Mini Meatloaves are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. These individual servings cook faster than traditional meatloaf and are perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with a savory beef blend and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, they pair beautifully with sides like mashed sweet potatoes and buttery peas.

Ingredients:

Meatloaf Mixture:

1 large egg
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 pound ground beef

Glaze:

½ cup ketchup
1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Prepare the Mixture:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tray with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine egg, panko breadcrumbs, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes to moisten the breadcrumbs.
- Add the ground beef and mix thoroughly using your hands.
Shape the Meatloaves:
- Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions, placing about ⅓ cup in each muffin cup. Flatten the tops slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ketchup with sugar. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the glaze over each meatloaf.
Bake the Mini Meatloaves:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaves cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve:
- Serve with mashed sweet potatoes, buttery peas, or your choice of sides for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: ~20 g
Carbohydrates: ~10 g
Fat: ~18 g
Saturated Fat: ~7 g
Sodium: ~600 mg

Enjoy these flavorful and moist mini meatloaves as a comforting and convenient meal option!

Mini Meatloaves: A Classic Comfort Food with a Modern Twist

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as iconic as meatloaf. It’s a staple in many households, beloved for its rich flavors, satisfying texture, and heartwarming familiarity. However, traditional meatloaf, while delicious, can be time-consuming to prepare and cook, making it less practical for busy weeknights. Enter Mini Meatloaves, a delightful twist on the classic dish that offers all the comforting flavors in a fraction of the time. These individual-sized servings are as versatile as they are delicious, making them a perfect addition to your dinner rotation.

Why Mini Meatloaves Are a Game-Changer

Mini meatloaves bring innovation to a classic dish in several ways:

Quick Cooking Time: Traditional meatloaf often requires at least an hour in the oven, but mini meatloaves cook in just 20–22 minutes. This makes them ideal for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence.
Perfect Portions: Cooking meatloaf in a muffin tin not only looks visually appealing but also ensures even portion sizes. It’s a built-in serving guide that helps with meal planning and portion control.
Customizable for Every Palate: Mini meatloaves are highly adaptable. Whether you’re catering to kids, experimenting with different seasonings, or creating a variation for dietary restrictions, the smaller portions allow for easy adjustments to suit individual tastes.
Ease of Serving: Individual servings eliminate the need for slicing, ensuring each person gets a perfectly shaped and glazed portion. This also makes them more portable for packed lunches or potluck gatherings.
Crispy Edges in Every Bite: One of the best parts of meatloaf is the caramelized crust that forms during baking. In mini meatloaves, the smaller size means more surface area, resulting in a higher ratio of crispy, golden edges to tender interior.

Pairing Mini Meatloaves with Perfect Sides

Mini meatloaves shine as the centerpiece of a meal, and the right sides elevate the dining experience. Here are some classic and creative pairings:

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes complements the savory, tangy flavors of the meatloaf and glaze. A touch of butter and cinnamon can enhance the dish further.
Buttery Peas: Peas bring a pop of color and freshness to the plate. Toss them in butter and a sprinkle of salt for a simple yet satisfying side.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and adds a healthy, fiber-rich element to the meal.
Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread: Soft, warm rolls or crusty garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or juices from the mini meatloaves.
Salads: A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the meatloaf, providing a refreshing contrast.

Tips for Perfect Mini Meatloaves

To ensure your mini meatloaves turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

Use Quality Ground Beef: Opt for a blend with about 80–85% lean meat to ensure the mini meatloaves stay moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overmix the Mixture: Overworking the meat mixture can lead to dense and tough meatloaves. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Allow Breadcrumbs to Absorb: Letting the panko breadcrumbs soak in the egg and liquid ensures they’re fully hydrated, which helps bind the meatloaves while keeping them tender.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatloaves are cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Customize the Glaze: The glaze is the crowning glory of a mini meatloaf. While the traditional ketchup and sugar combination is a crowd-pleaser, you can experiment with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy Sriracha blend for a unique twist.
Grease the Muffin Tin Well: Prevent sticking by thoroughly greasing the muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.

Creative Variations of Mini Meatloaves

The beauty of mini meatloaves lies in their adaptability. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaves: Add a cube of mozzarella or cheddar to the center of each portion before baking for a gooey surprise.
Turkey or Chicken Mini Meatloaves: For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Vegetable-Packed Meatloaves: Finely chop vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and mix them into the meatloaf for added nutrition.
Italian-Inspired: Incorporate Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes into the mixture, and top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the meat mixture and glaze for a fiery version.

The Appeal of Mini Meatloaves for Families

Mini meatloaves are particularly appealing for families. Kids love the fun, individual portions, and the recipe is easy to involve them in, from mixing the ingredients to spreading the glaze. For busy parents, the shorter cooking time is a lifesaver. Additionally, these mini delights are freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze. Simply bake, cool, and freeze individual portions, then reheat when needed.

Nutritional Benefits and Flexibility

While meatloaf is often associated with indulgence, mini meatloaves can be made with mindful ingredients to fit various dietary needs. Leaner meats, whole-grain breadcrumbs, and reduced-sodium sauces are simple swaps that enhance the health profile. Paired with nutrient-dense sides, this dish can be part of a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Mini meatloaves are a brilliant evolution of a beloved comfort food. With their quick cooking time, customizable nature, and ease of serving, they cater to modern lifestyles without compromising on flavor or nostalgia. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking for a meal-prep-friendly option, mini meatloaves deliver in every way. Serve them with your favorite sides, get creative with seasonings, and enjoy the comforting, savory taste of this timeless dish in a fresh, convenient form.

For a meal that warms both the stomach and the soul, mini meatloaves are a true culinary gem. Try them today, and they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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Mini Meatloaves