Mini Meatloaf

Mini Meatloaf with cheddar cheese is an easy and delicious meal that the entire family will love. This meatloaf recipe is shaped into individual loaves so that it bakes faster and you can serve your family dinner quickly during the weekdays.

I’ve taken my mom’s favorite meatloaf recipe and turned it into Mini Meatloaf! Cute, personal-sized easy meatloaf made with cheddar cheese and topped with sauce is an easy way to get your meatloaf fix during the activity filled week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Instead of spending well over an hour getting dinner on the table, this mini meatloaf recipe takes just one hour start to finish.
• You will love that this meal is budget friendly and made with pantry staples.
• These are a great item to meal prep and store in the freezer. Double up the batch for a quick supper down the road.

Ingredients for Mini Meatloaf

• Egg – Egg helps to keep your meatloaf from falling apart and also adds flavor and protein.
• Milk – This is the secret to a moist meatloaf. Milk adds moisture to your meatloaf and prevents it from drying out while it cooks.
• Cheddar cheese – Buy a block and shred it yourself for the best flavor and the meltiest cheese.
• Quick oats – These are a great binder for meatloaf but if you don’t have any oats or can’t eat them, use bread crumbs.
• Onion – Diced onion adds great flavor to meatloaf.
• Salt – This really brings out the flavor of the beef.
• Lean ground beef – A lean beef will not create a heavy, greasy meatloaf. You don’t have to worry about it being dry because of the added moisture from the milk. You can also substitute ground pork, chicken or turkey.
• Ketchup – A great start to any meatloaf sauce! Ketchup adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness but also helps the sauce to caramelize in the oven.
• Mustard – Complements and balances the sweetness of ketchup and brown sugar.

How to Make Mini Meatloaf

Combine the egg, milk, cheese, oats, onion, and salt in a large bowl. Add the ground beef and mix until well combined.

Divide the meat mixture into eight equal parts and form into mini meatloaves. Place the mini meatloaf in a greased baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon the sauce over the loaves.

Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake the mini meatloaf for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I Freeze Meatloaf Before Cooking It?

Place the raw mini meatloaves (without the sauce) on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once they are frozen, store them in an airtight container. They will keep for two to three months. I recommend thawing the meatloaf completely so it cooks evenly. Just pop them in the refrigerator the day before you want to bake them. If they are very cold when you place them in the oven you may need to add 10 minutes or so to the bake time.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge: Store mini meatloaf in a single layer in an airtight container

Freezer: Allow mini meatloaf to cool freeze in a single layer on a sheet pan. Once Transfer the frozen mini meatloaf to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for two to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat either in the microwave or in the oven.

The easiest way to reheat mini meatloaf is in the microwave for about a minute or so. You can also place the meatloaf in a baking dish and reheat it in an oven preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. You might want to add more sauce and cover the dish with foil so the meatloaf doesn’t dry out. Keep it in the oven until it’s warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes.

If it’s been a while since you’ve made meatloaf you have to give it a try. The meatloaf is so tender and juicy with lots of flavor and the sweet, sticky sauce really brings the flavor up a notch.

How To Serve Mini Meatloaf

For a comforting dinner serve your mini meatloaf with a delicious side dish like Crack Potatoes and Roasted Cauliflower. Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles are a family favorite accompaniment to meatloaf as are Smashed Potatoes. In fact, potatoes are the most popular side dish in our family because you can make them so many different ways! You’ve got to try out the BEST Mashed Potato Recipe and save time with Crock Pot Baked Potatoes.

More Great Meatloaf Recipes

• Set and forget it while you go about your day! Crockpot Meatloaf is perfectly moist and has a great sauce on it plus you can cook carrots and potatoes at the same time so there’s nothing left to get ready!
• Pan drippings and cheese come together to make an amazing gravy for French Onion Instant Pot Meatloaf.
• Take the classic comfort of a regular meatloaf and add cheese. This Cheesy Meatloaf will quickly become a family favorite.
• Looking for a bit of a challenge when it comes to meatloaf? Pinwheel Meatloaf is a great way to really wow your family with a groumet cheesy rice stuffed pinwheel.