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Mini Meatloaf
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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 mini meatloaves made with cheddar cheese and topped with sauce is an easy way to get your meatloaf fix during the week.
Instead of spending well over an hour getting dinner on the table, this mini meatloaf recipe takes just one hour start to finish. Use the extra time to make a side dish or treat yourself to a pre-dinner cocktail like a Paloma. I think I know which one I’d pick!
I love easy ground beef recipes during the week like Taco Stroganoff and my Easy Chili recipe and this Mini Meatloaf recipe is definitely on the list. 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.
I think you’re going to love this cheesy mini meatloaf!
What do I need to make these?
If you’d rather skip my (very helpful, I think) tips and tricks, essential cooking info, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to this delicious recipe – simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.
- egg
- milk
- shredded cheddar cheese
- quick oats
- chopped onion
- salt
- lean ground beef
- ketchup
- brown sugar
- mustard
How do I make Mini Meatloaf?
Step by step photos are above this!
- Mix Ingredients– combine the egg, milk, cheese, oats, onion, and salt in a large bowl. Add the ground beef and mix until well combined.
- Form Loaves – divide the meat mixture into eight parts and form each into a mini meatloaf. Place the mini meatloaf in a greased 9×13″ baking dish.
- Mix Sauce – in a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon the sauce over the loaves.
- Bake – transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake the mini meatloaf for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.
What tools do I need?
- large mixing bowl
- 9×13″ baking dish
- small mixing bowl
- meat thermometer
What is the internal temperature of a cooked meatloaf?
Cook your meatloaf until the internal temperature is between 160 degrees F.
Can you add cheese?
Yes, you can add cheese to meatloaf! I love to add shredded cheddar into the meatloaf mixture before I bake it, that’s why this recipe calls for it. It adds so much flavor.
How do you reheat leftovers?
- Microwave: The easiest way to reheat mini meatloaf is in the microwave for about a minute or so.
- Oven: Or, you can place the meatloaf in a baking dish and reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and then place the baking dish in the oven. 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.
Can you freeze meatloaf?
You can freeze meatloaf! The great thing about freezing meatloaf is that you have two options:
- How to freeze raw meatloaf: 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 before baking it so it cooks properly. 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.
- How to freeze cooked meatloaf: If you want to cook the mini meatloaf and freeze them for later cool them completely first. Once cooled, place them on a sheet pan and place it in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer the mini meatloaf to an airtight container. They will keep well for two to three months. To reheat, thaw them first and then reheat either in the microwave or in the oven.
What should I serve with Meatloaf?
For a comforting dinner serve your mini meatloaf with a delicious side dish! Here are some of our favorite recipes:
- Crack Potatoes
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
- Smashed Potatoes
- The BEST Mashed Potato Recipe
- Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
More delicious twists on Meatloaf
There’s just something about meatloaf that screams comfort food! I remember Mom making this exact recipe and it was always a hit. Now I make it for my family and they love it, too! Here are a few more variations of meatloaf!
Mini Meatloaf
Perfect mini meat loaves loaded with cheddar cheese and topped with a ketchup sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 3/4 c. milk
- 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 c. quick oats
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2/3 c. ketchup
- 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp prepared mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl beat egg and milk. Stir in cheese, oats, onion and salt. Add beef and mix well.
- Shape into eight loaves; place in greased 13 in x 9 in x 2 in baking dish
- Combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Spoon over loaves.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.
Notes
Internal temperature of a cooked meatloaf
Cook your meatloaf until the internal temperature is between 160 degrees F.
How to Reheat
- Microwave: The easiest way to reheat mini meatloaf is in the microwave for about a minute or so.
- Oven: Or, you can place the meatloaf in a baking dish and reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and then place the baking dish in the oven. 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.
- How to freeze raw meatloaf: 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 before baking it so it cooks properly. 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.
- How to freeze cooked meatloaf: If you want to cook the mini meatloaf and freeze them for later cool them completely first. Once cooled, place them on a sheet pan and place it in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer the mini meatloaf to an airtight container. They will keep well for two to three months. To reheat, thaw them first and then reheat either in the microwave or in the oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 357kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 23gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 723mgPotassium: 418mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 465IUVitamin C: 1.9mgCalcium: 272mgIron: 2.6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
How long do you cook 4 mini loaves or a 12 muffin tin? What temp?
It should still be about 45 minutes at 350 degrees F. You’re looking for 160 degrees F for internal temp.
Meatloaf is a regular menu item in our home. I usually buy the large packs of ground beef when they go on sale and split them up into 1lb portions in the freezer.
This is THE BEST meatloaf I have ever made!! I ended up doing 4 mini loaves which made 2 good sized meals for my husband and me. Plus, my favorite slice of the meatloaf is the end piece, and this meant the whole thing was basically one big end piece!
Only substitution: I didn’t have oats, so I used an equal amount of bread crumbs. These had the perfect moisture and texture, not crumbly not chewy. These will be in the regular rotation!
Perfect! I’m so glad you love this recipe, thanks for the rating and review!
Love the small size! These were delicious. Can’t wait to make them again.
Glad you enjoyed them!
Love the mini size!! They really are the perfect size for one person & I love that they are loaded with cheese!! A favorite!
Perfect! I’m so glad you loved them!
My family would go crazy for this. Can’t wait to try it!
I hope everyone enjoys it!
I don’t normally love meatloaf but these surprised me. We all loved them!
Great! Glad I could change your mind!
We are huge meatloaf fanatics. Can’t wait to try this for dinner.
I hope you enjoy it!
Yummy will have to try this one
Hope you enjoy it!
could you tell me if these can be baked in a cupcake pan or mini loaf pan and if so what temp and how long?
Thanks so much!!
I have been making these for years, they are my husband’s absolute favorite! We like to put it in muffin tins and make what my kids call ‘meatloaf cupcakes’.
Oh great idea Brittany!
I just made this tonight and it was delicious! I had to substitute milk for oil and worcestershire sauce and it was still phenomenal! Definitely making this again! Love it!
So glad you enjoyed them!
These were SO good, my husband’s new fave!!
So glad to hear that Irene! They are a fave around here too!
This has become one of my family’s favorite recipes! I just referenced this recipe and your blog on my site.
Jennifer, thanks for linking up with me this week. Make sure and come back to the page and vote for your favorite dish. The dish with the most votes will be the feature recipe on Monday. Thanks again! -Savannah
This looks awesome!!! I think I’m going to have to make these!