If you love meatloaf but don’t have time to make a full one, try my mini meatloaf instead! This smaller version is perfect for busy weeknights and great for meal prep too! I make mine in the air fryer for convenience, but the oven works too. Finish with a fun twist on the traditional glaze with my hot honey version!
What is Mini Meatloaf?
Mini meatloaf is a smaller, individual-sized version of traditional meatloaf, which is shaped into smaller portions. These personal-sized loaves cook faster than a full-sized meatloaf, making them a quick and convenient option for weeknight dinners!
You can make them in an air fryer or oven easily, and top them up with a glaze just like a regular meatloaf. While barbecue sauce, ketchup, gravy, and tomato sauce are traditional choices, I’m adding a hot honey twist!
Mini meatloaves can be made with classic beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives, and they can be customized with different seasonings, fillings, and toppings to make them your own! They’re perfect for meal prep, portion control, and freezing for later.
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Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or similar)
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp hot honey
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Ground beef that’s 80/20 or 85/15 is best, but you can use other mixes as well (the texture will change a bit though). Feel free to substitute ground chicken or turkey, or mix the beef with ground pork if preferred (just adhere to proper cooking temperatures for those meats)
- Instead of bread crumbs you can use quick oats, panko, crushed crackers, or similar
- About ¼ cup of regular diced onion is a suitable replacement for the dried minced onion, but I like how it blends in better with the dried
- If desired, you can add other cooked veggies (like carrots or zucchini) or some shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese to create different flavor variations! Generally ¼ cup or so is appropriate
- Feel free to use other topping options, like BBQ sauce, or add brown sugar and/or Dijon mustard in place of the hot honey for a different flavor option!
How to Make Mini Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (except the glaze ingredients) and mix until combined. Do not overmix for best texture
- Divide the meat mixture into four even amounts, then shape each quarter into a small loaf shape approximately 2” thick and 4” long (but a little variation is fine)
- Place into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer with air space between each one. I recommend using perforated parchment for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until a thermometer reads at least 155°F in the center
- Mix the ketchup and hot honey together in a small bowl. Evenly coat the mini meatloaves with the ketchup mixture, then cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the center is 160°F
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving with your favorite sides!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Place mini meatloaves on a parchment lined baking sheet
- Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 25 minutes
- Add glaze, then bake for another 5-10 minutes until the center reaches 160°F. You can broil in the last 1-2 minutes for browner edges
What to Serve With Mini Meatloaf
Classic Comfort Sides
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a perfect complement to mini meatloaf!
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a flavorful and nutritious balance. My Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Bacon are a great option!
- Mac and Cheese – Rich, cheesy, and indulgent, this side pairs well with the savory meatloaf
Light Options
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast
- Steamed or Sautéed Green Beans – A simple, healthy side that balances the richness of meatloaf
- Coleslaw – A tangy, crunchy slaw adds a nice contrast in texture and flavor!
Bread & Starches
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or glaze!
- Rice Pilaf – A flavorful rice dish pairs well with mini meatloaf, especially if using a glaze
- Cornbread – A slightly sweet and soft cornbread complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf. I often serve Air Fryer Corn Casserole with my meatloaf!
Healthier Alternatives
- Sweet Potato Fries – A slightly sweet, crispy side that pairs well with mini meatloaf
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed grain salad with lemon and herbs for a fresh contrast
- Cauliflower Mash – A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes with a creamy texture
Recipe FAQs
What Kind of Meat Should I Use?
The best meat for mini meatloaf depends on your preference, but ground beef, or a blend with pork, venison, or veal creates the most flavorful and tender result.
For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but adding extra moisture (like sautéed onions or a bit of olive oil) is recommended. If using 100% beef, go for 80/20 or 85/15 to ensure juiciness without being overly greasy.
What Is the Best Way to Keep My Mini Meatloaf Moist?
To keep mini meatloaf moist, don’t overmix the meat, as this can make it dense and dry. Adding ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, sautéed onions, or shredded vegetables (such as carrots or zucchini) helps retain moisture.
Also, avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer and remove the mini meatloaf when it reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef/pork or 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
Why Do You Put Milk in Meatloaf?
Milk is added to meatloaf to hydrate the breadcrumbs, making the final texture more tender and moist. The liquid prevents the meat from becoming too dense and helps evenly distribute flavors.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use broth, non-dairy milk, or even water!
What Is a Good Binder for Meatloaf?
A good binder is essential for holding the meatloaf together and preventing it from falling apart. The most common binders are eggs and breadcrumbs, but you can also use crushed crackers, rolled oats, panko, or even mashed potatoes for a different texture.
For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Tips For the Best Mini Meatloaf
- It’s normal for the mini meatloaf to shrink a bit during cooking, which results in the center being thicker. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check temperatures
- You do not need a pan to cook mini meatloaves in the air fryer. Place then directly on the grate in the basket, or for easier cleanup and reduced sticking, use perforated parchment or nonstick foil
- Depending on how much fat your meat has, it may put off enough grease to cause your air fryer to smoke. If this happens, pause, tip the grease out, and resume
- My cooking times are based on a Ninja air fryer without preheating. Other models may vary, so adjust your time if needed to account for your specific model (air fryer ovens particularly tend to take longer to heat up, so you may need additional time)
Meal Prep Ideas
Mini meatloaves are great for meal prepping because they’re easy to portion, store, and reheat!
- Make Ahead – Prepare the mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking or air frying
- Batch Cooking – Bake multiple mini meatloaves at once and refrigerate or freeze extras for future meals
- Custom Flavors – Try different seasoning blends, glazes, or mix-ins to keep meals interesting!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Leftover mini meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer term storage, cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
- You can also freeze uncooked meatloaf on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, or simply add about 5 minutes extra to cooking time to account for the frozen state
- To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
Final Thoughts
These fun mini meatloaf are the perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort dish in a fraction of the time! They’re great as individual servings, or as a convenient meal prep option since they reheat and keep well too.
I love to make mine in the air fryer for speed and delicious crispy edges, but the oven is an equally good choice depending on what you have available.
The hot honey glaze adds a special bit of sweetness and kick to traditional meatloaf glaze in my version, but you can always use your favorites too! Looking for more great options? Check out all of my delicious Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipes for more tasty choices and styles!
Mini Meatloaf With Hot Honey Glaze (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Perforated parchment (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or similar)
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp hot honey
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine everything except the glaze ingredients, mixing until combined. Do not overmix for best texture1 pound ground beef, 1 Tbsp dried minced onion, 1 ½ tsp minced garlic, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika, 1 large egg, ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs, 2 Tbsp milk, 1 Tbsp ketchup, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Divide the meat mixture into four even amounts, then shape each quarter into a small loaf shape approximately 2” thick and 4” long (it doesn’t need to be exact)
- Place into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer with air space between each one. I recommend using perforated parchment for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until a thermometer reads around 155°F in the center
- Mix the ketchup and hot honey together in a small bowl. Evenly coat the mini meatloaves with the ketchup mixture, then cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the center is 160°F¼ cup ketchup, 1 Tbsp hot honey
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving with your favorite sides!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Place mini meatloaves on a parchment lined baking sheet
- Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 25 minutes
- Add glaze, then bake for another 5-10 minutes until the center reaches 160°F. You can broil in the last 1-2 minutes for browner edges
Notes
- Ground beef that’s 80/20 or 85/15 lean is best, but you can use other mixes as well (the texture will change a bit though). Feel free to substitute ground chicken or turkey, or mix the beef with ground pork if preferred (just adhere to proper cooking temperatures for those meats)
- Instead of bread crumbs you can use quick oats, panko, crushed crackers, or similar
- About ¼ cup of fresh diced onion is a suitable replacement for the dried minced onion (but you may want to cook it and soften it for texture)
- If desired, you can add other cooked veggies (like carrots or zucchini) or some shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese to create different flavor variations! Generally ¼ cup or so is appropriate
- Feel free to use other topping options, like BBQ sauce, or add brown sugar and/or Dijon mustard in place of the hot honey for a different flavor option!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, toppings used, sides added, size of loaves, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
