Making a full-sized meatloaf can be great, but there’s something so fun about individual portions. This **mini meatloaf recipe** is an absolute game-changer for a weeknight dinner. They cook faster, have a higher ratio of that delicious glazed crust, and they are perfect for portion control. This is the **mini meatloaf recipe** you’ll turn to again and again because it’s so simple and delicious. The whole family will love these. They are simply adorable and taste amazing.
The secret to these little meatloaves is using a muffin tin. This **muffin tin meatloaf** method creates a perfect crust all the way around each mini loaf. It’s a fantastic way to ensure every bite is full of flavor. If you are looking for the **best mini meatloaf recipe**, you have found it. This simple guide will show you how to make a delicious and tender meatloaf that cooks in a fraction of the time. The result is a perfect, moist, and delicious meal. You will love this **mini meatloaf recipe** and it will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cooks in half the time of a traditional meatloaf.
- Each loaf gets a delicious, crispy crust.
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing.
- The individual portions make serving a breeze.
- Kid-friendly and fun to eat.
If you’re wondering about a good **recipe mini meatloaf** to get started, this is the one. It’s designed to be simple and uses common ingredients you likely already have on hand. The flavor is classic and comforting, and the process is easy to follow. This **easy mini meatloaf recipe** is a great way to get a delicious dinner on the table without a lot of hassle. You can also use this recipe as a base for a **mini turkey meatloaf** by simply swapping the ground beef for ground turkey. This recipe is incredibly versatile and delicious.
The best part about these **mini meatloaves** is the speed. There is no need to wait an hour or more for the meat to cook. These little loaves are ready in about 25-30 minutes, which makes them perfect for a busy weeknight. This **mini meatloaf recipe** is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. For a great healthy complement, check out our powerful Elderberry Syrup. For more professional cooking and health tips, you can explore resources from The New York Times Cooking. You will love how fast and delicious this **mini meatloaf recipe** is.
This **mini meatloaf recipe** is a great solution for anyone who loves meatloaf but wants a faster, more convenient way to enjoy it. These little meatloaves are perfect for a family dinner, and any leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day. The individual portions are also great for portion control and meal prepping. These are truly the best **mini meatloaf recipes** out there.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this **mini meatloaf recipe** are simple and likely already in your kitchen. The combination of simple ingredients creates a rich and flavorful meatloaf that everyone will enjoy. The glaze is the perfect finishing touch. The full list of ingredients for this **mini meatloaf recipe** is designed to give you the most authentic taste possible.
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (85/15 is best)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 slices of bread, torn into small pieces
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
Instructions
Making a great **mini meatloaf recipe** is an easy process. The steps are easy to follow and will lead to a perfect, moist result every time. You will be amazed at how a few simple steps can create such a rich and delicious meal. Follow these steps for the perfect **mini meatloaf recipe**.
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. This is the key to a perfect **mini meatloaf recipe**.
- Soak the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the milk and torn bread pieces. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, until the bread is soft and mushy.
- Mix the Meatloaf: Add the ground beef, beaten egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl with the soaked bread. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Form the Meatloaves: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin tin cups, pressing it down lightly.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of each mini meatloaf.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the **mini meatloaves** rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
Do not skip the step of soaking the bread. This is the secret to a moist and tender meatloaf. It adds moisture to the loaf without making it too dense. This is the number one tip for this **mini meatloaf recipe**.
For a beautiful presentation and even more flavor, use a fork to create ridges on top of the loaves before adding the glaze. This is a great tip for a perfect **mini meatloaf recipe**.
You can make a double batch of this **mini meatloaf recipe** and freeze some for a quick dinner later. Simply wrap the cooled, baked mini loaves in plastic wrap and foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Ingredient Substitutions
As mentioned, you can easily use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork for this **mini meatloaf recipe**. The results will still be delicious and moist. This **mini meatloaf recipe** is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your liking.
If you don’t have fresh bread, you can use 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. You will need to soak them in the milk as well. The result will still be a delicious and moist **mini meatloaf recipe**.
You can use different seasonings to change the flavor profile. Try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a different taste. This is a great way to customize your **mini meatloaf recipe**.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these adorable **mini meatloaves** with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and some roasted vegetables. The mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices. This is a classic dinner that everyone loves.
Mini meatloaves are perfect for kids. They are the perfect size and a fun way to get them to eat a delicious and healthy meal.
These **mini meatloaf recipes** are also great for a buffet or a party. They are easy to serve and everyone can grab their own portion.
FAQs About Mini Meatloaf
How long does mini meatloaf take to cook?
A **mini meatloaf recipe** typically takes about 25-30 minutes to cook at 375°F (190°C). The best way to be sure if they are cooked is to check the internal temperature, which should be 160°F (71°C).
Can you freeze a mini meatloaf recipe?
Yes, you can easily freeze a **mini meatloaf recipe**. After they are baked and cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What is the difference between meatloaf and mini meatloaf?
The main difference between a regular meatloaf and a **mini meatloaf recipe** is the size and cooking time. Mini meatloaves are individual portions, often cooked in a muffin tin. They cook much faster and have a higher ratio of crust to meat, which some people prefer.
What is the best way to cook mini meatloaves?
The best way to cook a **mini meatloaf recipe** is in a muffin tin. This method ensures that each loaf is a perfect individual portion and that it cooks evenly all the way around, creating a delicious crispy exterior. The **muffin tin meatloaf** method is superior.
What is the secret to a moist mini meatloaf recipe?
The secret to a moist **mini meatloaf recipe** is to use a binder that adds moisture, such as milk-soaked bread or crackers. You should also be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can make the final product tough and dry.
Conclusion
This **mini meatloaf recipe** is the perfect solution for a delicious, comforting, and simple dinner. With its tender texture and a savory-sweet glaze, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. You will love how easy this **mini meatloaf recipe** is. Enjoy every single bite of this amazing **mini meatloaf recipe**.