Imagine a meal that combines the classic comfort of traditional meatloaf with a cheesy twist that will have your family begging for seconds! These adorable mini meat loaves are not just another dinner recipe – they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Perfectly portioned, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make, these Lil Cheddar Meat Loafs are about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups, pressing the mixture firmly into each cup to create compact mini meat loaves.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of each mini meat loaf, creating a thin layer of sauce.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the meat loaves rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and make them easier to remove from the tin.
- Carefully remove the mini meat loaves from the muffin tin using a spatula and transfer to serving plates.
- Garnish with additional shredded cheese or chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Mix with Care: When combining ingredients, be gentle to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the loaves tough. Use your hands or a fork to mix just until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties or add finely diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Non-Stick Hack: If you're worried about sticking, line the muffin tin with parchment paper strips or use extra cooking spray.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, making meal prep a breeze.
- Leftover Magic: These mini meat loaves reheat beautifully and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
