If you’re looking for a simple, family-friendly dinner that’s quick, budget-friendly, and actually gets eaten then this BBQ meatloaf is a must try.
When it comes to comfort food dinners, meatloaf is one of those classic recipes that never really goes out of style. But sometimes traditional meatloaf can feel a little time consuming, especially on busy weeknights when everyone is hungry and you need dinner on the table fast. That’s exactly why these BBQ Mini Meatloaves have become one of my favorite easy dinner recipes.
These cook much faster than traditional meatloaf thanks to the smaller size. The BBQ sauces adds the perfect sweet (or smoky if you choose to use a smoky flavor sauce), while the parmesan cheese sprinkled on top gives them a delicious finishing touch. They’re simple, family friendly, freezer friendly, and honestly one of those recipes that disappears quickly every single time I make them.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just need a reliable dinner idea, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
If BBQ sauce isn’t your thing, and neither is the traditional meatloaf, this meatloaf I’ve made for years! Over 25 years I’ve made this meatloaf. It’s moist, full of flavor, and not your grandma’s meatloaf. You should give it a try.
If you’re looking for an easy ground beef dinner that feels comforting without requiring a lot of effort, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Mini BBQ Meatloaf
There are so many reasons this recipe works so well for busy families.
First, the smaller portions cook faster than a traditional loaf, which means dinner gets on the table quicker. Mini meatloaves also tend to stay extra juicy because they cook evenly.
The BBQ sauce gives them incredible flavor without needing a long list of ingredients. It adds sweetness and just enough tang to make these stand out from traditional meatloaf recipes.
Another reason I love this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve these with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, rice, or even a simple salad. They work for picky eaters, meal prep, and leftovers too.
Plus, because they’re individually portioned, kids usually think they’re more fun to eat them than regular meatloaf.
One last thing is that the ingredients are easy to find and are typically budget friendly. The most expensive thing will obviously be the ground beef.
Ingredients
This takes simple ingredients that are already found in most kitchens.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce of choice (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mini BBQ Meatloaf
I think one of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. Basically, you just dump everything in a bowl, mix, form little loaves and bake. Boom, bam, done.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, and seasonings.
- Mix until just combined.
- Divide mixture into small portions and shape into loaves.
- Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush, or drizzle, extra BBQ sauce on top of each mini meatloaf.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Tips for the Best Mini Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix the meat or it can become dense.
- Finely chop the onion so it blends well
- Use a muffin tin for erfectly shaped portions
- Serve them with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top before baking
- Let them rest after baking so the juices and redistribute and they stay moist.
How to Make This Recipe on a Budget
- Use store-brand BBQ sauce
- Substitute half the meat with ground turkey if needed
- Stretch the recipe by serving with inexpensive sides like rice or potatoes
Easy Variations
- Add shredded cheese for a cheesy version (cheddar is my favorite! Parmesan would also be good)
- Swapp BBQ sauce for a honey BBQ or a spicy version
- Add finely chopped veggies like carrots or bell peppers
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Top each mini meatloaf with some bacon before baking.
Storing and Reheating
These mini meatloaves store amazing, making them a perfect candidate for meal prep.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave until just warmed through or bake at 350 degrees until hot.
They also freeze well. Just place cooled (but cooked) loaves into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.
Can I freeze mini meatloaves?
Of course. These freeze very well both before and after baking.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use.
Your favorite! Any BBQ sauce works. Honey, smoky, sweet, and sweet heat varieties are all delicious options.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes. SImply use gluten free breadcrumbs.
BBQ Meatloaf
These mini BBQ meatloaves are one of those simple recipes that makes life easier. It’s quick, affordable, and flexible enough to work with what you already have at home making it a meal you can prepare any night of the week.
If you’re a busy mom trying to get dinner on the table without stress, this is a recipe worth repeating in your meal planning.
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Meatloaf – using BBQ sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lrg egg
- 1/2 sm onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzle on top
- parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, diced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is just combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions (I usually do 4 portions per lb) and shape into mini meatloaves. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce over the tops of each mini meatloaf.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with some parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a smoky or honey BBQ sauce.Â
- These mini meatloaves freeze well and are great for meal prep.Â
- Serve these with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or mac and cheese for a cozy dinner.Â
