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slices of meatloaf on a white plate next to a salad.
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4.88 from 55 votes

Mini Meatloaf Recipe

This mini meatloaf recipe is perfect for one - juicy, flavorful, and topped with a tangy glaze. Ready fast with simple ingredients!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose
Keyword: ground beef, meatloaf, meatloaf glaze, mini meatloaf, small meatloaf
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ounces chopped onions
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 6 ounces ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs

For The Meatloaf Glaze

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  • In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another minute, then remove from heat and set aside.
  • Place the ground beef in a medium bowl. Add the cooked vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and breadcrumbs. Using a large spoon, mix until everything is fully combined. Shape the mixture into an oval and place it in a lightly greased small baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and molasses. Spoon this glaze over the meatloaf, then bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil or a plate, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Video

Notes

  • Sauté the Vegetables First: Don’t skip cooking the onions and garlic before adding them to the ground meat—this step boosts both the flavor and moisture of your meatloaf.
  • Choose the Right Pan Size: A 5×5-inch baking dish is ideal, but a slightly larger one or even a small sheet pan works well. Leaving a bit of space around the meatloaf helps get those delicious caramelized edges.
  • Let It Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes under a loose cover of aluminum foil. This helps it firm up for easy slicing and keeps all the flavorful juices in.
 
To make a meatloaf for two, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Extend the baking time to 40-45 minutes before adding the glaze. To ensure it's fully cooked, use a digital instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 652kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 291mg | Sodium: 1595mg | Potassium: 1317mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 582IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 8mg

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