Mini Meatloaves

Mini Meatloaves are a fun twist on a classic comfort food that I absolutely love. Each little loaf is packed with ground meat, seasonings, and a touch of sweetness from…

By Willow • December 21, 2025 • Reading time: 5 min

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Mini Meatloaves are a fun twist on a classic comfort food that I absolutely love. Each little loaf is packed with ground meat, seasonings, and a touch of sweetness from a tomato-based glaze that caramelizes on top. They’re perfectly sized for individual servings, making dinner feel cozy and personal without any fuss.

What I really enjoy about these mini meatloaves is how easy they are to customize. I like to sneak in some finely chopped veggies like onions and bell peppers to add a bit of texture and flavor, but you can keep them simple or mix things up however you like. The best part? They cook faster than one big meatloaf, so it’s a win on busy nights.

I often serve these with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic dinner or slice them up for sandwiches the next day. They’re great for leftovers and always get plenty of love from family and friends. Honestly, they remind me of cozy weekday dinners that feel special without taking forever to make.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Meat: I like mixing beef and pork for a juicy texture, but all beef or turkey can work. Turkey keeps it lighter but can dry out, so add an extra egg or some finely grated veggies.

Breadcrumbs & Milk: Breadcrumbs soak up moisture and help bind. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats make great substitutes. Milk softens the crumbs—non-dairy milk works fine too.

Onion & Bell Pepper: These add flavor and a bit of crunch. If you prefer less texture, finely mince or grate them. You can swap bell pepper with grated carrot or zucchini for variety.

Glaze: The ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard combo adds sweetness and tang. If you want less sugar, reduce brown sugar or try using BBQ sauce instead.

How Can I Keep Mini Meatloaves Moist and Tender?

Here are simple tips I use to keep the meatloaves juicy and soft:

• Soak breadcrumbs in milk first to add moisture and keep the meat from becoming dense.
• Don’t overmix the ingredients; mix gently until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
• Rest the mini meatloaves for a few minutes after baking to let the juices settle inside.
• Use a mix of meats or add finely grated veggies to increase moisture naturally.
• Check for doneness at about 25 minutes, as overcooking dries them out.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Muffin tin – perfect for shaping and baking individual mini meatloaves evenly.
• Mixing bowl – a large one helps you combine ingredients comfortably without spills.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with spices and liquids to keep flavors balanced.
• Small bowl – handy for mixing the glaze before spreading it on the meatloaves.
• Spoon or spatula – great for gently mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version; add a bit of olive oil to keep moisture.
• Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella inside the meatloaf for a melty surprise.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or finely chopped spinach for extra veggies and earthiness.
• Try swapping the ketchup glaze for a BBQ sauce or a spicy sriracha mix for a flavor kick.

Mini Meatloaves

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Meatloaves:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary, finely chopped

For the Glaze:

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Chopped parsley

How Much Time Will You Need?

You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and about 25-30 minutes for baking. Add a few extra minutes to let the mini meatloaves rest before serving. So, in total, set aside around 40 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin lightly or use parchment liners. In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk and let them absorb the liquid for about 5 minutes.

2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or beef and pork mix), chopped onion, bell pepper if using, garlic, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Mix gently by hand or with a spoon until just combined to keep the meatloaves tender.

3. Shape Mini Meatloaves and Add Glaze:

Divide the mixture evenly into 8 portions. Shape each portion into a small loaf or patty and place in the muffin tin cups. In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread about a tablespoon of this glaze on top of each mini meatloaf evenly.

4. Bake and Rest:

Bake the mini meatloaves for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through and the glaze is caramelized on top. Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to settle.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and rosemary sprigs if you like. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for Mini Meatloaves?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the meat completely in the refrigerator before mixing to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

Can I Make Mini Meatloaves Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatloaves a day in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake them fresh when ready to serve.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover mini meatloaves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I Substitute the Breadcrumbs?

Yes! If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, oats, or even crushed cornflakes work well as substitutes to hold the meatloaf together.