Name: BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey1/2 cup breadcrumbs1 egg1/4 cup milk Additional Ingredients: 1/2 cup finely chopped onion2 garlic cloves, minced1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika1/2 cup barbecue sauce1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with a weeknight dinner hero: BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe. These little flavor bombs pack everything you adore about classic meatloaf—tangy barbecue glaze, tender-juicy texture, and a buttery kiss of cheese—into perfectly portioned muffins. Not only are they YUM, but their mini size means they bake up fast and make the best leftovers (if you have any!). Ideal for families, meal preppers, and anyone looking to shake up their routine with a dinner that delivers maximum comfort in a minimum amount of time.

BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe so magical? It’s all about starting with simple, everyday ingredients that work together for seriously mouthwatering results. Each ingredient has a starring role, from juicy ground meat to zesty barbecue sauce and melty cheese. Here’s what you’ll need—and why.

Ground beef or turkey: The foundation! Choose beef for a richer, classic taste, or turkey for a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs: They help lock in moisture and create that tender bite you crave.
Egg: The essential binder that ensures your mini loaves hold together beautifully.
Milk: Adds extra moisture and tenderness to every bite.
Finely chopped onion: Brings sweetness and a boost of flavor when mixed into the meat.
Garlic cloves, minced: Just two cloves add a savory depth that makes each morsel irresistible.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the meatloaf from tasting flat.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Infuses that woodsy, smoky background every BBQ-inspired dish needs.
Barbecue sauce: The signature glaze—choose your favorite store brand or homemade!
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for a melty, golden finish.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh pop of color and herby goodness.

How to Make BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this ensures everything bakes evenly and turns out perfectly juicy. Lightly grease a standard muffin tin to keep your mini meatloaves from sticking. The muffin tin is the secret to getting those golden, crispy edges that are simply irresistible!

Step 2: Mix the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Here’s a tip: Use your hands or a big spoon and mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing will make your meatloaves tough, and we’re after tender perfection!

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the meat mixture evenly among 8 to 10 muffin cups, gently pressing each one into the mold to form mini domes. This step is oddly satisfying—watch those cute portions take shape, knowing dinner magic is just around the corner!

Step 4: Top with BBQ Sauce and Bake

Now the fun part: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce over each meatloaf. This glaze not only adds flavor but caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Pop the tray in and let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fully cooked (check for an internal temperature of 160°F for safety).

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

If you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the tops during the last 5 minutes of baking. The cheese melts into gooey goodness—absolutely worth the extra step! Once melted and bubbly, remove the pan from the oven and let your mini meatloaves rest for 5 minutes before unmolding. This rest period allows juices to settle for maximum tenderness.

How to Serve BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is all you need to take these mini meatloaves from cozy to company-worthy. Want a little extra zing? Try a light scatter of sliced green onions or even an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe with all the classics: creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn, or roasted green beans are always crowd-pleasers. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a tangy dressing balances out the savory richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your meal into a BBQ picnic by serving these mini meatloaves atop slider buns for adorable, cheesy meatloaf “sliders.” Or present them on a platter surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables for a rustic, family-style vibe. Because they’re already individual portions, the presentation options are endless (and so much fun!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tuck your leftover mini meatloaves into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. They make an awesome grab-and-go lunch, or a fuss-free next-day dinner.

Freezing

The BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe is a freezer superstar! Wrap each cooled mini meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and they’re ready for reheating.

Reheating

For best results, pop your mini meatloaves into a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 10–15 minutes, until hot. Alternatively, microwave them in 30-second bursts until warmed through. A spoonful of extra barbecue sauce helps keep everything just as moist and tasty as when first baked.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well. Just be sure to use dark meat for extra juiciness, as chicken breast can sometimes get a bit dry. Either way, the flavors of the BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe will shine.

Are these mini meatloaves gluten-free?

Yes—if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, this BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe is completely gluten-free. Always double-check your barbecue sauce label, as some brands may add wheat.

Do kids like these mini meatloaves?

Kids absolutely love them! Their mini size makes them perfect for little hands, and the classic BBQ flavor is both familiar and fun. Plus, sneaky veggies like grated carrots or zucchini can be added for a nutrition boost without changing the flavor.

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! The BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Cook a batch, let them cool, and refrigerate or freeze. They reheat beautifully and taste just as delicious days later.

Which BBQ sauce is best to use?

Go with your favorite! Smoky, sweet, spicy—the choice is yours. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a homemade sauce for a personal twist, or experiment with different flavors each time for variety.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s big on taste but low on fuss, the BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe delivers every single time. It’s impossible not to smile when these adorable little loaves hit the table—so gather your favorite people, bake a batch, and make some cozy new dinnertime memories!

BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8–10 mini meatloaves
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These BBQ Mini Meatloaves are a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner option. Individual portions make serving easy, and the addition of barbecue sauce gives them a tangy kick. Enjoy these mini meatloaves with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup milk

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a muffin tin.
Prepare the Meatloaves: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Shape and Bake: Divide the mixture evenly among 8–10 muffin cups, pressing gently to shape. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce over each mini meatloaf. Bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
Add Cheese: If using, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.