Mini Meatloaves Recipe
These Mini Meatloaves are the ultimate comfort food with a modern, approachable twist. Featured on Everyday Excellent with Vanessa Gianfrancesco, this recipe is designed to be easy to prepare, protein-packed, and kid-friendly. By creating individual mini loaves in a muffin pan, you get perfectly portioned servings with crispy, caramelized tops and tender, juicy interiors.
Unlike traditional meatloaf that often takes an hour to bake in a large pan, these mini versions cook in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners. Each bite combines lean ground beef, tender vegetables, and a hint of cheese, finished with a tangy-sweet glaze of ketchup, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
The Inspiration
The inspiration behind these Mini Meatloaves comes from classic family-style meatloaf, but with a focus on speed, portion control, and flavor balance. The addition of hemp hearts increases protein and omega-3 content, while panko breadcrumbs ensure a light, airy texture. Grated carrot and onion add natural sweetness and moisture, keeping each mini loaf soft without being dense.
Using a muffin pan transforms the dish into an easy, fun, and approachable meal. Each mini loaf has a built-in “glazed crust” from the topping, reminiscent of traditional meatloaf but perfectly portioned. This approach also makes the recipe ideal for meal prep, parties, or kid-friendly dinners, where individual servings are easier to handle and serve.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup hemp hearts
- 1 small white onion, grated
- 1 small carrot, grated small
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp plus ¼ cup ketchup, divided
- 1 tbsp plus 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, divided
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Methods
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (204 C).
- Beat the egg and milk together in a large bowl and stir in the panko and hemp hearts. Add the ground beef, onion, carrot, mozzarella cheese, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste and mix and mash to thoroughly combine.
- Scoop the mixture into a 6 muffin pan. Stir together ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and maple syrup and spread on top of the meat mixture.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then let cool for 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Meatloaves are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a comforting weeknight meal. For a low-carb option, pair them with steamed asparagus or sautéed zucchini noodles.
They also work beautifully as meal-prep portions, allowing you to reheat individual loaves for lunches or dinners throughout the week. For parties or casual gatherings, present them on a platter with toothpicks and extra glaze on the side as finger-friendly appetizers.
To elevate the dish further, drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or a tangy balsamic reduction, and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh finish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Meatloaves are a modern take on classic comfort food, designed for effortless preparation, bold flavor, and family-friendly appeal. By combining lean ground beef, panko, hemp hearts, and vegetables, each bite is moist, flavorful, and nutrient-rich. The ketchup and Dijon glaze adds a sweet-tangy finish that elevates the dish while keeping it simple and quick to prepare.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers, these mini meatloaves are versatile, visually appealing, and packed with flavor. Whether paired with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or enjoyed on their own, they deliver classic comfort food taste with a modern, portion-friendly twist.
Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!
Follow us on Instagram and YouTube for behind-the-scene footage and exclusive content!