Introduction

These Cute & Cozy Wholesome Mini Meatloaves are perfect for a comforting meal with family or friends. Small, flavorful, and packed with a savory glaze, they make for a fun twist on classic meatloaf. Plus, they cook faster and are easy to portion.

Cute & Cozy Wholesome Mini Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85/15)
1 lb ground pork
½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
½ small yellow onion, grated on large holes of a box grater
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
⅔ cup whole milk cottage cheese
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon garlic paste (or 4 cloves pressed/finely minced)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
¼ cup packed dark brown sugar (for glaze)
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position an oven rack in the center. Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, eggs, cottage cheese, ¼ cup ketchup, garlic paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Step 3: Scoop the meat mixture using a ⅓ cup measuring cup for even portions. Shape each scoop into an oval mini meatloaf and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. You should have 12 mini loaves.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, stir together ½ cup ketchup, dark brown sugar, and balsamic glaze until well combined. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of each mini meatloaf with the glaze. Save some glaze for after baking if you like.
Step 5: Bake the meatloaves for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Step 6: If desired, brush the meatloaves again with remaining glaze after baking. Serve warm, ideally alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use disposable gloves when mixing to keep hands clean.
Try substituting ground turkey for a leaner option, but add a bit of olive oil for moisture.
Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or chili powder for a different smoky flavor.
Make mini meatloaf muffins using a greased muffin tin for uniform shapes.

Storage

Store leftover mini meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain moisture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the mini meatloaves, then refrigerate uncovered for a few hours before baking. This helps the shapes hold better during cooking.

What can I serve with mini meatloaf?

These mini meatloaves pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Cute & Cozy Wholesome Mini Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

These Cute & Cozy Wholesome Mini Meatloaves are a delightful twist on classic meatloaf, featuring a blend of ground beef and pork mixed with fragrant herbs, cottage cheese, and a tangy glaze. Perfectly portioned as individual mini loaves, they bake to juicy perfection and are easy to serve with your favorite sides for a comforting, family-friendly meal.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 mini meatloaves 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf:

1 lb ground beef (85/15)
1 lb ground pork
½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
½ small yellow onion, grated on large holes of a box grater
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
⅔ cup whole milk cottage cheese (Good Culture recommended)
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon garlic paste (or 4 cloves pressed/finely minced)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Glaze:

½ cup ketchup
¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Place an oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a large-rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
Combine the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, beaten eggs, cottage cheese, ¼ cup ketchup, garlic paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried parsley, smoked paprika, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Use your hands (with disposable gloves if preferred) to gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaves tender.
Shape the Mini Meatloaves: Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup, scoop portions of the meat mixture and shape each into an oval mini loaf with your hands. Space them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. This recipe makes about 12 mini loaves.
Make the Meatloaf Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup ketchup, dark brown sugar, and balsamic glaze. Stir until fully blended. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of each mini meatloaf with the glaze. Save some glaze for glazing after baking if desired.
Bake the Meatloaves: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaves reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Serve: After baking, optionally brush the mini meatloaves again with the reserved glaze using a clean pastry brush. Divide among plates and serve warm with sides such as mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal. Enjoy your wholesome, cozy mini meatloaves!

Notes

Use disposable gloves when mixing the meat for easier cleanup and less mess on your hands.
Do not overmix the meat mixture to prevent the meatloaves from becoming dense or tough.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness and food safety (165°F).
Leftover glaze can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a topping for leftover meatloaf slices.
Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture.

Keywords: mini meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, ground beef and pork, cozy dinner, baked meatloaf, wholesome mini meatloaf, family meal, easy meatloaf glaze