Mini Meatloaves
40 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 25 min | 40 min |
Introduction
These cheesy mini meatloaves pack all the cozy flavor of classic meatloaf into cute, individual portions everyone loves.
They are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving a small crowd without any fuss.
Moist ground beef, Italian-style seasoning, marinara, and a bubbly mozzarella topping make each little loaf extra comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients (6 servings)
Ingredients for 6 Mini Meatloaves
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How to Make Mini Meatloaves
-
Preheat oven and prep pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F and place a rack in the center.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
You can also use a standard muffin pan, greased well, for taller mini meatloaves.
-
Make the breadcrumb mixture
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and milk until all the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Let this sit for 3 to 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs soften and form a loose paste.
-
Mix the meatloaf base
Add the ground beef, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl.
Pour in ½ cup of the marinara sauce, reserving the remaining ¼ cup for topping later.
Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix until everything is just combined, without overworking the meat.
-
Shape the mini meatloaves
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, about the size of a small tennis ball each.
Shape each portion into a compact oval or mini loaf, pressing lightly so it holds together.
Place the mini loaves on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
If using a muffin pan, press the mixture gently into 6 cups, filling each one evenly.
-
Bake the meatloaves
Bake the mini meatloaves for 15 minutes to set the shape and start cooking the centers.
While they bake, shred the mozzarella if it is not already shredded and keep the remaining marinara nearby.
-
Add marinara and cheese
Carefully remove the pan from the oven and spoon the remaining ¼ cup marinara sauce over the tops of the loaves.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over each mini meatloaf, covering the tops well.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The meatloaves are done when an instant-read thermometer in the center reads 160°F.
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Rest and serve
Let the mini meatloaves rest on the pan for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute.
Serve warm with extra marinara on the side, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
Substitutions
- Ground turkey instead of ground beef
- Use the same amount of ground turkey; the mini meatloaves taste lighter but stay moist from the milk and sauce.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for regular breadcrumbs
- Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or quick oats; they soak up the milk nicely and keep the texture tender, not crumbly.
- Provolone or mild cheddar for mozzarella
- Use thin slices of provolone or shredded mild cheddar on top for a slightly sharper, richer cheesy crust.
Tips
- Do not pack the meat too tightly
- Gently shape the loaves with light pressure, because tightly packed meat bakes up dense instead of tender.
- Use a thermometer for perfect doneness
- Check one meatloaf in the center; pull the pan as soon as it hits 160°F to avoid dry spots.
- Make-ahead and freeze for busy nights
- Shape the mini loaves, freeze them raw on a sheet pan, then bag and bake from frozen with extra time.
- Broil briefly for browned cheese
- For deeper color on the cheese, broil the meatloaves for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so nothing scorches.
- Mini size for kids and portion control
- If you want smaller portions, divide into 8 mini meatloaves instead; just start checking doneness a few minutes earlier.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 425 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 23 | g |
| Total Fat | 30 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How can I keep my mini meatloaves from falling apart?
- Make sure the breadcrumbs soak in the milk so they bind the mixture and do not skip the egg. Shape the loaves firmly, but not rock hard, so they hold together on the pan.
- Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
- Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake two pans at once if your oven has space. Rotate the pans halfway through baking so they cook evenly and still reach 160°F in the center.
- What if I do not have marinara sauce?
- You can use plain tomato sauce seasoned with extra garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of sugar. Ketchup or a mix of ketchup and barbecue sauce also works and gives a sweeter, more classic meatloaf vibe.
- How should I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
- Cover the meatloaves with foil and warm them in a 325°F oven with a spoonful of extra sauce on top. You can also microwave on medium power with a splash of water and covered, checking often.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy mini meatloaf dinner pairs especially well with buttery mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a crisp Caesar salad.
For a fun twist, tuck a small cube of mozzarella inside each loaf before baking for a gooey, pizza-style surprise center.
More pairings:
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