This Mini Meatloaf Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved classic, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings. Imagine individual little meatloaves, lightly glazed and perfectly seasoned, each one a hearty portion that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Portion Perfect: Each mini meatloaf is the ideal size for a single serving, making it easy to manage portions for everyone at the table.
- Quicker Cooking: Unlike a full-sized meatloaf, these little gems cook faster, getting dinner on the table in no time.
- Versatile Flavors: The recipe can be tweaked to suit various tastes, from spicy to mild, depending on your mood or the occasion.
- Kids Love Them: The miniature size makes them fun and perfect for little hands to handle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mini Meatloaf Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in delivering that unbeatable homemade flavor. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, rich base for our meatloaves and can be swapped for ground turkey if preferred.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Essential for a light texture, giving each meatloaf its tender crumb.
- Onion: Adds a flavorful punch, slightly sweet and savory, essential for depth.
- Barbecue Sauce: Infuses a smoky, tangy flavor that elevates the meat mixture.
- Mustard: Offers a tangy kick, perfectly complementing the rich meat flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth, enhancing the savory taste profile.
- Chili Powder: Introduces a subtle heat and smokiness, adding complexity.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together, ensuring cohesiveness in every bite.
Variations
This Mini Meatloaf Recipe is highly customizable, making it easy to adapt according to your culinary whims or dietary needs.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for those who love a little heat.
- Cheesy Surprise: Incorporate a cube of cheese into the center of each mini meatloaf for a molten, creamy heart.
- Herb Lovers: Mix in some chopped fresh parsley or thyme for an herbaceous note.
How to Make Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. As it warms up, mix the Meatloaf Sauce ingredients in a small bowl: light brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and a touch of nutmeg. This glaze will add that final glossy finish to our savory meat wonders.
Step 2: Mix and Form
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, chopped onion, barbecue sauce, mustard, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Use your hands to mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Next, divide the mixture into a muffin tin, pressing it into each well evenly.
Step 3: Bake and Glaze
Place your filled muffin tin into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove, dab away any excess grease with a paper towel, and spoon over a generous amount of your prepared Meatloaf Sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the tops are beautifully glazed.
Pro Tips for Making Mini Meatloaf Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Gently mix ingredients to avoid a dense texture; the goal is a tender and juicy bite.
- Ultimate Glaze: Adjust glaze sweetness by adding a bit more mustard or brown sugar to suit your taste.
- Time-Saving Prep: Form meatloaf mixtures the night before; refrigerate until ready to bake for an easy lunch or dinner.
- Meat Selection: Use a meat blend of beef and pork for extra flavor depth.
How to Serve Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Top these mini meatloaves with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color. A sprinkle of shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking could melt into a delicious topper, adding a delightful creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair these with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the savory richness of the meatloaf. Roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each mini meatloaf in its cup atop a bed of mashed potatoes for an elegant yet comforting presentation. For a casual gathering, platter them individually to emphasize their adorable, inviting size.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep nicely for up to 3–4 days. They make a quick, delicious meal whenever you need.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked meatloaves cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10–12 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave them in intervals until warm.
FAQs
-
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a wonderful leaner alternative that combines perfectly with the other ingredients, retaining the dish’s flavorful essence.
-
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
Oats or crushed crackers can be a great substitute if you’re out of breadcrumbs or seeking a gluten-free option.
-
How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
Ensure you’re not overbaking the meatloaf and consider adding an extra egg for moisture if you’re using leaner meats.
-
Can these be made in advance?
Yes, you can form the meatloaf cups ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, making meal prep a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Meatloaf Recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion. It’s a comforting, customizable dish that invites everyone to the table eagerly. Give it a try, and it might just become your new meal-time tradition!
Print
Mini Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini meatloaves
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mini Meatloaf Recipe offers juicy, flavorful bites perfect for individual servings. Made with lean ground beef or turkey and seasoned with spices, these mini meatloaves are baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy meatloaf sauce. Ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, they combine classic comfort with convenient individual portions.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey (680 grams)2/3 cup panko bread crumbs (100 grams)
1/2 cup chopped onion (70 grams)
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
Meatloaf Sauce:
1/3 cup light brown sugar (73 grams)1/2 cup ketchup (120 grams)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly greased.
- Prepare Meatloaf Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together light brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Make Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, barbecue sauce, mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing down gently to fill each cup completely and create a compact mini loaf.
- Bake initial phase: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Drain and add sauce: Remove from oven, use a paper towel to soak up excess grease, then generously spoon the prepared meatloaf sauce over each mini meatloaf.
- Return to oven: Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Notes
- Yield: 12 mini meatloaves. Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides, and extra sauce if desired.
- Use gluten-free panko and BBQ sauce for gluten-free adaptation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- To make ahead, prepare the mixture, press into muffin cups, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- To freeze, assemble, cover, and flash freeze in the muffin tin, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 137 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 299 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
