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Mini Meatloaf Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

This Mini Meatloaf recipe offers a convenient, flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf by baking individual portions in a muffin tin. Made with lean ground beef (or turkey), seasoned with a blend of spices and topped with a sweet and tangy meatloaf sauce, these mini meatloaves cook quickly and are perfect for easy serving. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping, they pair wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes.

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini meatloaves (serves 12)

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure a consistent cooking temperature for the mini meatloaves.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat