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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.