These Mini Meatloaves are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly portioned for a quick and easy dinner. Made with ground beef (or turkey), seasonings, and a delicious glaze, they bake faster than a traditional meatloaf and are great for meal prep. Serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Bakes in half the time of a regular meatloaf.
- Perfectly Portioned – Great for meal prep or individual servings.
- Moist & Flavorful – Packed with seasonings and a delicious glaze.
- Customizable – Use different meats, cheeses, or add veggies.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun twist on classic meatloaf!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatloaf:
- Ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- Breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers for extra texture)
- Egg
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup or BBQ sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Shredded cheese (optional, for extra moisture)
For the Glaze:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
Directions
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a muffin tin or baking sheet.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix gently until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).
3. Shape the Mini Meatloaves
- Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions and shape into small loaves.
- Place them in the muffin tin or on a baking sheet.
4. Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
- Spoon or brush the glaze over each meatloaf.
5. Bake & Serve
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 mini meatloaves
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf – Add a cube of cheese in the center before shaping.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- BBQ Flavor – Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for the glaze.
- Veggie-Packed – Mix in shredded carrots or zucchini for extra moisture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual mini meatloaves for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well, but add extra seasoning to enhance flavor.
How do I keep mini meatloaves moist?
Don’t overmix, and use breadcrumbs, egg, and a little cheese for moisture.
Can I make these in a muffin tin?
Yes! It’s the easiest way to portion them and helps them cook evenly.
What’s the best way to check if they’re done?
Use a meat thermometer—160°F (71°C) is perfect for beef.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.
What sides go well with mini meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, mac and cheese, or garlic bread.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness.
How do I prevent them from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough binder (breadcrumbs and egg) and don’t overmix.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes! Freeze extras and reheat as needed for an easy meal.
Conclusion
These Mini Meatloaves are quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights. With a delicious glaze and tender texture, they’re a fun and easy twist on classic meatloaf. Try them today and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal in no time!
PrintMini Meatloaf Recipe
These Mini Meatloaves are packed with classic flavors, baked to juicy perfection, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 mini meatloaves 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Mini Meatloaves
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork/turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning until just combined.
3. Shape the Mini Meatloaves
- Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions and shape them into small loaves.
- Place each mini meatloaf in a muffin tin or arrange on a baking sheet.
4. Make the Glaze & Bake
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Brush or spoon the glaze over the top of each mini meatloaf.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a side salad!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky glaze.
- Add shredded cheese inside for a cheesy twist!