Name: Mini Meatloaves Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef; 1 egg; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; For glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

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There’s something truly special about a perfectly baked mini meatloaves recipe. It delivers that comforting, homestyle goodness we all crave. Each bite is wonderfully tender and packed with savory flavor. This easy meatloaf is a weeknight winner.

I love making these individual portions. They cook up so quickly. Plus, they store beautifully for tasty leftovers. They truly make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Why I Love This Mini Meatloaves Recipe

This Mini Meatloaves Recipe is truly a lifesaver for busy nights. It’s incredibly quick to prepare. The individual portions cook fast. My family always devours them. They are so flavorful and satisfying. This easy meatloaf always impresses, yet takes minimal effort. It’s a comforting favorite everyone adores.

Mini Meatloaves Recipe Ingredients

The magic of this mini meatloaves recipe comes from simple, wholesome ingredients. They come together easily. This combination creates savory, tender bites every time. It’s a delicious foundation for a quick and easy dinner.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The star of our show, providing that classic meatloaf structure.
Egg: Acts as a binder, holding all our ingredients together beautifully.
Breadcrumbs: These little guys help absorb moisture and keep our mini meatloaves tender.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring a succulent texture.
Onion: Finely chopped, it brings a sweet, aromatic depth of flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami, adding a savory kick.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other delicious flavors.
Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Apple Cider Vinegar: Together, these form our irresistible tangy-sweet glaze.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have breadcrumbs? Panko or even crushed crackers work well! You can swap vegetable broth for milk. Feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs. For a keto-friendly option, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Remember, exact amounts are in the recipe card.

How to Make Mini Meatloaves Recipe

Let’s get these easy meatloaves baking. This recipe is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for delicious results.

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

First, preheat your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops sticky messes. Alternatively, use non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your mini meatloaves won’t cling.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

Grab a big bowl. Gently combine your ingredients. Add ground beef, one egg, and breadcrumbs. Pour in the milk too. Add the chopped onion next. Worcestershire sauce brings great flavor. Then, add salt and pepper. Mix everything until just combined. Please do not overmix. Overmixing makes meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Shape the Mini Loaves

Divide the meat mixture. Aim for 6 to 8 equal portions. Shape each one into a small loaf. Place these formed loaves onto your baking sheet. They should have a little space between them.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Mix the simple glaze now. Use a small bowl. Whisk together ketchup and brown sugar. Add the apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth. This glaze is key for our baked meatloaf.

Step 5: Glaze and Bake

Spread the glaze generously. Coat the tops of each mini loaf. Now, bake them. Place the sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges might get nicely browned. Ensure they’re cooked through. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is ideal.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Carefully remove the baking sheet. Let the mini meatloaves rest. A few minutes is all they need. This lets the juices settle. Serve them warm. Enjoy your delicious individual meatloaf.

How to Store Mini Meatloaves Recipe

These individual meatloaves store like a dream. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Planning ahead? You can freeze cooked mini meatloaves too. Wrap them well. Frozen meatloaves last for about 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes quick meals even easier.

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the meat mixture. This keeps your mini meatloaves tender.
Use a meat thermometer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
Chill the mixture briefly. This makes shaping easier, especially in warmer kitchens.
Let the glaze thicken slightly. This helps it adhere better to the meatloaves.
Bake on parchment paper. Cleanup becomes a breeze.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Parchment paper or non-stick spray: For easy cleanup. Aluminum foil is a good alternative.

Large mixing bowl: For combining the meatloaf ingredients. A sturdy pot works too.

Baking sheet: To hold the mini meatloaves. A cookie sheet works if needed.

Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts. Eyeballing is sometimes okay.

Small bowl: To whisk together the glaze. Any small dish will do.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your mini meatloaves with mashed potatoes.
A side of steamed green beans is delightful.
Pair with a crisp green salad.
Consider a glass of iced tea or a light beer.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Mini Meatloaves Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the meatloaf mixture and shape the mini loaves a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Glaze them just before baking for the best results. This makes weeknight dinners even simpler.

What if I don’t have an oven? Can I cook these in a slow cooker or on the stovetop?

While this recipe is designed for baking, slow cooker adaptations exist, though texture might vary. Stovetop cooking isn’t recommended for the best internal cooking and glaze adherence. For this specific baked meatloaf, the oven is best.

Can I substitute the ground beef in this Mini Meatloaves Recipe?

Yes, you can. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You could also use a mix of ground pork and beef. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed for different meats. This makes your easy meatloaf versatile.

My glaze seems too thin. What can I do?

No worries if your glaze is a bit thin! You can gently thicken it. Simmer it in a small saucepan for a few minutes. Whisk in a tiny bit more brown sugar, or a cornstarch slurry, until it reaches your desired glaze consistency for that perfect baked meatloaf finish.