Sometimes, you just need a comforting meal that’s easy to make. I definitely feel that way, and I know you do too! If you’re searching for simple, tasty meatloaf recipes that are a little different from your usual weeknight dinner, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve gathered two fantastic meatloaf ideas that are packed with flavor and fun to prepare.
These recipes take classic meatloaf and give it an easy, approachable spin. Whether you need a quick snack, a party food, or perfectly portioned meals, these ideas have you covered. Let’s get cooking!
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Quick and Easy Meatloaf Sliders
These Meatloaf Sliders are perfect for game day, a fun party appetizer, or even a mini-meal. They’re simple to assemble and everyone loves the individual portions.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Meatloaf Sliders
- Slider Buns: Using small dinner rolls or slider buns makes these truly bite-sized and fun.
- Homemade Glaze: A simple ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar glaze adds a fantastic sweet and tangy finish.
- Cheese: Add a slice of your favorite cheese, like cheddar or provolone, to each slider during the last few minutes of cooking for extra goodness.
What You Need for Meatloaf Sliders
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns
- Cheese slices (optional)
- For the Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12 sliders
How to Make Meatloaf Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your meatloaf tough.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Mini Loaves
Divide the meatloaf mixture into 12 small portions and shape them into mini oval patties that will fit nicely on your slider buns. Place them on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze. Brush a little glaze over each mini meatloaf. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve Your Sliders
If using cheese, add a slice to each mini meatloaf during the last 3-5 minutes of baking, letting it melt. Once baked, place each mini meatloaf on a slider bun. You can add extra ketchup, pickles, or lettuce if you like. Serve warm and enjoy these tasty Meatloaf Sliders!
📝 Final Note
These sliders are best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Individual Muffin Tin Meatloaf Recipe
This Muffin Tin Meatloaf recipe gives you perfectly portioned meatloaf servings every time. It’s a fantastic way to make dinner easy and ensure everyone gets their own delicious piece.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Muffin Tin Meatloaf
- Muffin Liners: Using paper or silicone muffin liners makes for super easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Vegetables: Finely diced carrots or bell peppers can be added to the mixture for extra nutrition without changing the taste much.
- Glaze Application: Apply half of the glaze at the beginning and the rest halfway through baking for a thicker, more flavorful crust.
What You Need for Muffin Tin Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Glaze: 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp yellow mustard
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12 mini meatloaves
How to Make Muffin Tin Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until just combined.
Step 2: Fill Muffin Tins and Add Glaze
Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the glaze. Spoon about half of this glaze over the top of each mini meatloaf.
Step 3: Bake Until Done
Bake the meatloaves for 20 minutes. Then, remove the muffin tin from the oven and spoon the remaining glaze over each mini meatloaf. Put them back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
These individual meatloaves are wonderful for meal prepping. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
