Meatloaf Meatball Appetizers

If you love old-fashioned meatloaf, these Meatloaf Meatballs are about to become a new family favorite, and so easy, plus perfect for snacking on and portable.

They're savory flavors of traditional meatloaf, however, perfectly portioned, tender meatballs that cook faster and are easier to serve.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a freezer-friendly meal prep option, meatloaf meatballs are a delicious, versatile solution.

Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, tucked into hoagie rolls for meatball sandwiches, or glazed with ketchup or barbecue sauce for an irresistible bite-sized dinner.

They’re simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Pack these in lunches for a quick snack in between meals, perfect for smashing in hard rolls with condiments or taking on a picnic!

Why You Will Love This Recipe for Meatballs Meatloaf

• Classic comfort food flavor in an easy, modern format
• Faster cooking time than traditional meatloaf 
• Perfectly portioned for kids and adults alike 
• Versatile—serve them as dinner, appetizers, or sandwiches
• Freezer-friendly, making them great for meal prep
• Customizable with different meats, seasonings, and sauces. If meatloaf is nostalgic for you, these meatballs bring that same familiar taste with less effort and more flexibility.

Alternative Meats You Can Use

• Alternative Meats You Can Use 
• Ground beef – classic and rich
• Ground turkey – lighter and leaner
• Ground chicken – mild and tender
• Ground pork – juicy and flavorful
• Beef and pork blend – extra moist and savory
• Beef and turkey blend – balanced flavor and texture

Helpful Tips for the Best Meatloaf Meatballs

1. Don’t overmix the meat—this keeps the meatballs tender
2. Use milk-soaked breadcrumbs or crackers for moisture
3. A small cookie scoop ensures even sizing and cooking
4. Bake on a lined sheet pan or rack for easy cleanup
5. Brush with sauce halfway through baking for extra flavor
6. Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking so they stay juicy

How to Serve Meatloaf Meatballs

• One of the best things about meatloaf meatballs is how many ways you can enjoy them: 
• Over mashed potatoes with extra sauce
• With buttered noodles or rice
• As meatball subs with your favorite condiment, or tomato sauce, and loads of melted cheese
• As a party appetizer with toothpicks dipped in your favorite condiments
• With green beans, corn, or roasted vegetables
• Glazed with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or brown gravy They work just as well for casual family dinners as they do for potlucks and gatherings.

Meatball Meatloaf Pin for Later

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meatballs, meatloaf, ground beef recipes

American

Yield: 20

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Meatloaf Meatball Appetizers

If you love old-fashioned meatloaf, these Meatloaf Meatballs are about to become a new family favorite, perfect for snacking on, lunches an sandwiches

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 55 Min

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• Optional: sliced seeded bell peppers for garnishing and your favorite tomato sauce or condiment

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly oil-sprayed.
2. Mix all the meatball ingredients until evenly combined.
3. Roll into a ball and place it on parchment paper that has been sprayed with cooking oil.
4. Either spray the tops of each meatball with cooking oil or brush with olive oil.
5. Squirt a little ketchup on each one, and if you enjoy the flavor of peppers, top each one with a slice of bell pepper.
6. Bake until nice and browned, around 40 minutes at 400 degrees.

Notes

Helpful Tips for the Best Meatloaf Meatballs

1. Don’t overmix the meat—this keeps the meatballs tender
2. Use milk-soaked breadcrumbs or crackers for moisture
3. A small cookie scoop ensures even sizing and cooking
4. Bake on a lined sheet pan or rack for easy cleanup
5. Brush with sauce halfway through baking for extra flavor
6. Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking so they stay juicy

Alternative Meats You Can Use

• Alternative Meats You Can Use 
• Ground beef – classic and rich
• Ground turkey – lighter and leaner
• Ground chicken – mild and tender
• Ground pork – juicy and flavorful
• Beef and pork blend – extra moist and savory
• Beef and turkey blend – balanced flavor and texture

How to Serve Meatloaf Meatballs

• One of the best things about meatloaf meatballs is how many ways you can enjoy them: 
• Over mashed potatoes with extra sauce
• With buttered noodles or rice
• As meatball subs with your favorite condiment, or tomato sauce, and loads of melted cheese
• As a party appetizer with toothpicks dipped in your favorite condiments
• With green beans, corn, or roasted vegetables
• Glazed with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or brown gravy They work just as well for casual family dinners as they do for potlucks and gatherings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

76

Fat (grams)

5 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

2 g

Carbs (grams)

4 g

Fiber (grams)

0 g

Net carbs

3 g

Sugar (grams)

1 g

Protein (grams)

4 g

Sodium (milligrams)

136 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

17 mg

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

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Meatball Meatloaf Pin for Later