ADVERTISEMENT

Mini meatloaf in a pan

Mini meatloaf in a pan

by

ADVERTISEMENT

Title: Mini Meatloaf in a Pan: A Quick and Easy Comfort Food Classic

When you’re craving the comforting goodness of a classic meatloaf, but want something quick and easy that’s perfectly portioned for a smaller group or a busy weeknight, Mini Meatloaf in a Pan is the recipe you need. These single-serving, bite-sized meatloafs are packed with flavor and take a fraction of the time to cook compared to the traditional large meatloaf. Plus, they come with a beautiful glaze, juicy texture, and all the savory goodness that everyone loves.

Whether you’re cooking for a family of four or just looking for an easy meal prep solution, mini meatloafs are a fun and efficient twist on the classic. They’re easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and are great for pairing with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad.

Why You’ll Love Mini Meatloaf in a Pan

  1. Faster Cooking Time: Unlike a traditional meatloaf that can take an hour or more to bake, mini meatloafs cook in about 25-30 minutes, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
  2. Portion Control: These mini meatloafs are perfect for portion control, giving everyone a personal serving of delicious meatloaf with no need to slice up a big loaf.
  3. Customizable Flavors: You can mix and match ingredients, from adding veggies to different seasonings or sauces, to make these mini meatloafs your own.
  4. Kid-Friendly: With their individual sizes, mini meatloafs are perfect for little hands and picky eaters, making them a great choice for family meals.
  5. Easy Clean-Up: Cooking these mini meatloafs in a pan ensures easy clean-up—no need for a large loaf pan. Plus, you can serve them directly from the pan.

Mini Meatloaf in a Pan Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or Italian-style)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (for the glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for the glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for the glaze)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, oregano, and salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf tough.

3. Shape the Mini Meatloafs:

Divide the meat mixture into 6-8 equal portions (depending on how large you want each mini meatloaf to be). Gently shape each portion into an oval or round shape and place them on the prepared baking pan, leaving a little space between each one so they cook evenly.

4. Make the Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This glaze will give your mini meatloafs a beautiful, tangy finish.

5. Glaze the Meatloafs:

Spoon about a tablespoon of the glaze over each mini meatloaf. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly across the top. You can reserve a little bit of the glaze for serving later if you like extra sauce.

6. Bake the Meatloafs:

Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloafs reaches 160°F (71°C). The glaze should be bubbly and slightly caramelized.

7. Rest and Serve:

Once the mini meatloafs are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes them easier to slice if needed.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Mashed Potatoes: A classic side dish to pair with meatloaf. Creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory flavor of the mini meatloafs perfectly.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans make a healthy and flavorful side to balance the richness of the meatloaf.
  • Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette works well to add some freshness to the meal.