This Mini Meatloaf comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes up in muffin tins for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal, perfect for using up leftover veggies or odds and ends! Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to recipe for busy weeknights, and hey, it’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you’re like me, you want to make sure every ingredient counts, so here’s what you’ll need for this Mini Meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Are you ready? It’s time to whip up these lovely little meatloaves!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). There’s something about preheating the oven that just gets me excited, maybe it’s the anticipation of that delicious smell wafting through the house!
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands (don’t be shy!) and mix until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overdo it, just until the ingredients are hugging each other nicely.
Grease a muffin tin. This is important for easy removal later! I like to use a non-stick spray, but brush it with a little olive oil if you prefer. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Fill each cup with the meat mixture. I usually fill them about three-quarters full. This way, they have room to rise without overflowing.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re nicely browned and the juices run clear. The smell in your kitchen will be absolutely inviting, seriously, hold onto your hats because it is heavenly!
Remove from the oven and top each meatloaf with ketchup. This is where the magic happens! Spoon a little ketchup on each mini meatloaf (I like to do a generous dollop), spreading it out evenly.
Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This lets the ketchup get all warm and bubbly, creating that irresistible topping!
Serve and Enjoy! Plate these up with your family’s favorite sides. You could throw together a quick salad, some steamed veggies, or classic mashed potatoes. Whatever you choose, just know it’s going to be amazing!
Why I Adore This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something that feels cozy yet comes together so fast! Plus, my kids absolutely adore them, and honestly, what’s better than getting my picky eaters to ask for seconds? I often throw in whatever veggies I have left in the fridge, or even grated cheese, just to mix things up. The best part is that it’s fun and forgiving, which makes it a real hit for a busy weeknight meal!
Be sure to check out my Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, my Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Risotto, or my Peri Peri Sauce! They all bring the cozy vibes that everyone in your family will love!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Mini Meatloaf comes together in under 30 minutes yep, that’s right! It’s a huge win when you need something satisfying and fast after a long day.
Crowd-Pleaser
A little surprise factor, everyone loves mini food! These meatloaves are perfectly portioned for kids and adults alike. They feel fun to eat and are loaded with tons of flavor, so everyone at the table will be asking for more.
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can switch up the meat, beef, turkey, or even plant-based options! And seriously, toss in any leftover veggies or herbs you have lying around. Remember that chopped bell pepper? Perfect for your mini meatloaf!
Comfort Food
Oh, the nostalgia! Meatloaf is classic comfort food, and these mini versions take it to a whole new level. They’re hearty, flavorful, and ideal for family dinners, perfect for when you want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Want to prep ahead of time? Go for it! You can make the meat mixture a day or two in advance, just store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
Pair these mini meatloaves with steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad. They also go well with roasted veggies for that cozy vibe.
Storage
These mini meatloaves will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Just make sure they’re covered!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about a minute or two, or if you want to keep them crispy, toss them back in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or so.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, they’re freezer-friendly! Just let the baked meatloaves cool completely and then freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat!
There you have it! Quick and easy Mini Meatloaf that brings family together around the dinner table. Try this recipe out, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Mini Meatloaf
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or olive oil.
- Fill each cup with the meat mixture about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until nicely browned and juices run clear.
- Remove from the oven and top each meatloaf with a generous dollop of ketchup.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Plate and serve with your family’s favorite sides.