I think everyone has a favorite meatloaf recipe whether you make mom's, grandma's, or have developed your own favorite recipe.
This is a basic recipe idea that the kids love, nothing fancy meatloaf, and very versatile for any weeknight but dressed up with mashed potatoes and gravy and the presentation is perfect for entertaining guests.
You can even make these ahead of time and freeze them, then just pop them in the oven to reheat, or mix it quickly in the morning before heading out to work.
Scroll down to the recipe card to make this easy recipe or try your favorite in a muffin tin, easy fun, and terrific for hosting parties even as an appetizer!
Reasons to Make Mini Meatloaves
- Faster Cooking Time: Mini meatloaves cook much faster than large meatloaf due to their smaller size.
- Portion Control: Mini meatloaves are individually sized, making portion control much easier and perfect for smaller households who don't want leftovers.
- Even Cooking: Mini meatloaves cook more evenly than a large meatloaf and much faster
- Customizable: Mini meatloaves are versatile and allow for customization. You can add different ingredients or toppings see our suggestions below
- Presentation: Serving mini meatloaves are perfect for appetizers
- Versatility: Mini meatloaves are perfect for parties, gatherings, or potlucks. These minis are perfect for traveling, lunches and so much more!
- Freezing and Reheating: Mini meatloaves freeze well, and you can reheat them easily and great for college students with a microwave and are perfect for sandwiches.
- Kid-Friendly: Mini meatloaves can be a hit with kids and fun to eat
Easy Step-by-Step Meatloaf Muffin Meals
- make your favorite meatloaf recipe or use ours below
- pile mashed potatoes on top after baking your meatloaf
- pour your favorite hot brown gravy on top(also add some shredded cheddar cheese and melt it under the broiler for cheese lovers)
- enjoy! Scroll down for the recipe it's printable
Fun Serving Suggestions
- top the meatloaf with a dollop of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and corn a little brown gravy and make mini shepherd's pies
- fill the center with refried beans and Italian-style or Mexican salsa
- use leftovers in a sandwich with melted cheese
- make other shaped muffin tins like a heart for Valentine's Day
- bake them in a mini muffin tin for appetizers
Check Out My Fun Shaped Meatloaf Recipes For The Kids!
Maybe you remember my Halloween Meatball Ghoul? Or my Mexican meatloaf cupcakes, then I also make an Italian-style Egg stuffed meatloaf. I even made a meatball-style meatloaf!
Other Meats To Substitute
- ground chicken or turkey
- ground lamb
- ground pork
- ground venison
Try Some Of These Cupcake Tin Ideas
Kielbasa Muffins
Mexican Meatloaf Cups
Cupcake Tin French Toast
Cinnamon Roll Muffin Cups
Baked Egg Cupcakes
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Meatloaf Recipes
This basic recipe for meatloaf is so versatile but you surely can use your own recipe you prefer.
You can change it up if you are not a beef eater by making a vegan-style meatloaf.
We love it stacked with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Brown Mushrooms Gravy!
Yield: 12
Meatloaf in a Muffin Pan
Single serving meatloaf made in a muffin pan is such a deliciously fun way to serve this classic favorite. Here are our recipe and tips.
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 40 Min
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 pounds of ground chuck, ground turkey, or ground venison
- 3/4 cup dry Italian-style flavored bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1/4 grated cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- 1 bell pepper diced
- ketchup
- Tools:
- cupcake tins
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef or turkey, eggs, bread crumbs, tomato sauce, grated cheese, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add oregano, basil, garlic powder, and half the diced peppers.
- Roll into balls to fit and place in greased cupcake tins.
- Make an indentation in the middle of each one and squirt some ketchup in the middle top with sliced bell peppers.
- Bake till crispy looking on top for around 30 to 35 minutes.
- Serve with garlic mashed potatoes and brown mushroom gravy
Notes
Fun Serving Suggestions
- top the meatloaf with a dollop of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and corn a little brown gravy and make mini shepherd's pies
- fill the center with refried beans and Italian-style or Mexican salsa
- use leftovers in a sandwich with melted cheese
- make other shaped muffin tins like a heart for Valentine's Day
- bake them in a mini muffin tin for appetizers
Other Meats To Substitute
- ground chicken or turkey
- ground lamb
- ground pork
- ground venison
Nutrition Facts
Calories
266.99Fat (grams)
14.08 gSat. Fat (grams)
5.01 gCarbs (grams)
12.18 gFiber (grams)
0.94 gNet carbs
11.24 gSugar (grams)
4.16 gProtein (grams)
22.11 gSodium (milligrams)
243.24 mgCholesterol (grams)
96.52 mg
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Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2013. It was edited and re-published in 2023.
Such a neat idea and I especially like topping them with mashed potatoes and gravy (but without the ketchup). I like the Italian seasonings you used as well.
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