If you love classic meatloaf but want something easier, faster, and just a little more fun, you’ve got to try these Sheet Pan Mini Meatloafs. Picture this: perfectly seasoned ground meat, wrapped in a sweet and tangy glaze, all baked to perfection on a single sheet pan. They’re mini, so they cook faster and give you that crispy, caramelized edge you crave. Plus, they’re the ideal serving size for individual portions, making them perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
This recipe is a total winner because it takes the hassle out of meatloaf while still giving you that comforting, homey flavor. The best part? Everything cooks on the same sheet pan—so cleanup is a breeze! Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, these mini meatloafs are guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, they’re going to make you rethink your meatloaf game!
Why You’ll Love Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf
Here’s why Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf is about to become your go-to weeknight dinner:
Quick and Easy
Instead of baking one large loaf for an hour, these mini versions cook in just 25-30 minutes! They’re the perfect solution for busy evenings when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.
Single-Serve Perfection
Making individual mini meatloafs means everyone gets their own portion! It’s easier to serve, and there’s no need to slice and hope the pieces come out right. Plus, they’re ideal for kids and picky eaters.
Glaze for Days
The sweet and tangy glaze on top of these meatloafs is absolutely addictive. It caramelizes as it bakes, giving the meatloafs a mouthwatering finish. You can even drizzle a little extra glaze on top right before serving for a little added sweetness.
No Fuss Cleanup
With everything cooking on one sheet pan, cleanup is so simple. No need to worry about scrubbing multiple dishes, which makes this recipe a perfect weeknight option.
Customizable
Feel free to add in your favorite ingredients to customize these mini meatloafs to your taste. Want to add veggies like grated carrots or zucchini for some hidden nutrition? Go for it! Prefer a spicy kick? Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Ingredients
These Sheet Pan Mini Meatloafs use basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No need to run to the store—just grab the essentials and get cooking!
Ground Beef
The foundation of any good meatloaf. You can use lean or fatty ground beef, depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
Bread Crumbs
Bread crumbs help bind the meat together while giving it a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can use regular or Italian-style, depending on your flavor preference.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder, holding everything together and making the meatloaf nice and moist.
Onion
Fresh, finely chopped onion adds flavor and moisture. If you want a milder flavor, you can sauté the onions first, but raw works just fine too.
Garlic Powder
A pinch of garlic powder will give your meatloaf that savory, aromatic flavor that’s so comforting and delicious.
Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings, but so important! Salt and pepper bring out the best in the meatloaf’s flavor.
Ketchup
Ketchup forms the base of the glaze and adds a tangy sweetness to the meatloaf. You can also swap half for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
Brown Sugar
The brown sugar in the glaze caramelizes beautifully as the meatloafs bake, giving them that irresistible sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce
This sauce adds depth and richness to the meat, giving it a savory, umami kick.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to get these Sheet Pan Mini Meatloafs into the oven? Let’s dive in:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s just combined. Don’t overwork the meat, or it could get tough.
Step 3: Form the Mini Meatloafs
Once your mixture is well combined, divide it into 6-8 equal portions, depending on how big or small you want your meatloafs. Shape each portion into a small loaf shape and place them on your prepared sheet pan. Leave a little space between each meatloaf so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—add a little more sugar for sweetness or more ketchup for tanginess.
Step 5: Glaze the Meatloafs
Brush the glaze generously over each mini meatloaf, making sure to cover the top and sides. You can also reserve a little glaze to brush on halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloafs
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloafs are cooked through and the glaze is caramelized. The internal temperature of the meatloafs should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the meatloafs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Enjoy that crispy, caramelized bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf
These Sheet Pan Mini Meatloafs are hearty enough to serve as a full meal on their own, but there are plenty of side dishes that would pair perfectly with them:
Mashed Potatoes
Classic mashed potatoes are the perfect creamy side to go with these mini meatloafs. Add a bit of butter and garlic for extra flavor!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans add color and nutrition to the meal. Plus, they’re easy to toss on the sheet pan alongside the meatloafs for a simple, one-pan meal.
Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will add freshness and a little crunch to balance the rich meatloaf.
Rice or Quinoa
For a more filling meal, serve the meatloafs with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa. These grains soak up the delicious meatloaf juices and glaze.
Garlic Bread
For a truly comforting dinner, serve the meatloafs with some garlic bread or crusty rolls to mop up every last drop of that sweet, tangy glaze.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make your Sheet Pan Mini Meatloafs even better:
Use Lean Ground Beef
If you prefer a leaner meatloaf, use 90% lean ground beef, but be sure to add a little extra moisture, like a splash of milk, to keep the meatloaf juicy.
Make It Ahead
These mini meatloafs are great for meal prep. You can form the meatloafs, glaze them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven!
Freezing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can freeze the mini meatloafs! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Add Veggies to the Mix
You can sneak in some extra veggies by grating carrots, zucchini, or spinach into the meat mixture. It’s a great way to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Spice It Up
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or bell peppers into the meat mixture for a little extra crunch and heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add a little more moisture (like a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of milk) to keep the meatloafs juicy.
Q2: How do I know when the mini meatloafs are done?
A2: The meatloafs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also check for doneness by cutting into one—it should no longer be pink in the center.
Q3: Can I make this recipe with a different type of meat?
A3: Yes! You can use ground pork, chicken, or a mixture of meats to suit your preferences. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may need extra binding ingredients like breadcrumbs or eggs.
Q4: Can I make mini meatloafs in advance?
A4: Yes! You can
shape the mini meatloafs and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
With Sheet Pan Mini Meatloafs, you’re getting all the comfort and flavor of a classic meatloaf, but with a modern twist that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
PrintSheet Pan Mini Meatloaf
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
These Sheet Pan Mini Meatloafs are the perfect weeknight dinner – quick, easy, and full of flavor! Individual portions of meatloaf are baked on a sheet pan, making them faster to cook and easy to serve. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, these mini meatloafs are a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Mini Meatloafs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the mini meatloafs: Divide the meat mixture into 6-8 equal portions (depending on the size you prefer) and shape them into oval or rectangular patties. Arrange them on the prepared sheet pan, spacing them out evenly.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.
- Glaze the meatloafs: Spoon a generous amount of the glaze over each mini meatloaf, spreading it evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the meatloafs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloafs are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the mini meatloafs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the meatloafs gluten-free.
- Add-ins: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the meat mixture for added nutrition.
- Leftovers: These mini meatloafs make great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 80mg