Name: Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); ¾ cup milk; ½ cup onion (peeled and very finely chopped); ½ cup quick oats; 1 egg; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2/3 cup ketchup; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

By: Jill Mills Posted: Nov 18, 2021 Updated: May 2, 2023

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Mini Meatloaf Recipe is the perfect classic meatloaf flavor in just the right individual servings. Ready in only 35 minutes from start to finish, everyone will love these mini meatloaves that are filled with cheddar cheese and topped with plenty of sweet and tangy tomato sauce.

Mini Meatloaves

We so this individual meatloaf recipe for dinner with a side of mashed potatoes and a green veggie, like peas or green beans. This is a wonderful quick and easy dinner recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy!

If you love meatloaf as much as we do, you will also want to try our Mama’s Awesome Meatloaf and Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf recipes.

Important Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mini Cheddar Meatloaves (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the easy to print recipe card):

Cheese – you can use pre-grated cheddar cheese or grate it fresh.
Milk – we used whole milk, but skim, 1%, or 2% will work as well.
Onion – be sure to chop the onion finely, otherwise, large chunks of onion may not soften fully as the meatloaves cook.
Oats – it is important to use the quick-cooking oats and not old-fashioned rolled oats that will not cook well in the meatloaves.
Egg – we used one large egg. The egg serves as a binder to keep the meatloaves formed as they cook.
Lean ground beef – the leaner the better. We used 90/10 organic ground beef, but use any lean ground beef you prefer.
Ketchup & Mustard – the ketchup is the base of the sauce and gives the meatloaves that familiar flavor. The mustard adds a nice tang to the sauce.
Brown sugar – either light or dark brown sugar can be used is gives the sauce the perfect amount of sweetness.

ingredients to make Mini Cheddar Meatloaves.

How to Make This Mini Meatloaf Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, milk, onion, quick oats, egg, salt, and pepper.

Add the ground beef and mix in very well. Form the meat mixture into 8 small loaves and place on the prepared baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon the sauce over the meatloaves, covering the whole top and sides with the sauce.

How Long To Cook Mini Meatloaf

Bake the meatloaves at 350F for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 160F.

Muffin Pan Directions:

Follow the steps above and instead of forming the meat mixture into loaves, press the mixture into a muffin pan.
Divide the meat among the 12 cups in a standard muffin tin, pressing them down to fill the cup. Bake for 15 minutes.

What To Serve with this Mini Meatloaf Recipe

Serve the mini meatloaves hot with side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, a salad, fresh bread with butter, peas, green beans, carrots, etc.

Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beans

Variations

Spicy – for a spicy sauce, add hot sauce and some cayenne pepper to taste.

Sausage – try using half ground beef and half ground sausage.

Extra sauce – the sauce is so good, we make extra! Double the sauce ingredients, use half to coat the meatloaves, then cook the other half in a saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is melted into the ketchup. Serve the extra sauce on the side with the meatloaves.

How to Store the Leftovers

Keep the leftover meatloaves in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Mini Meatloaf Recipe