There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal that feels like it was made with love—and this Mini Meatloaf Recipe delivers just that. These adorable individual-sized meatloaves are packed with flavor, featuring a tender, juicy interior and a slightly caramelized topping that’s utterly irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're entertaining guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and approachable.
I first discovered the joys of mini meatloaves when I wanted to speed up the cooking time of my traditional loaf. Not only did they cook faster, but everyone loved having their own personal serving. Now, they’re a staple in my dinner rotation, especially when paired with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Why You'll Love This Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food! These mini meatloaves are packed with everything you love about the classic dish but come with a few extra perks.
First, they cook quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Unlike a traditional meatloaf that can take over an hour to bake, these individual portions are ready in just 30 minutes.
Another reason to love this recipe? The presentation. Everyone enjoys having their own perfectly portioned meatloaf, and the smaller size means each one gets that crave-worthy caramelized topping.
Cleanup is a breeze, too. Since these bake on a single sheet pan or in a muffin tin, you’ll spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Best of all, these mini meatloaves are endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer classic beef or want to experiment with turkey, pork, or even a plant-based option, the recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these mini meatloaves lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Ground beef is the heart of this recipe. For the juiciest results, I recommend using an 80/20 blend of lean meat to fat. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully, though they may require a touch more seasoning to enhance their flavor.
Breadcrumbs act as a binding agent, ensuring the meatloaves hold their shape while remaining tender. Panko or traditional breadcrumbs both work well here—just avoid seasoned varieties to keep the flavor profile balanced.
Eggs bring everything together. They help bind the mixture and add richness to the final dish.
Onion and garlic provide a savory foundation. For a smoother texture, finely dice or grate the onion so it blends seamlessly into the meat mixture.
The ketchup glaze is a standout feature. Made with a simple combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding a tangy-sweet kick to each bite.
Lastly, you’ll need a muffin tin or baking sheet to form and cook your mini meatloaves. Both options work well, depending on your preferred presentation and equipment.
How To Make This Mini Meatloaf Recipe

Creating these mini meatloaves is straightforward and fun, especially if you have little helpers in the kitchen! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure perfect results every time.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Overmixing can result in tougher meatloaves, so be gentle.
Divide the mixture evenly, shaping it into individual portions. If you’re using a muffin tin, fill each cavity with the mixture, pressing gently to pack it in. If using a baking sheet, form small oval or round shapes directly on the tray.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce for the glaze. Spoon or brush the glaze generously over each mini meatloaf.
Bake the meatloaves for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the last few minutes of baking, you can switch the oven to broil to enhance the glaze’s caramelization.
Let the meatloaves rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender, flavorful bite.
Storage Options
Mini meatloaves are fantastic for meal prep, as they store and reheat beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatloaves. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
For quick reheating, use the microwave. Place a mini meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility! Here are some ways to switch it up:
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. Add a splash of olive oil to the mixture to keep it moist.
- Want to sneak in extra veggies? Finely grate zucchini or carrots and fold them into the meat mixture.
- Try swapping breadcrumbs for cooked quinoa or crushed crackers for a gluten-free alternative.
- Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce in the glaze.
- Experiment with different toppings, like barbecue sauce, sriracha, or honey mustard, for unique flavor twists.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. With endless possibilities, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
PrintMini Meatloaf Recipe
Discover this flavorful and easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe, perfect for family dinners. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a delicious glaze, this dish is baked to perfection in individual portions. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini meatloaves 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup ketchup (plus extra for glaze)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Divide the mixture evenly into 6 portions and shape into mini meatloaf shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of each mini meatloaf for a glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add shredded cheese to the meat mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
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