The Juiciest Mini Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful mini meatloaf recipe can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Small portions packed with flavor make these individual servings perfect for picky eaters.

Each compact bundle brings intense taste and satisfying texture to your plate.

Classic comfort food meets modern convenience in these adorable meat parcels.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these miniature delights come together in the kitchen.

Seasoned with herbs and baked until golden, these personal-sized meatloaves promise a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will devour.

Dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor and nutritional profile.

• How do I know the mini meatloaves are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), which ensures the meat is safe to eat.

• Can I make these mini meatloaves ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatloaves in advance and refrigerate them uncooked, then bake when ready to serve. Alternatively, bake and reheat them later in the oven.

• Are these mini meatloaves freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked or baked mini meatloaves for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

Mini Meatloaf Recipe Overview

• Craft Personal Portions: Muffin tin design allows each family member to enjoy their own perfectly sized mini meatloaf with no fighting over servings.
• Speed Up Cooking: Smaller portions dramatically reduce baking time compared to traditional large meatloaf, getting dinner on the table faster for busy households.
• Customize with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe adaptable for different tastes, allowing quick substitutions or additions based on preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Compact size and familiar flavors appeal to children, making it an excellent option for picky eaters who enjoy individual-sized meals.

Ingredients for Mini Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides the primary structure and rich flavor of the mini meatloaves.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: These ingredients help hold the meatloaf together and create a tender, moist texture.

• Onion, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings add depth, sweetness, and savory notes to the mini meatloaves, creating a well-rounded and delicious dish.

How to Make Mini Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Heat the oven to 400F (200C). Grab a muffin tin and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

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

Gently mix everything until the ingredients are fully blended and create a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Shape Mini Meatloaves

Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions.

Carefully shape each portion into a compact mini loaf. Nestle these adorable loaves into the prepared muffin tin, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

Step 4: Add Tangy Topping

Brush a thin, delectable layer of ketchup over the top of each mini meatloaf, adding an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). This ensures the meatloaves are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This brief waiting period helps the juices redistribute, guaranteeing maximum flavor and tenderness when serving.

Tips for Mini Meatloaf Success

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of mini meatloaves.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor by adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for extra depth.
• Experiment with different ketchup variations, such as adding a touch of sriracha or barbecue sauce, to create unique taste profiles.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and food safety every time.

Variations for Mini Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Lentil Loaf: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, add extra breadcrumbs for binding, and use vegetable broth instead of milk.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Turkey Mini Meatloaves: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey, reduce fat content, and maintain moisture by adding grated zucchini or carrots.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Use cauliflower rice instead of breadcrumbs, mix with ground beef, and add extra herbs for enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Mini Meatloaf

• Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve these mini meatloaves as the star of your dinner table, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Packed Lunch Champion: Wrap cooled mini meatloaves in foil for an easy, protein-packed lunch option that travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature or gently reheated.
• Cocktail Party Appetizer Twist: Cut mini meatloaves into bite-sized pieces, secure with toothpicks, and serve as a crowd-pleasing finger food during social gatherings with a side of tangy dipping sauce.
• Comfort Food Meal Prep Solution: Prepare a batch ahead of time, store in refrigerator, and quickly reheat throughout the week for quick, nutritious meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.

Storage Tips for Mini Meatloaf

• Refrigerate leftover mini meatloaves in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they are completely cooled before storing.
• Wrap individual meatloaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn if freezing for longer storage.
• Reheat refrigerated meatloaves in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to keep them juicy and prevent drying out.
• Thaw frozen meatloaves overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture.

Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent mini meatloaf delights home cooks with its perfectly portioned comfort. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating individual servings you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 large egg

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a muffin tin with non-stick spray or parchment paper liners.
2. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently blend ingredients until uniformly mixed.
3. Portion the meat mixture evenly into 6 sections, carefully molding each into compact mini loaf shapes that fit neatly into muffin cups.
4. Apply a delicate coating of ketchup across the surface of each mini meatloaf, ensuring even coverage.
5. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (71C).
6. Once cooked, extract the meatloaves from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor and texture before serving.

Notes

• Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for dietary preferences.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium ketchup and reducing added salt, making this recipe heart-friendly.
• Enhance nutrition by adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost fiber and vitamin content without compromising flavor.
• Create make-ahead friendly meals by preparing mini meatloaves in advance and freezing them for quick weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg