Description
Comfort meets convenience in this delightful mini meatloaf, perfect for quick family dinners that pack big flavor into small portions. Savory beef, herbs, and a tangy glaze combine to create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork/turkey)
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 egg
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, creating a uniform mixture that ensures consistent texture throughout the mini meatloaves.
- Whisk eggs and incorporate into the meat blend, using a fork to thoroughly integrate while maintaining a light, airy consistency.
- Finely mince onions and garlic, then fold into the meat mixture, distributing aromatics evenly for balanced flavor profile.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and herbs to the meat blend, gently mixing with a spatula to prevent overworking the protein.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning throughout the meat.
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions, using an ice cream scoop or measuring cup for consistent sizing.
- Carefully place each portion into prepared muffin tin or on parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping gently with fingertips.
- Create a small indentation on top of each mini meatloaf to prevent doming during baking and promote even cooking.
- Brush tops with additional ketchup or glaze, creating a glossy and flavorful exterior that caramelizes during baking.
- Slide the muffin tin into preheated oven and bake until internal temperature reaches 160°F, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let mini meatloaves rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring moist texture.
- Carefully transfer meatloaves to serving platter, garnishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Customize the meat mixture by blending ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a unique flavor profile and added moisture.
- Avoid overmixing the ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatloaves – gently combine until just incorporated for tender, juicy results.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked mini meatloaves every time.
- Add grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutrition and keep the meat mixture extra moist and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg