Mini Meatloaf Recipe (2024)

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Craving the comforting flavors of meatloaf but don’t want to make a whole loaf? This easy Mini Meatloaf recipe is the perfect solution. This meatloaf for one delivers all the classic flavors you love, without the leftovers.

If you’re a fan of meatloaf, don’t miss our variety of small batch options: Turkey Meatloaf, Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, and Slow Cooker Meatloaf. Each mini meatloaf recipe is perfectly portioned, ideal for one or two people to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe

• Flavorful: This recipe packs a punch with a blend of spices and a tangy glaze.
• Quick to Prepare: No need to spend hours in the kitchen; this meatloaf comes together quickly.
• Minimal Waste: This meatloaf is designed for one or two servings, so you won’t have to worry about leftovers.
• Versatile: Serve it with a variety of sides to make a complete meal.

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small meatloaf recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich, authentic olive flavor and high nutrient content. It’s less processed than other types of olive oil, making it the highest quality option available. If you prefer a milder flavor, a light olive oil will work too.
• Onions and garlic: These aromatic ingredients are essential for adding depth of flavor to the meatloaf. Don’t skip them; they make all the difference.
• Seasonings: Dried thyme, salt, and black pepper are the simple yet effective seasonings in this recipe. They work together to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
• Ground beef: This small meatloaf recipe calls for 6 ounces of ground beef. It’s the main protein source and offers a rich, meaty flavor. If you’ve got extra ground beef, consider using it in Taco Soup or Lasagna Rollups.
• Worcestershire sauce: This sauce adds a complex, umami flavor that elevates the meatloaf to the next level.
• Egg: A single large egg serves as the binding agent, helping to hold the meatloaf together while also adding flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Whether you use homemade breadcrumbs or store-bought, breadcrumbs provide the necessary structure to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup and molasses: These ingredients combine to create a deliciously balanced sauce that adds both sweetness and tanginess to the dish.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used andwhy I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

Recipe Variations

This small meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or prefer a sweeter profile, there’s a variation for you.

• Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Cheesy: Mix in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
• BBQ Style: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for the meatloaf glaze.

What Is The Ideal Meat For Meatloaf?

Choosing the right type of meat is crucial for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf. While lean meats like ground chicken or turkey are healthier options, they can result in a dry meatloaf. To counteract this, you can mix lean meat with ground pork, which has a higher fat content, or opt for 80% lean ground beef. In my recipe, I typically use ground beef with a lean-to-fat ratio of 85-90%.

Pro Tip: When you see numbers like 80/20 or 90/10 on a package of ground beef, they indicate the percentage of lean meat to fat. The higher the first number, the leaner the meat.

Why Fat Matters

The fat content in the meat contributes to both the flavor and the texture of your meatloaf. A higher fat content will yield a juicier, more flavorful result. However, if you’re watching your fat intake, you can still achieve a moist meatloaf by adding moisture-retaining ingredients like grated zucchini or mushrooms.

How To Make Mini Meatloaf

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a meatloaf for one or two people. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Cook the vegetables: Season the onions and garlic with thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook them in a small skillet until the vegetables are soft.

2. Make the meatloaf: Place the ground meat in a medium-sized mixing bowl and pour in the cooked vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and breadcrumbs; mix until the ingredients are fully combined.

3. Place the meat into a small baking dish and shape the meat into an oval.

4. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) oven for 30 minutes.

5. Make The Sauce: After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and whisk together the ketchup and molasses. Spoon over the top of the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Pro Tip: The glaze is a game-changer for this mini meatloaf recipe. My go-to combination is ketchup and molasses, which creates a balanced sweet and tart flavor profile. If you’re a fan of sweeter sauces, you can easily increase the molasses quantity. On the other hand, if you lean towards tangier flavors, just reduce the molasses amount. Alternatively, barbecue sauce is a fantastic substitute that works well as a meatloaf topping. Feel free to swap it in for a different twist.

6. Let the meatloaf rest: After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil to allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your mini meatloaf with sides that complement its rich flavors. From classic mashed potatoes to a light green salad, the options are endless.

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
• Sautéed Green Beans: For a lighter side.
• Italian Chopped Salad: Adds a tangy crunch to your meal.

Make Ahead And Freezing Instructions

Preparing Meatloaf in Advance

You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to a day before you plan to bake it. Simply follow the recipe steps until you reach the point where you shape the meatloaf. Store the unshaped mixture in the fridge, and when you’re ready to bake, shape it into an oval and proceed with the baking instructions.

Freezing Unbaked Meatloaf

To freeze the meatloaf before baking, shape it into an oval as per the recipe. Wrap the shaped meatloaf in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can store it in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Freezing Baked Meatloaf

If you’ve already baked the meatloaf and want to freeze it for later, let it cool completely first. Wrap the cooled meatloaf in either foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve tried this mini meatloaf recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

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