This mini meatloaf recipe bakes up in a fraction of the time of a traditional loaf, delivering all the cozy comfort of a Sunday supper on even the busiest weeknight.

Serve with my creamy mashed potatoes, green beans and homemade dinner rolls!

Mini meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Key Takeaways: Mini Meatloaf Recipe

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Bake Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 2 mini meatloaves
  • Cook Method: Baked in a foil-lined baking dish
  • Flavor & Texture: Savory, tender mini meatloaves with fresh parsley and a sweet ketchup brown sugar glaze
  • Difficulty: Easy. The mixture comes together quickly in one bowl, then is shaped into two small loaves and baked.

Why I Love This Recipe

This mini meatloaf recipe is everything you love about a classic meatloaf recipe, in individual portions that bake faster and come out juicy every time.

Each mini loaf gets its own sweet, sticky glaze and plenty of caramelized edges. Turn the individual loaves into BBQ meatloaf or for a lighter option make turkey meatloaf, there are so many ways to customize it to your taste!

XO - Jamielyn

Ingredients Notes

Ingredients for a mini meatloaf recipe including ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, parsley and seasonings.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Ground beef: I use 80/90 lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork also works.
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Keeps the loaves light rather than dense. You could also make some homemade breadcrumbs and freeze the rest.
  • Beef broth: Adds moisture. Some people prefer to use milk, which is fine.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together, so the loaf doesn’t fall apart upon slicing.
  • Worcestershire sauce and ketchup: For a deeper, savory, tangy classic meatloaf flavor.
  • Extra flavor: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
  • For the glaze: My go-to meatloaf glaze is ketchup or BBQ sauce (or half of each) mixed with light brown sugar. Add a little Dijon if you want extra tang.

How to Make Mini Meatloaves

In a large bowl, gently combine the meatloaf ingredients and mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. If the mixture seems dry, add another 1/2 teaspoon of broth or milk.

Ground beef mixture with parsley, breadcrumbs and seasonings ready to shape into mini meatloaves.
Two uncooked mini meatloaves shaped and placed in a foil-lined baking dish.

Divide the mixture into equal portions and form each one into an oval loaf on a foil-lined baking dish.

Stir the ketchup and brown sugar together, then spread it evenly over each loaf.

Ketchup and brown sugar in a glass bowl for making a sweet meatloaf glaze.
Two mini meatloaves brushed with ketchup glaze and ready to bake in a foil-lined dish.

Bake the individual meat loaves for about 45 minutes until the center reads 160°F on a meat thermometer. Rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle before slicing.

Baked mini meatloaves topped with ketchup glaze and parsley in a foil-lined baking dish.

Recipe Tips the Best Mini Meatloaf Recipe

  • Try it in a muffin pan. Divide among a greased muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes for meatloaf muffins instead!
  • Swap in fresh aromatics. Try ½ cup sautéed onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in place of the powders.
  • Add heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a stir of sriracha in the glaze.
  • Sweeter glaze: Use your favorite brand or try my homemade BBQ sauce instead of ketchup in both the meatloaf and glaze.

Make Ahead for Busy Nights

This simple mini meatloaf recipe is perfect for preparing ahead!

Mix the meat and prepare the glaze up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then shape, glaze, and bake when you’re ready.

Sliced mini meatloaf on a plate.

Summarize and Save This Recipe Content On:

ChatGPT
Gemini
Claude

More meatloaf recipes include BBQ meatloaf, mozzarella stuffed meatloaf and turkey meatloaf.

More Meatloaf Recipes

See all
See all
Two mini meatloaves topped with ketchup glaze and fresh parsley on a white serving platter.

Mini Meatloaf Recipe

No ratings yet
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 2
This mini meatloaf recipe bakes up in a fraction of the time of a traditional loaf, delivering all the cozy comfort of a Sunday supper on even the busiest weeknight.
Print Pin This! Rate Add Us as a Trusted Google Source

Video

Ingredients 

Meatloaf

  • 1 pound 80%-90% ground beef , or ground turkey or 1/2 pound ground pork and 1/2 pound ground beef
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons beef broth , or milk
  • 1 large egg , whisked
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon ketchup
  • ½ + ⅛ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Glaze

  • ⅓ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce , you could mix half and half
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons light brown sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking dish with foil. Lightly spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix 1 pound beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 2 1/2 Tablespoons broth, 1 egg, 1 1/2 Tablespoons parsley, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tablespoon ketchup, 1/2 + 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder until just combined. Add a 1/2 teaspoon more broth if mixture seems dry. Don't overmix or the meat won't be as tender.
  • Form meatloaf mixture into two equal sized loaves and place in prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and/or BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Pour over the top of the meatloaf. Add pepper on top, if desired.
  • Bake 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 160°F. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting into slices and serving.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Tip: If the mixture seems dry, add another teaspoon broth or milk.
Substitutions: You can swap fresh onion and garlic (1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 garlic cloves, minced) for the onion powder and garlic powder, but sauté first with a little olive oil before adding to the meat. 
If you prefer a little heat, add in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat or a few dashes of chili sauce or sriracha to the meatloaf sauce. 
Make-ahead: You can easily prep this recipe ahead of time. Simply combine the meat mixture in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. You can also mix together the glaze in advance too. Then store both in the refrigerator until using. Right before baking, shape the meatloaf and add the glaze.
Freeze: I recommend freezing the mini loaves before cooking. Form into a loaves wrap tightly with saran wrap. Store in freezer 2 to 3 months. To thaw, place in fridge overnight. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
Storage: Leftover meatloaf is so good, and will keep when wrapped in aluminum foil or kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 737kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 44g, Fat: 48g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 21g, Trans Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 254mg, Sodium: 1584mg, Potassium: 917mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 639IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 101mg, Iron: 6mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use a mini loaf pan?

Yes, a mini loaf pan works. I usually prefer shaping the loaves by hand in a foil-lined baking dish because the edges brown nicely and cleanup is easy. If using a pan, don’t pack the meat mixture in too tightly and check the center with a thermometer.

Do I need to cover it while baking?

No, bake it uncovered so the glaze can thicken and set on top. If it starts getting too dark near the end, loosely tent it with foil.

How long should it rest before slicing?

Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to settle so the meatloaf stays moist and tender.

How long do you bake mini meatloaf?

Bake mini meatloaf at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F. The exact time may vary a little depending on the size and thickness of the loaves.