The aroma of mini meatloaf baking in the oven fills the kitchen with a warm, savory scent that instantly transports me back to my childhood. Picture this: tender, flavorful morsels cradled in their own saucy goodness, each bite bursting with a delightful mix of spices and herbs. It’s comfort food at its finest, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or a casual get-together with friends.
As I whip up these delightful mini meatloaves, I can’t help but think of the laughter shared over dinner tables filled with love and food. Each mini loaf represents not just a meal but memories—like my brother’s exaggerated attempts to impress our parents with his “chef skills,” which usually ended up being a hilarious mix of ketchup and mustard on everything. These mini meatloaves promise to deliver satisfaction and smiles, making them ideal for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mini meatloaves are incredibly easy to prepare, bringing joy without stress
- Their rich flavor profile pleases even the pickiest eaters
- They look adorable on any plate, adding a touch of fun to your meal
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep; they freeze beautifully for later use
A few years ago, I made this dish for a potluck dinner, and the compliments from friends were overwhelming—it felt like I had won an Oscar for Best Meatloaf!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy flavor without excess grease.
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Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to bind your mixture together effectively.
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Onion: Finely chop fresh onion for sweetness and depth in flavor; sautéing enhances its taste.
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Ketchup: This classic condiment adds moisture and tangy sweetness; don’t skip it!
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Eggs: Two eggs help bind the ingredients while keeping the meatloaf moist.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
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Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this sauce deepens umami flavors—think savory magic!
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Garlic Powder: For a subtle kick; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Dried Herbs (like thyme or oregano): Add these for an aromatic twist that makes every bite unforgettable.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes will do the trick!
Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing as it can lead to dense loaves.
Shape Mini Loaves: With wet hands (to keep things neat), form small oval-shaped loaves about 3 inches long. Place them on your prepared baking sheet evenly spaced apart.
Bake Until Perfectly Browned: Slide your mini meatloaves into the oven for around 25-30 minutes. They should be browned on top and cooked through when you check the internal temperature—aim for 160°F (71°C).
Add Glaze (optional): For an extra layer of flavor, brush some ketchup or barbecue sauce over the top during the last five minutes of baking; let it caramelize slightly for extra deliciousness!
Enjoy these cute little delights hot from the oven—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!
You Must Know
- This mini meatloaf recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful dish that’s easy to customize
- Perfectly portioned and ideal for busy weeknights, these mini delights cook faster than conventional meatloaf
- Plus, they freeze beautifully for future meals, making them a lifesaver in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the mini meatloafs and place them in a lined muffin tin for even cooking. While they bake for about 25-30 minutes, you can whip up some mashed potatoes or steam veggies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the flavors! Add barbecue sauce, cheese, or even diced veggies to the meat mixture. Experimenting with different herbs like thyme or rosemary gives each bite a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mini meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure maximum flavor, let your meat mixture rest for about 15 minutes before forming patties
- Use lean ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs and eggs for ideal texture
- A quick glaze of ketchup or mustard on top boosts flavor and moisture during baking
Sharing my first attempt at mini meatloaf brings back fond memories; my kids devoured them, asking when we could make “those cute little loaves” again!
FAQ
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in mini meatloaf?
Oats or crushed crackers work well as breadcrumbs substitutes in mini meatloaf recipes.
Can I freeze mini meatloaf?
Yes, wrap individual portions tightly and freeze them for up to three months.
How do I know when my mini meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (70°C) when cooked through.
Mini Meatloaves
Mini meatloaves are the ultimate comfort food, bringing back memories of family gatherings and hearty dinners. Each bite offers a burst of savory flavors, seasoned to perfection and perfectly portioned for easy serving. These adorable mini loaves are simple to prepare and freeze beautifully, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. With their delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion in a skillet over medium heat until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix gently until just combined.
- With wet hands, form the mixture into small oval-shaped loaves (about 3 inches long) and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Optionally, brush with additional ketchup or BBQ sauce during the last five minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf (110g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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