Mini Meatloaf Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Dinner
Are you looking for a fun, flavorful, and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further than these mini meatloaves! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to your liking. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet satisfying dish!
Why Choose Mini Meatloaf?
Mini meatloaves offer several advantages over a traditional, large meatloaf:
- Portion Control: Perfect for individual servings, eliminating leftovers and making it easier to manage portion sizes.
- Faster Cooking Time: These little loaves cook much faster than a large one, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
- Fun Presentation: The individual portions are visually appealing, making them perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion.
- Easy Cleanup: Less mess overall compared to a large meatloaf.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight dinner.
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use a blend of ground beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Ketchup (for glazing)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create delicious mini meatloaves:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or use mini loaf pans.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
- Fill the muffin tin: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups or mini loaf pans.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mini meatloaves are cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Glaze: During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, brush the mini meatloaves with ketchup for added flavor and color.
- Cool slightly: Let the mini meatloaves cool in the tin for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
These mini meatloaves are incredibly versatile and pair well with various side dishes. Consider serving them with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- A simple salad
Tips and Variations:
- Add cheese: Incorporate shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Make it healthier: Use lean ground beef and reduce the amount of breadcrumbs.
This mini meatloaf recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's easy to make, delicious to eat, and adaptable to your preferences. Enjoy!
