Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey) (680 grams)
- 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular breadcrumbs) (100 grams)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped (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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure a consistent cooking temperature for the mini meatloaves.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the light brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and ground nutmeg to create a sweet and tangy sauce that will be spooned over the meatloaves later.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, barbecue sauce, mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything evenly, ensuring the spices and ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 cups of a muffin tin. Press the meat down firmly into each cup to form individual meatloaves, which helps them cook evenly and maintain shape.
- Bake the Meatloaves: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Once done, remove the tin and gently blot any excess grease from the meatloaves using a paper towel.
- Add Sauce and Continue Baking: Generously spoon the prepared meatloaf sauce over each mini meatloaf. Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the mini meatloaves are cooked through and the sauce is warmed and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the meatloaves from the oven and serve hot. They pair excellently with mashed potatoes and any extra sauce from the pan.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option or to vary the flavor.
- Using panko breadcrumbs helps retain moisture and adds a light texture, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as well.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaves tender.
- Blotting excess grease after the first bake helps reduce fat content and prevents sogginess.
- Serve with classic mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat