Mini Meatloaf Recipe

Are you tired of making the same old meatloaf recipe week after week? Then it's time to switch things up with this delicious Mini Meatloaf recipe! Not only are they the perfect size for individual portions, but they also cook up much faster than a traditional full-sized loaf.

Made with a blend of ground beef and pork meat mixture, flavorful seasonings, and topped with a tangy glaze, this mini meatloaf recipe is anything but boring. The addition of vegetables like yellow onions, and bell peppers, not only adds flavor and texture, but also boosts the nutritional value of this comforting classic. 

With some simple tips and tricks, you can have these mini meatloaves on the table in no time, making them a great option for busy weeknights. So, let's get cooking and learn how to make these delicious and easy-to-make mini meatloaves!

If you're looking for another delicious and unique beef dinner idea, be sure to check out these German Beef Rolls, which will be loved by the whole family.

Want a delicious and unique side to go with your mini meatloaves? Try this easy garlic knot bread recipe. Not only is it beautiful but it is delicious.

Why Make These Mini Loaves 

• Convenient individual portions that are perfect for meal planning or meal prep
• Cook faster than traditional full-sized meatloaves, making them ideal for busy weeknights
• Can be easily customized with different seasonings, vegetables, and glazes to suit personal taste preferences
• Freezes well, making them a great make-ahead option for future meals
• Serve with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal
• Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters who may not enjoy traditional meatloaf

Ingredients Needed

Get more info on all of these simple ingredients for this great recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

For meatloaf mixture:

• Panko bread crumbs- you can use plain breadcrumbs if needed
• whole milk
• ground beef 
• ground turkey
• bulk pork or turkey sausage
• yellow onion
• red bell pepper
• Italian parsley
• garlic
• hot sauce- I like using Frank's Red Hot or other vinegar-based hot sauce
• Dijon mustard
• large egg
• salt
• black pepper

For the glaze:

• ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• apple cider vinegar
• brown sugar
• hot sauce
• Salt and pepper

How to Make Mini Meatloaf

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin pan cups with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, soak panko breadcrumbs in milk, allowing it to absorb completely.

Finely chop onion and red bell pepper. Mince Italian parsley and garlic cloves.

Place ground meat and sausage in a large mixing bowl. Add soaked breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, parsley, garlic, hot sauce, mustard, egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl, then gently mix with clean hands, until combined. 

For the glaze, stir together ketchup, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Evenly divide the mixture into 12 muffin cups. Press the meatloaf mixture lightly into cups to form meatloaf muffins. They will fill slightly above the rim. 

Bake for 15 minutes, then spread a spoonful of glaze over the top. Place back into oven for 15 to 20 more minutes, until cooked through.

Remove from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving with remaining glaze and a sprinkle of Italian parsley.

Storage

Mini meatloaves can be stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated for up to 4 days. 

To freeze mini meatloaves, place the individual muffins in a freezer-safe airtight container or a freezer safe freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. 

When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat according to your desired method (microwave, oven, etc.). Our preferred method for reheating these is in the 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through again.

Tips and Variations

Variety is the spice of life, and that holds true when it comes to making mini meatloaves too. While the classic recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and add some variety to this comfort food favorite.

Here are some tips and tricks for making variations with a mini meatloaf recipe:

1. Add mix-ins: Experiment with adding different ingredients to the meatloaf mixture to create a new take on the classic recipe. Some great options include chopped mushrooms, crumbled bacon, or shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Switch up the seasoning: Try using different seasonings or spice blends to add a unique flavor profile to your mini meatloaves. For example, you could try adding cumin and chili powder for a southwestern flair or rosemary and thyme for a more savory taste.
3. Top it off: Change up the glaze or topping for your mini meatloaves to give them an extra burst of flavor. Consider using a tangy barbecue sauce, adding some Worcestershire sauce to the sauce ingredients we used to make our glaze, try a sweet and spicy glaze, or a creamy mushroom sauce instead for the top of each meatloaf.
4. Serve with sides: Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of sides, so don't be afraid to get creative. Try serving your mini meatloaves with mashed sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, your favorite sauteed green beans, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that the whole family will devour.
   

With these tips and tricks, you can easily create new variations of this classic dish while still enjoying the comfort and simplicity of the original recipe.

What temperature should the internal temperature of my meatloaf be? 

Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that your loaves have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before taking them out of the oven so they are safe to enjoy. 

Do I have to use a muffin tin? 

No muffin tin, no problem! It's totally possible to shape them into 12 mini-loaves, and bake them on a rimmed baking sheet.

Do I have to use sausage in this easy recipe? 

While you can totally use all ground beef, or ground turkey, or a mixture of the two, just know that your meatloaf may be less moist and flavorful than the one you would get using this recipe. 

Can I make them ahead of time? 

We're all about prep ahead, time-saving recipes and these tasty mini meatloaf muffins are perfect for that. 

Simply, gently press the mixture into the greased and prepared muffin cups, cover, and refrigerate. You can do this all the way up until the night before you want to make them, making this perfect for meal prepping.

You can even make the glaze ahead of time and add as directed when ready to cook. Talk about a super easy, ready to go dinner for later! 

See how simple this delicious dinner recipe is? Grab your simple ingredients and maek the best meatloaf recipe out there and enjoy.

📖 Recipe