place the mini meatloaves in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaves are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the mini meatloaves hot, with your choice of side dishes like mashed potatoes or vegetables.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mini Meatloaves:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- On a Sandwich Bun: Turn these mini meatloaves into delicious sandwiches by placing them on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato.
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh salad for a lighter, well-balanced meal.
- With Fries: Classic fries make a perfect accompaniment to these mini meatloaves.
- For Meal Prep: Make extra mini meatloaves to store in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
- With Pickles: Add a side of pickles for a tangy crunch that complements the savory meatloaf.
- With Mac and Cheese: Serve alongside a creamy bowl of mac and cheese for a comforting duo.
- With Gravy: Top with brown gravy for an extra layer of richness.
- For a Picnic: Pack these mini meatloaves in lunchboxes for a portable, satisfying meal.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid dense meatloaf.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Customize the Glaze: Add a bit of hot sauce or extra mustard to the glaze for a kick of flavor.
- Use Lean Beef: Use ground beef with a higher fat content for a juicier meatloaf, but 80% lean works well for most people.
- Freezing Tip: To freeze, cook the meatloaves first, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Vegetable-Loaded Meatloaf: Add finely grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture for added nutrition.
- BBQ Glaze: Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup glaze for a smoky twist.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Make a small well in the center of each mini meatloaf and stuff with shredded cheese for a gooey surprise.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
- Spicy Meatloaf: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture for some heat.
- Italian Meatloaf: Add Italian seasoning and shredded mozzarella to the meat mixture, and top with marinara sauce instead of ketchup.
- Mushroom Meatloaf: Sauté mushrooms and add them to the meat mixture for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Vegan Meatloaf: Use plant-based ground meat and egg replacer for a vegan version.
- Cranberry Glaze: Swap the brown sugar in the glaze for cranberry sauce for a festive, fruity twist.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet or Muffin Tin: For shaping and baking the mini meatloaves.
- Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature for proper cooking.
- Whisk: For combining the ketchup glaze ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the meatloaf and glaze ingredients.
- Pastry Brush: For glazing the meatloaves evenly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use lean ground beef?
Yes, lean ground beef works, but it may be slightly drier than fattier beef. - Can I make these meatloaves ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mini meatloaves in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. - Can I freeze the mini meatloaves?
Yes, freeze the cooked mini meatloaves for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. - Can I substitute breadcrumbs?
Yes, use oats, crushed crackers, or panko breadcrumbs if preferred. - How can I tell if the mini meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). - Can I use a different glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to use BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, or your favorite glaze. - Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, use a flaxseed or chia seed mixture as an egg substitute. - How long can I store the mini meatloaves?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches if necessary. - Can I add cheese to the meatloaf?
Yes, cheese can be mixed into the meat or used as a stuffing for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These Mini Meatloaves are the perfect single-serving comfort food, packed with flavor and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With all the savory goodness of a traditional meatloaf but in a bite-sized, individual portion, they’re easy to customize and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of ground beef (or a blend of meats), breadcrumbs, and seasoning, all baked together into little loaves. Each mini meatloaf is topped with a tangy, sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly during baking. The result is a crispy, flavorful exterior with a juicy, tender inside. You can serve them with mashed potatoes, veggies, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
I’d love to see your Mini Meatloaves creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see how your meatloaves turned out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun tweaks or flavors that made your dish uniquely yours!