If you’re looking for a new weeknight staple that’s both nostalgic and fun-sized, BBQ Mini Meatloaves are about to become your go-to meal. These adorable, flavor-packed mini loaves bake up quickly in a muffin tin, delivering that classic comfort but with a tangy barbecue twist and the perfect portion for everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal-prepping, or planning a cozy dinner with friends, these BBQ Mini Meatloaves strike the perfect balance of savory, saucy, and simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of BBQ Mini Meatloaves lies in their uncomplicated ingredient list—each one thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, tenderness, and that signature, sticky barbecue finish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some simple tips for getting the most out of each element:
- Ground Beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful meatloaves that don’t dry out in the oven.
- Ground Pork: Pork adds richness and just enough fat to keep every bite tender and savory.
- Breadcrumbs: These are the secret to light, cohesive loaves—opt for panko if you love extra fluffiness.
- Milk: A little milk ensures the meatloaves stay moist and never crumbly.
- Finely Chopped Onion: For sweetness, texture, and a boost of aromatic flavor; be sure to mince it well so it blends right in.
- Egg: Acts as the binding agent that keeps everything together beautifully.
- Ketchup: Gives a touch of tangy sweetness that’s classic in meatloaf, and it helps keep things juicy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon adds all that savory, umami depth and a whisper of spice.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a gentle, all-over garlic note without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Highlights all the savory elements and enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
- Black Pepper: For just a little heat and a warm, familiar finish.
- Barbecue Sauce: Slather it on top for glossy, tangy, caramelized goodness—your favorite store-bought or homemade both work!
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A cheerful green garnish for a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make BBQ Mini Meatloaves
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), getting that just-right temperature for a golden exterior and juicy interior. Give your muffin tin a light grease—this helps the BBQ Mini Meatloaves pop out with ease, keeping their cute shape (and your cleaning time to a minimum).
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to gently combine—mixing just until everything is evenly blended. Overmixing can make meatloaf tough, so treat it gently for the most tender results!
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the mixture evenly among 10 to 12 muffin cups, pressing lightly to shape, but don’t pack them in too tightly. You want the BBQ Mini Meatloaves to be light and tender, not dense and chewy. Each mini should stand just above the rim of the cup for a nice dome.
Step 4: Bake the Mini Meatloaves
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. At this stage, the meatloaves will be almost cooked through and starting to brown on top—the best time to add that irresistible barbecue sauce finish.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking
Spoon a generous amount of barbecue sauce onto the top of each mini meatloaf, spreading it to the edges. Slide the pan back into the oven for another 10 minutes. This lets the sauce caramelize just a bit and allows the BBQ Mini Meatloaves to reach the perfect doneness (an internal temperature of 160°F, or 71°C).
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once they’re done, let the tray rest for 5 minutes so the juices can settle. Then, gently lift each mini meatloaf out of the tin and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a final flourish—so simple, but it makes every serving look special.
How to Serve BBQ Mini Meatloaves
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just beautiful—it adds a bright, herbal freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich, tangy glaze on your BBQ Mini Meatloaves. For a different twist, try thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra pop of color and aroma.
Side Dishes
These mini meatloaves were made for company—try serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, classic mac and cheese, or a crunchy coleslaw for the ultimate comfort meal. For lighter fare, a zippy garden salad or roasted seasonal vegetables pair wonderfully with their bold barbecue flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
BBQ Mini Meatloaves are as versatile as they are cute. Arrange them in a “family style” platter with plenty of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Use slider buns and add pickles for easy meatloaf sliders, or pack them up for meal prep—each mini loaf looks adorable in a bento box or lunch container!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few BBQ Mini Meatloaves left at the end of dinner, you’re in luck—they reheat beautifully! Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Their compact size makes leftovers feel like a treat, not an afterthought.
Freezing
These mini meatloaves are stars when it comes to freezer meals. Cool completely, then arrange on a baking sheet to freeze until solid before transferring to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for that busy weeknight win.
Reheating
Reheat BBQ Mini Meatloaves in the oven at 325°F for about 10–12 minutes, or until hot throughout. For a speedy lunch, a minute or two in the microwave does the trick—just add a splash of water and cover loosely to keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I make BBQ Mini Meatloaves with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Swap out the beef and pork for an equal amount of ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep an eye on the bake time as poultry can cook a bit faster—be sure to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
This is where you can really make the recipe your own—choose your favorite barbecue sauce, whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or even homemade. The glaze is what gives BBQ Mini Meatloaves that craveable finish, so don’t be shy about picking one you love!
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs. Double-check your barbecue sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
How can I keep mini meatloaves from sticking in the muffin tin?
Grease your tin thoroughly with cooking spray, oil, or even a pat of butter in each cup—this keeps the BBQ Mini Meatloaves from sticking and helps them develop a nice, golden edge. Silicone muffin pans are also a fantastic non-stick option.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Definitely! This is a fun recipe for little hands—kids love pressing the mixture into muffin cups and spooning on the barbecue sauce. Just make sure an adult handles the raw meat and hot oven steps for safety.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that never gets old, give these BBQ Mini Meatloaves a try. They’re packed with flavor, fun to make, and perfect for sharing—so don’t be surprised if they become one of your most requested comfort foods. Enjoy every saucy, savory bite!
Print
BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 mini meatloaves
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These BBQ Mini Meatloaves are a fun twist on a classic dish, perfect for individual servings. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, these flavorful mini meatloaves are topped with barbecue sauce for a delicious glaze.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Shape and Bake: Divide the mixture among muffin cups, pressing lightly. Bake for 20 minutes. Spoon barbecue sauce over each mini meatloaf and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaves rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy twist.
- Use homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce depending on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
