Cute & Cozy Wholesome Mini Meatloaf Recipe
These Cute & Cozy Wholesome Mini Meatloaves are a delicious and comforting twist on classic meatloaf, made with a blend of ground beef and pork, enriched with cottage cheese, and topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfectly portioned into individual mini loaves, they bake quickly and make an ideal hearty meal served alongside your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini meatloaves 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 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)
- 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 & Prepare Baking Sheet: Place an oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, eggs, cottage cheese, ketchup, garlic paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried parsley, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands (wear gloves if preferred) to gently mix the ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Mini Meatloaves: Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup, scoop the meat mixture into individual portions. Shape each portion into oval-shaped mini meatloaves with your hands, then place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart. You should make about 12 mini loaves.
- Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, dark brown sugar, and balsamic glaze, stirring well until fully blended. Reserve a small amount for brushing after baking if desired.
- Glaze the Mini Meatloaves: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the top of each mini meatloaf with the prepared glaze.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaves reaches at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Finish and Serve: If you saved extra glaze, brush it again over the warm meatloaves after removing them from the oven. Serve the mini meatloaves warm with mashed potatoes and green beans or your preferred sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaves tender and juicy.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness and prevents undercooking.
- Glazing the meatloaves twice enhances flavor and gives a beautiful glossy finish.
- You can substitute the ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftover mini meatloaves can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Keywords: mini meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, individual meatloaf, comfort food, baked meatloaf, easy dinner, family meal
