🕐 Recipe Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25–30 minutes
- Total time: About 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 mini meatloaves
- Oven: 400°F (200°C)
🛒 Ingredients
For the meatloaf
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet, baking dish, or muffin pan.
2. Prepare the onion and garlic
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. For a softer, sweeter flavor, you can sauté the onion in a little oil for about 3–4 minutes before adding it to the meat mixture. Let it cool slightly.
3. Make the breadcrumb mixture
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 2 minutes.
This helps soften the breadcrumbs and keeps the meatloaf moist instead of dense or dry.
4. Add the remaining ingredients
Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Mix gently
Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything until just combined.
Try not to overmix. Overworking the ground beef can make the finished meatloaf tough.
6. Shape the mini meatloaves
Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a small loaf, approximately 3–4 inches long. Place them on your prepared baking sheet or in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
7. Make the glaze
In a small bowl, combine:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Stir until smooth.
8. Add the first layer of glaze
Spread a generous layer of the glaze over the top of each mini meatloaf.
Save a little glaze for later.
9. Bake
Place the mini meatloaves in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, depending on their size.
The most important thing is the internal temperature: ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center.
10. Add more glaze
During the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaves.
This gives them a shiny, flavorful, slightly sweet topping.
11. Let them rest
Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meatloaf easier to serve.
🥔 What to Serve With Mini Meatloaf
For a classic family dinner, serve it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Corn
- Peas
- Macaroni and cheese
- Simple green salad
- Dinner rolls
⭐ Tips for the Best Mini Meatloaf
Keep it moist: Don’t skip the milk and egg—they help create a tender texture.
Don’t overmix: Mix only until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Make them the same size: Equal-sized mini loaves cook more evenly.
Check the temperature: Cooking time can vary, so a meat thermometer is the best way to know when they’re done.
Make ahead: You can shape the mini meatloaves earlier in the day, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and use them for sandwiches the next day.
🍽️ Easy Family Dinner Idea
For a complete meal, make mini meatloaf + mashed potatoes + green beans + extra meatloaf glaze. The individual portions are especially convenient for families because everyone gets their own little meatloaf, and the leftovers reheat nicely.
