Mini Meatloaf Recipe: A Family Favorite That’s Quick, Healthy, and Delicious

If there’s one meal that I can always count on to please everyone at the dinner table, it’s these Mini Meatloaves. In our house, they’re a go-to for busy weeknights when I need something quick, healthy, and guaranteed to be devoured by my husband and all three of my kids. This mini meatloaf recipe packs all the comforting flavors of the classic dish into perfectly portioned servings, and they’re ready in no time!

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Why My Family Loves This Mini Meatloaf Recipe

Let’s face it—getting kids to eat anything that’s not pizza or pasta can be a challenge. But these Mini Meatloaves? They disappear from plates faster than I can say “dinner’s ready.” My kids absolutely love them, and I can’t blame them. They’re tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce that’s hard to resist.

My husband is a huge fan too. He loves the rich, savory flavor and the fact that they’re hearty enough to keep him satisfied. Plus, the individual portions thanks to baking them in a muffin pan make it easy to serve and even easier to store leftovers.

Why I Love These Mini Meatloaves

As much as my family enjoys eating these mini meatloaves, I enjoy making them just as much. For one, they’re incredibly quick to throw together. It takes me just about 5 minutes to mix everything up, and then they bake in only 30 minutes. That’s less than the time it takes to get everyone to the table!

Another reason I love these mini meatloaves is that they’re a bit healthier than the traditional version. Instead of using breadcrumbs, I swap in ground flaxseed. This simple substitution adds a boost of fiber and healthy fats, without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture that makes meatloaf so comforting.

And, because I’m always looking for ways to sneak extra veggies into my kids’ meals, I sometimes grate zucchini into the meat mixture. It’s a great way to add a little more nutrition without anyone even noticing. The zucchini keeps the meatloaves moist and tender, so it’s a win-win!

The Perfect Freezer Meal

Another thing that makes these Mini Meatloaves a staple in our house is how well they freeze. I love making a double batch, serving half for dinner, and freezing the rest for those nights when I just don’t have the energy to cook. They freeze beautifully, and all I have to do is reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.

The Mini Meatloaf Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and kid-approved dinner, give these Mini Meatloaves a try. Here’s the recipe I use:

Mini Meatloaf Recipe

If you love meatloaf but are looking for a fun, easy-to-serve twist, these Mini Meatloaves are perfect for you! They’re packed with flavor, perfectly portioned, and a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you use lean ground beef or turkey, these little meatloaves are tender, juicy, and topped with a delicious, tangy sauce that makes them irresistible.

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Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or ground flaxseed for a low-carb/gluten-free option
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup onion chopped
• 1/3 cup jarred tomato sauce or substitute with BBQ sauce or ketchup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 4 cloves garlic grated
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini Optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients (including the zucchini if using). Use your hands, a meat chopper, or a large spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
• Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 cups of a standard muffin tin, pressing the mixture down into each cup.
• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
• While the meatloaves are baking, mix together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
• After 15 minutes, remove the meatloaves from the oven, soak up any excess grease with a paper towel, and generously spoon the sauce over each mini meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.
• Serve these mini meatloaves with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or a green vegetable—and watch them disappear!

Notes

These Mini Meatloaves are versatile and easily customizable to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun and delicious variations you can try:

1. Meat Options:

• Ground Chicken or Turkey: For a lighter option, use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef. This swap makes the meatloaves leaner and adds a different flavor profile.
• Pork and Beef Mix: For extra juiciness and flavor, you can combine equal parts of ground pork and ground beef.

2. Breadcrumb Substitutes:

• Ground Flaxseed: For a low-carb or gluten-free option, ground flaxseed is a great substitute. It adds a subtle nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional content with added fiber.
• Almond Flour: Another low-carb alternative, almond flour gives the meatloaves a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Oats: Use rolled oats in place of breadcrumbs for a heartier texture and extra fiber.

3. Cheese Variations:

• Pepper Jack: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a bit of spice to your meatloaves.
• Mozzarella: For a milder flavor and gooey texture, use shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Parmesan: Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture for an extra savory, umami boost.

4. Mix-In Ideas:

• Grated Zucchini: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding grated zucchini to the meat mixture. It adds moisture and is practically undetectable once baked.
• Chopped Spinach: For a pop of color and nutrients, fold in some finely chopped spinach.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor and keep the meatloaves moist.

5. Sauce Variations:

• BBQ Glaze: Swap the ketchup in the sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
• Tomato-Basil Sauce: Use a tomato-basil marinara sauce instead of ketchup for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Sriracha Honey: For those who like a bit of heat, mix sriracha with honey for a sweet and spicy glaze.

6. Toppings:

• Crispy Onions: Top each mini meatloaf with a handful of crispy fried onions during the last few minutes of baking for added crunch.
• Bacon-Wrapped: For an indulgent treat, wrap a slice of bacon around each mini meatloaf before baking. The bacon crisps up beautifully and adds a savory depth of flavor.

7. Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes are always a hit with mini meatloaves.
• Buttered Noodles: Egg noodles tossed with butter and parsley make for a simple and satisfying side.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve your meatloaves with cauliflower rice.
• Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a healthy and colorful plate.

Make This Mini Meatloaf Muffin Recipe a Family Favorite

These Mini Meatloaves have quickly become a beloved meal in our household. They’re easy to make, healthier than traditional meatloaf, and perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast. Plus, they freeze well, making them a lifesaver for those nights when you just don’t have the time or energy to cook.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, looking for a healthier take on a classic, or just need a quick and comforting meal, these Mini Meatloaves are sure to become a favorite in your home too. Give them a try and let me know what you think!