Mini Meatloaves
Mini Meatloaves offer all the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf in convenient individual portions. These bite-sized meatloaves are packed with savory seasoning and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, making them a family-friendly favorite for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, Mini Meatloaves are sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why Make Mini Meatloaves
Mini Meatloaves are not only adorable but also practical and versatile. They cook faster than traditional meatloaf, making them ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Plus, their individual servings are perfect for portion control and can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, Mini Meatloaves are a delicious and satisfying option that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
How to Make Mini Meatloaves
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Add the ground beef, Stove Top Stuffing (whole package), ketchup, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients together until fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare Muffin Tins: Spray two muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Use a scoop to evenly distribute the meatloaf mixture among each tin, flattening out the mixture.
- Make Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) until smooth.
- Add Glaze: Spoon the glaze over each mini meatloaf evenly.
- Bake: Bake the mini meatloaves in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the edges are crispy and the meat is cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the mini meatloaves to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious flavors!
Serving Suggestions
Mini Meatloaves can be served alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. They also make a tasty addition to lunchboxes or picnics and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Pair them with a dipping sauce such as barbecue sauce or gravy for extra flavor.
Storage Info
Leftover Mini Meatloaves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked mini meatloaves in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Some Techniques or Tips
- Ensure that the Stove Top Stuffing is fully mixed together before adding it to the meat mixture to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Experiment with different seasonings or add-ins such as diced onions, bell peppers, or shredded cheese to customize the flavor of the mini meatloaves.
Variation
For a gluten-free version of Mini Meatloaves, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of Stove Top Stuffing. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the glaze by adding more or less brown sugar and ketchup to suit your taste preferences.
FAQs about Mini Meatloaves
- Can I make these meatloaves ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the mini meatloaves ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
- Can I freeze uncooked meatloaves? Yes, you can freeze uncooked meatloaves in muffin tins until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage. When ready to bake, thaw the mini meatloaves in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- Can I use a different type of glaze for these mini meatloaves? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the glaze by using your favorite barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, or even a mixture of honey and mustard for a different flavor profile. Adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Recipe Card
Mini Meatloaves
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Muffin Tins
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 Egg
- ¾ cup Water
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 6 ounces Stove Top Stuffing (1 package)
- ½ cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Seasoning Salt
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- Break up the ground beef into the bowl with the egg mixture. Add the Stove Top Stuffing (whole package), ketchup, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spray two muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Use a scoop to evenly distribute the meatloaf mixture among each tin. Flatten out the mixture and set the pans aside.
- Next, make the glaze by whisking together the brown sugar and ketchup (and Worcestershire sauce if using) until smooth.
- Spoon the glaze over each mini meatloaf evenly.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the edges are crispy and the meat is cooked all the way through.
- You can halve this recipe if you want fewer mini meatloaves (this recipe makes 12). However, ensure that you shake the ingredients in the Stove Top Stuffing box until fully mixed together before halving because the bread mixture and seasonings are somewhat separated in the packet.
