Description
This Easy Italian Mini Meatloaf recipe is a quick and delicious twist on the classic comfort food. Perfectly seasoned with Italian breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, these mini meatloaves are baked to juicy perfection and topped with a flavorful homemade glaze made from ketchup, BBQ sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner and serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 2/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet tray with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and egg. Use clean hands to mix everything thoroughly for best results.
- Shape Mini Loaves: Form the meat mixture into four round loaves and gently flatten each slightly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake Initial Meatloaves: Place the mini meatloaves on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the meatloaves bake, combine the ketchup, BBQ sauce, sugar, and white vinegar in a small bowl and mix well to create the glaze.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaves from the oven and spoon 1-2 tablespoons of glaze over each one. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish the mini meatloaves with extra freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer helps ensure your meatloaf is cooked perfectly and safe to eat.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in finely chopped onions or garlic into the meat mixture.
- Leftover mini meatloaves can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the meatloaves tender.
