Description
Succulent mini meatloaf brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America. Home cooks can quickly prepare these individual portions with simple ingredients, creating a hearty meal that delights family and friends with classic flavor and effortless charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork/turkey)
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 egg
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Prepare a muffin tin by lightly coating each cavity with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and beaten eggs.
- Gently incorporate Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs, mixing with a light touch to avoid compressing the meat mixture.
- Divide the seasoned meat evenly among the muffin tin cavities, pressing softly to create uniform mini loaves without compacting the meat.
- Create a glossy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar in a separate small bowl.
- Generously brush the tops of each mini meatloaf with the prepared glaze, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), typically around 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the mini meatloaves rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist texture.
- Carefully transfer the individual meatloaves to serving plates, garnishing with fresh parsley or additional glaze if desired.
Notes
- Make ahead by preparing the meatloaf mixture up to a day in advance and storing covered in the refrigerator for better flavor infusion.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, leaner protein option that works perfectly for health-conscious eaters.
- Prevent dry meatloaves by adding a splash of milk or broth to the meat mixture, which helps maintain moisture and ensures a tender, juicy texture.
- Test doneness quickly by using a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption, preventing overcooking and maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg