Mini Meatloaf with Cheddar and BBQ Glaze Recipe

ByBen Miller
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Introduction

These Mini Meatloaves are a perfect twist on a classic comfort food, offering individual portions that bake quickly and evenly. Packed with flavorful ingredients and a tangy glaze, they make a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

On a white plate set on a white marbled surface, there is a serving of light, creamy mashed potatoes arranged in a circular shape with soft swirls on the edges. At the center of the mashed potatoes lies a thick, round meatloaf patty, covered in a shiny, rich red-brown glaze of sauce. A spoon is cutting into the meatloaf, revealing its dense, cooked interior texture. Fresh green beans are placed next to the mashed potatoes, adding a crisp green contrast. Small pieces of chopped parsley are sprinkled over the dish as garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • ¼ cup yellow onion (diced)
  • ¼ cup bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon BBQ Sauce
  • ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup crushed Ritz (or Italian breadcrumbs)
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • ½ cup ketchup (plus more for serving)
  • ½ cup BBQ Sauce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers for about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, yellow mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, then fold in the cooled vegetables from step 2. Add the ground beef and gently mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  5. Step 5: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each into a 5-inch loaf and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (ideally with raised edges to catch drippings).
  6. Step 6: Combine ½ cup ketchup with ½ cup BBQ sauce to create the glaze. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaves.
  7. Step 7: Bake the meatloaves for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the meatloaves to a fresh parchment-lined sheet or plate to discard excess grease.
  8. Step 8: Brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaves and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Step 9: For serving, brush a little more ketchup on top if desired. These mini meatloaves pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables or your favorite pasta dish.

Tips & Variations

  • For a moister texture, try adding a splash of beef broth to the mixture.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
  • Use Italian breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for a different flavor and texture.
  • Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra freshness.
  • To handle grease easily, use a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan with a rack.

Storage

Store leftover mini meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth, slightly textured surface showing soft swirls. On top sits a thick, round meatloaf patty covered in a shiny, rich reddish-brown sauce that glistens under the light. Small, finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled lightly over the mashed potatoes and meatloaf, adding a touch of color. A few bright green beans peek from the top left corner of the plate. A silver spoon is cutting into the meatloaf, showing the meat's dense, slightly crumbly inside beneath the glossy sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these mini meatloaves ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the loaves in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I serve with mini meatloaves?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables work great. They also pair well with pasta dishes, salads, or steamed greens for a complete meal.

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Mini Meatloaf with Cheddar and BBQ Glaze Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews
  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 mini meatloaves 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Mini Meatloaf recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy classic meatloaf flavors in individual servings. Loaded with sautéed onions and bell peppers, enriched with cheddar cheese, and glazed with a tangy blend of ketchup and BBQ sauce, these mini loaves are perfect for a comforting family meal. Baked to juicy perfection and served with your favorite sides, they bring a satisfying homemade touch to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, diced
  • ¼ cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Wet Ingredients & Seasonings

  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon BBQ Sauce
  • ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Dry & Cheese

  • 1/3 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or Italian breadcrumbs)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)

Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze and serving)
  • ½ cup BBQ Sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the mini meatloaves.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool completely.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, yellow mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until well blended.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir the crushed Ritz crackers into the wet mixture, followed by the cooled sautéed vegetables. Then, add the ground beef and gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
  5. Form into Mini Loaves: Divide the meat mixture evenly into 4 portions. Shape each portion into a 5-inch long loaf and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with raised edges to catch drippings. Prepare the glaze by blending the ketchup and BBQ sauce; brush half of this glaze evenly over each mini meatloaf.
  6. Bake and Remove Grease: Bake the meatloaves for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully transfer each meatloaf to a new parchment-lined baking sheet, discarding excess grease from the original pan. This prevents the loaves from sitting in grease which can affect texture and taste.
  7. Apply Second Glaze and Finish Baking: Brush the remaining glaze over each meatloaf and bake them for an additional 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring they are fully cooked.
  8. Serve: Optionally brush a little extra ketchup over the mini meatloaves before serving. These pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans or carrots, and can also be enjoyed alongside garlic butter pasta.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper on the baking sheet with raised edges to easily catch drippings and prevent mess.
  • Removing the grease halfway through baking keeps the meatloaf from becoming soggy and helps achieve a better texture.
  • You can substitute Italian-style breadcrumbs for the crushed Ritz crackers for a slightly different texture.
  • Do not overwork the meat mixture when combining ingredients to avoid dense or tough meatloaf.
  • Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee safe consumption of ground beef.
  • For easier cleanup, you can place a disposable foil pan underneath your baking sheet to catch drippings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: mini meatloaf, individual meatloaf, ground beef recipe, easy meatloaf, cheeseburger meatloaf, baked meatloaf, family dinner

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