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This individually portioned Mini Meatloaf Recipe is bursting with flavor. This is an instant family favorite with an irresistible glaze and Italian flavor.
I’m always looking for new recipes to make during the week, even I get into recipe slumps where I make the same things again and again. I experimented with making this cutie Mini Meatloaf Recipe, and we have eaten twice this month already, this one is a keeper!
Next time you are in a slump like me, you have to bust out this recipe.
Super easy, but also with minimal time and ingredients, you can’t go wrong.
My whole family loves it. What makes it extra special is it’s an Italian-style meatloaf.
It just gives it more flavor and switches it up from the same old, same old.
Plus, Lily gets a kick out of it every time I make them because they are her sized, too cute!
You can’t beat good meatloaf. Our Mini Meatloaf Recipe is full of flavor, fast to put together, and easy, a must make.
Some of our other favorite ground beef recipes on our site include Hobo Hamburger Dinner Foil Packets Recipe, Thai Beef Bowls, and Easy Ground Beef Wet Burrito Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Perfectly portioned meatloaves, perfect for meal prepping.
- Simple pantry ingredients help this come together quickly; you probably have everything on hand.
- Cute little loaves make them fun for little ones to enjoy.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Ground beef
- Italian bread crumbs
- Marinara sauce – Rao’s marinara is my favorite, or your favorite homemade marinara sauce recipe
- Shredded parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Ketchup
- BBQ sauce
- Sugar
- White vinegar
HOW TO MAKE MINI MEATLOAF RECIPE:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees f. Line a sheet tray with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray; set aside.
- Combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg in a large bowl. I like to use clean hands for this.
- Form the meat mixture into 4 round loaves and flatten each loaf slightly.
- Place loaves on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, use a meat thermometer for this.
- While mini meatloaves are baking, mix all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
- Take the meatloaves out of the oven and spoon 1-2 tbsp of sauce on top of the meatloaf minis. Bake for 5-7 additional minutes.
- Garnish the finished meatloaves with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT IS THE BEST MEAT TO USE FOR MEATLOAF?
I like to use an 80/20 or leaner ground beef for classic meatloaf. Any more fat and the meatloaf may fall apart.
Using lean ground beef not only helps the loaves keep their shape, but there is less fat.
Alternatively, you can use ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork. I have also subbed some of the ground beef with ground Italian sausage for a true Italian meatloaf recipe!
WHAT CAN I SERVE THIS WITH?
I normally serve mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli with ours but there are other options. Some other yummy side dishes for this ultimate comfort food:
- Salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted peppers – red bell peppers, green bell pepper, or really any color goes well with this.
- Macaroni and cheese
- Smothered Potatoes
- Crispy Baked Potatoes
- Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks
- Green beans
CAN I ADD ANYTHING?
Yes! Use this recipe as a base and add your own touches. Here are some ideas:
- Add more seasonings: Italian seasoning or garlic powder
- Fresh onion, sautee until softened before adding
- Bell peppers, sautee before adding
- Mozzarella cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar for a little sweetness
- Fresh garlic cloves
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Other than subbing the meat as stated above, there are other substitutions you can use.
- Instead of Italian style bread crumbs, you can use panko bread crumbs or plain breadcrumbs – or even homemade breadcrumbs
- Use fresh basil in place of parsley
- Use brown sugar in place of white sugar
Alternatively, you can make this recipe in a loaf pan. This is truly the best meatloaf recipe, any shape or size you make it!
Be advised that cooking times will vary if in loaf shape.
HOW TO STORE:
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil or the microwave.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Place leftovers in the freezer in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, place the dish in the fridge overnight.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- This makes 4 mini loaves, but you can easily double it to feed more or halve the recipe as needed.
- Tons of custom options, see my tips above on that.
- Great for meal prepping.
- This freezes well, see my tips above on how to store.
- Use any ground meat in place of beef to fit your tastes.
There is nothing like homemade meatloaf; this mini meatloaf recipe will grace your table again and again!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this MINI MEATLOAF RECIPE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Italian Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 2/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley use extra for garnish
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees f. Line a sheet tray with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray; set aside.
- Combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg in a large bowl. I like to use clean hands for this.
- Form the meat mixture into 4 round loaves and flatten each loaf slightly.
- Place loaves on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, use a meat thermometer for this.
- While mini meatloaves are baking, mix all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
- Take the meatloaves out of the oven and spoon 1-2 tbsp of sauce on top of the meatloaf minis. Bake for 5-7 additional minutes.
- Garnish the finished meatloaves with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This makes 4 mini loaves, but you can easily double it to feed more or halve the recipe as needed.
- Tons of custom options, see my tips above on that.
- Great for meal prepping.
- This freezes well, see my tips above on how to store.
- Use any ground meat in place of beef to fit your tastes.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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