Tender mini meatloaves - made with lean ground beef, seasoned bread crumbs, tomatoes sauce, and simple seasonings. This classic meal made mini will cook up fast and stay tender for the perfect weeknight meal.
This post was originally sponsored by Redmond Real Salt. It has been re-photographed and updated. We still stand behind the product and use it daily.
What Are Mini Meatloaves?
I know that a lot of people have strong feelings about meatloaf...and it is usually disdain. I'm here to challenge you to try this one. This is not your - throw in everything but the kitchen sink recipes. This is a basic, flavorful, and simple recipe. Think of this as a large meatball. It is full of all the things you love, and lacks the things you don't. We've taken the classic meatloaf and made it mini. Making them into smaller loaves allows the cooking time to be reduces, and you will never have a dried out meatloaf.
What Do I Need To Add To My Grocery List?
- ground beef
- tomato sauce
- egg
- bread crumbs
- onion salt
- black pepper
- parsley
How Do I Make Mini Meatloaves?
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, half of tomato sauce, bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings.
- Using clean or gloved hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Divide between mini loaf pans.
- Evenly distributer remaining half of the tomato sauce to the tops of mini meat loaves. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until internal temperature is 350 degrees.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meatloaf. You don't want it undercooked, and you don't want it dried out - so check the temp before you serve. We recommend Thermoworks when it comes to thermometers. They are truly the best on the market.
The Importance of Seasoning & Salt
One of the prominent seasoning in this recipe is my VERY favorite onion salt made by Redmond Real Salt. I was introduced to Real Salt many years ago at a conference. I was amazed at the taste and I've never looked back. Real Salt is the only brand of sea salt harvested here in the United States - near Redmond, Utah. I've found them in most grocery stores, and I promise that not all salt is created equal. Skip that store brand salt - and give Real Salt a try the next time you're spice shopping.
Mini Meatloaves Q&A
Do I Cover Meatloaf While Baking?
For this recipe - no. These mini loaves cook much faster than a traditional loaf, so there is no need to cover these little guys while baking.
Does this meatloaf stay moist?
It sure does. Another perk to making your meatloaf mini, is that it stays nice and moist. Another trick is including tomato sauce in the meatloaf. It combines with the breadcrumbs creating moisture while it is baked.
Can I add ingredients?
Don't feel like you have to leave this recipe as is. If you like onions, or shredded carrots in your meatloaf - add them in. This recipe is truly the base for a customized meatloaf of your choice. Leave it as is for more of a meatball taste, or toss in the veggies and sneak them to your kids.
What should I serve with mini meatloaves?
Serve with mashed potatoes and honey glazed carrots for the perfect home cooked meal.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is a great one to double. The recipe as is, makes 3 mini loaves. Double to make 6.
Don't Be Shy!
If you tried this mini meatloaves recipe or any other recipe on the blog then don’t be shy! Let us know! Rate the recipe and leave us a comment below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to see what else we’re getting up to!
The Very Best Mini Meatloaves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 8 ounces can tomato sauce divided
- ½ cup italian bread crumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- pepper
- onion salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, half of tomato sauce, bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings.
- Using clean or gloved hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Divide between 3 mini loaf pans.
- Evenly distributer remaining half of the tomato sauce to the tops of mini meat loaves. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until internal temperature is 350 degrees.
Notes
Can I add ingredients?
Don't feel like you have to leave this recipe as is. If you like onions, or shredded carrots in your meatloaf - add them in. This recipe is truly the base for a customized meatloaf of your choice. Leave it as is for more of a meatball taste, or toss in the veggies and sneak them to your kids. What should I serve with mini meatloaves? Serve with mashed potatoes and honey glazed carrots for the perfect home cooked meal. Can I double this recipe? Yes! This recipe is a great one to double. The recipe as is, makes 3 mini loaves. Double to make 6.Nutrition
Laurie says
Looks delicious! Two questions; what would Be a good sub for saltines if trying to avoid processed foods, and does this freeze well? Hoping to bring some mini-freezer meals to my grandma next month & she loves mEatloaf ?
Loralee says
I add oats to my meatloaf-that could
Possibly work as a sub for the Saltines. I think the purpose it to soak up some of the moisture that comes out when meat cooks. My recipe calls for a handful of oats and 4 saltines, so maybe you could try a couple handfuls of oats! We also add a couple slices of bacon laid aCross the top for some more flavor! Haven't made this in forever-now i'm feeling like the need for some comfort food ?
Kadee says
Absolutely!
Kadee says
You can use breadcrumbs or oats
Kadee says
Also - I freeze these before I they are cooked and they freeze great!
April V says
simple & easy ♥