Lunch & Dinner

Mini Meatloaf: A Delicious and Easy Dinner Recipe

Mini meatloaf is a fantastic twist on the classic comfort food, offering a quicker and more convenient way to enjoy a hearty meal. These individual meatloaf bites bake faster than traditional loaves, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re using a muffin tin or shaping them into meatloaf balls, these small servings are packed with flavor and make great leftovers.

Why You’ll Love Mini Meatloaf

Perfect for portion control
Cooks faster than a regular meatloaf
Great for meal prep and easy storage
Kid-friendly and fun to eat

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Glaze:

1/3 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley until well combined.
Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups, pressing them down gently.
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon the glaze over each mini meatloaf.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These mini meatloafs pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. They are also great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Variations and Tips

Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
Swap out breadcrumbs for crushed crackers for a unique texture.
Make them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized meatloaf bites.
Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Mini meatloaf recipes are a great addition to your collection of easy red meat dinner recipes. Whether you call them meat muffins, meatloaf cupcakes, or individual mini meatloafs, they’re an excellent choice for mini dinner ideas that everyone will love. Using a muffin tin allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. These meatloaf muffins are sure to become a family favorite.

Enjoy making this delicious and easy meal, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!