Description
This Easy Italian Mini Meatloaf recipe offers a delicious, convenient twist on the classic meatloaf, featuring flavorful Italian seasonings and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfectly portioned in a muffin tin, these mini meatloaves bake quickly and are ideal for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Topping
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line with paper baking cups to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 cup marinara sauce. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Portion Meatloaf: Divide the mixture evenly among 8 to 10 muffin cups. Gently press the meat mixture into each cup to shape the mini meatloaves.
- Bake Initial: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes to cook the meatloaves partially.
- Add Toppings: Remove the mini meatloaves from the oven. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce on top of each one and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) indicating the meat is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the mini meatloaves to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain their juices and improves texture.
Notes
- These mini meatloaves freeze well and are perfect for meal prepping.
- Serve alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For a lower-fat option, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
