Name: Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and or turkey); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Optional: 1/2 cup grated carrot or zucchini; Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or mustard

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini meatloaf cooks faster than traditional loaf-style meatloaf and offers the same hearty flavor in a convenient, personal-sized serving. They’re moist, easy to customize, and bake beautifully in muffin tins or on a baking sheet. Plus, kids and adults alike love their size and flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef (or a mix of beef )
breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
milk
egg
onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
salt
black pepper
optional: grated carrot or zucchini for moisture
optional: shredded cheese for added richness

For the glaze:
ketchup
brown sugar
apple cider vinegar or mustard

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb.
Add ground meat, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and any optional mix-ins.
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Divide the mixture evenly into 8–12 portions, shaping into small loaves or placing in muffin cups.
In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients and spoon over the tops of each mini meatloaf.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people (makes 8–12 mini meatloaves).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
BBQ Twist: Swap the ketchup glaze for BBQ sauce.
Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Stuffed Meatloaf: Add a cube of cheese or a spoonful of mashed potatoes in the center before baking.
Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
To freeze, cool completely, then wrap each mini loaf in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use a muffin tin for these?

Yes, muffin tins are perfect for shaping and portioning mini meatloaves and help them cook evenly.

What kind of meat works best?

An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal for flavor and moisture, but you can also use ground turkey, or a blend.

Do I have to use breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind and hold moisture. You can substitute with crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Grated carrots, zucchini, or finely chopped mushrooms work well and add moisture and nutrients.

Why did my mini meatloaf turn out dry?

Avoid overmixing the meat, and don’t overbake—use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F and no more.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd or prep extra for freezing.

How do I know when they’re done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

What sides go well with mini meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted veggies, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad are great choices.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the mini loaves and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours. Add glaze just before baking.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap cooled mini loaves individually and freeze. They reheat well for quick meals.

Conclusion

Mini meatloaf is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that takes everything you love about traditional meatloaf and makes it faster and more convenient. With endless variations and simple prep, it’s a recipe that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or thoughtful meal planning. Once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.