Mini meatloaf recipe ideas are the ultimate solution for weeknight dinners that combine convenience with classic flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, preparing for the week, or freezing for later, these bite-sized portions are great.
They cook faster and can be customized in many ways. Plus, they bring the same comforting feeling as full-sized meals. Let’s explore how to create the best mini meatloaves, packed with flavor and finished with a tangy ketchup and brown sugar glaze.
If you love a hearty Salisbury Steak Recipe, you’ll find the Mini Meatloaf Recipe equally satisfying. Both dishes share similar comforting flavors, featuring seasoned ground meat and a rich, savory glaze.
Salisbury steak usually comes with gravy. Mini meatloaves offer the same great taste in a smaller, portion-controlled size. They are perfect for quick dinners!
Why Mini Meatloaf Recipe are a Game-Changer
When you think of a classic meatloaf recipe, what comes to mind? Likely a warm, hearty dish shared around the dinner table. However, traditional meatloaf can be time-consuming, requiring over an hour of baking.
Enter the mini meatloaf, which is ready in half the time and serves up the same comfort. Here’s why these smaller versions are a must-try:
- Faster Cooking Time: The smaller portions bake in just 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees, making them perfect for busy evenings.
- Customizable for Everyone: You can adjust each portion to fit your tastes. Whether you like spicy, cheesy, or herb flavors, it’s all up to you.
- Great for Meal Prep: Mini meatloaves are easy to store and reheat, making them a practical choice for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients for Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Base Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or ground pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Tangy Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Essential Tools for the Recipe
- Large bowl: For mixing the meatloaf ingredients.
- Small bowl: To whisk together the glaze.
- Muffin tin: Provides perfectly portioned meatloaves that bake evenly.
- Baking sheet: Use if you prefer free-formed mini loaves.
- Plastic wrap: For storing leftovers or prepping in advance.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures the internal temperature reaches the safe mark of 160°F.
How to Make Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin lightly or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or your choice of meat. Add breadcrumbs, egg, and milk.
Then, include diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to ensure you evenly spread all ingredients. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Shape the Mini Meatloaves
Divide the mixture into 8-10 portions. If using a muffin tin, press the portions into the cups. If using a baking sheet, form each portion into a small loaf shape by hand.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon or brush about a tablespoon of the glaze onto each mini meatloaf.
Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin or baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven.
Add a second layer of glaze. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.
Serving Suggestions for Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Pair these juicy mini meatloaves with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that never goes out of style.
- Steamed Green Beans: Add a healthy crunch to your plate.
- Buttered Corn on the Cob: A sweet and savory complement.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
Wrap leftover mini meatloaves in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Freezing for Later
To freeze, wrap each mini meatloaf individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
Heat the mini meatloaves in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in 30-second intervals until they are warm.
Mini Meatloaf Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this meatloaf recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few creative twists to try:
- Cheesy Stuffed Mini Meatloaves: Add a cube of cheddar or mozzarella to the center of each portion before baking.
- Southwestern Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, corn, and shredded pepper jack cheese.
- BBQ Lovers: Replace the ketchup glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Meatloaf Recipe
- Use a Muffin Tin for Even Cooking: This ensures all portions cook at the same time and shape perfectly.
- Monitor the Internal Temperature: A meat thermometer ensures you don’t overcook or undercook your mini meatloaves, also, but it helps guarantee perfect results.
- Let Them Rest: After baking, allow the mini meatloaves to rest for 5 minutes, also, but generally, this helps retain their juices.
What is the secret to juicy meatloaf?
The secret to juicy meatloaf lies in balancing the right combination of ingredients and cooking techniques, accordingly, so here are a few tips:
- Moisture-Rich Ingredients: Adding milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs helps retain moisture. You can also use grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can result in a dense, dry loaf. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Fat Content: Using a mixture of lean ground beef and a fattier ground meat, like ground pork, helps to keep the meatloaf juicy.
- Resting Time: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking so that the juices redistribute.
Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 400?
Cooking meatloaf at 350°F is generally better. This temperature ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly throughout without becoming too dry on the outside. Cooking at 400°F can speed up the cooking process, but it might dry out the edges before the middle cooks fully. For tender, juicy meatloaf, 350°F is the sweet spot.
Why milk instead of water in meatloaf?
Cooks use milk in meatloaf instead of water because it adds richness and moisture. The fat in the milk keeps the meatloaf tender and moist, while water doesn’t contribute the same level of flavor. Milk also enhances the texture and gives the loaf a nice crumb. Additionally, the proteins in milk can help bind the ingredients together, resulting in a firmer, more cohesive loaf.
Is it better to cook meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Basically, cooking meatloaf uncovered for most of the baking time is better. This allows the top to brown and form a delicious crust.
You can cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps it moist, especially if you are worried about it drying out.
For the last 10 to 15 minutes, uncover it. This will let the top caramelize and create a nice glaze. This works well if you are using a topping like ketchup or BBQ sauce.
What is the secret to keeping meatloaf moist?
To keep meatloaf moist, there are several key factors to consider:
- Use a mix of meats: So, combining lean ground beef with fattier meats like ground pork or ground turkey helps retain moisture. The fat content adds richness and prevents the meatloaf from drying out.
- Add moist ingredients: Generally, use soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, and grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to keep things moist. These ingredients absorb and trap moisture as the meatloaf cooks.
- Avoid overmixing: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can lead to a tough, dry loaf. Stir the ingredients gently until just combined to keep the texture light and moist.
- Don’t overcook: Cooking meatloaf at a moderate temperature (350°F) ensures it doesn’t dry out, also, but using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is important. It should reach 160°F.
- Rest the meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist when sliced.
What does adding an extra egg to meatloaf do?
Adding an extra egg to meatloaf serves several purposes:
- Binding: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf ingredients together, also, but generally preventing it from falling apart.
- Moisture: The egg yolks contribute moisture and richness to the meatloaf, accordingly, so making it more tender.
- Structure: Extra eggs can help provide structure to the meatloaf, especially if you’re using lean meats like ground turkey or lean ground beef. They keep the loaf from being too crumbly.
How long do I cook a 1 lb meatloaf?
Basically, for a 1 lb meatloaf, cook it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 to 55 minutes. Cooking time can change depending on your oven and the size of your loaf.
A good idea is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You know the meatloaf is done when you check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.
Healthier Mini Meatloaf Options
So, for those seeking a lighter meal, there are plenty of substitutions to make this dish healthier:
- Swap Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and turkey.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
- Low-Sugar Glaze: Generally, you can use unsweetened ketchup or skip the glaze entirely and opt for a squeeze of lemon.
FAQs About Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Yes! Mix the ingredients together. Shape the mini meatloaves. Store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before baking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, also, but it should read 160°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Absolutely! Finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini blend well with the meatloaf base, also, but generally add great texture.
Individually wrap each loaf in plastic wrap, accordingly, place them in a freezer bag, so label with the date.
Yes, but the cooking time will increase. A single loaf pan will take about 50-60 minutes to bake.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
Mini meatloaves bring all the classic comfort of a traditional meatloaf recipe in a fun, convenient size. Whether you are cooking for kids, preparing meals for the week, or wanting a quick dinner, these mini versions will satisfy. With endless customization options and a simple process, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Check also this: Barilla Lasagna Recipe
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Mini Meatloaf Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat beef, turkey, or a mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp ketchup + extra for glaze
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Divide mixture into 8 portions; place in muffin tin.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.
- Check for an internal temperature of 160°F before serving.