These mini meatloaves bake quickly, turning a homestyle classic into a weeknight-friendly meal. As they cook, the cheddar melts into the beef, binding it with rich flavor while the oats help hold the shape and stay tender. The glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard caramelizes at the edges, forming a glossy coating.
Serve hot from the oven with smashed potatoes or sour cream mashed potatoes to catch that sweet-savory sauce.
Steps + Photos to make this recipe for Mini Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a large baking pan with 1-inch sides (to catch any grease) with non-stick cooking spray. Gather ingredients.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix cheddar cheese, milk, onion, quick oats, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Add the lean ground beef and gently mix until evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaves tender.
Step 4: Form the meat mixture into 8 small loaves and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard.
Step 6: Spoon the sauce over each loaf, covering the top and sides completely for even glazing.
Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the centers are no longer pink and an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
🫙Tips for Success
- Line the baking sheet with sprayed aluminum foil or parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
- Mix the meat gently—overworking makes it dense.
- For a spicy version, stir cayenne pepper into the sauce.
- To keep it lower sugar, use reduced-sugar ketchup and a brown sugar-style sweetener or substitute.
- Shred your own cheddar for better melt and texture.
- Don’t skip resting time after baking—it helps the juices redistribute.
The bottom line
These mini meatloaves are everything you want from a classic comfort food—juicy beef, melted cheddar, and a caramelized ketchup glaze that clings to every bite. They bake fast, clean up easily, and fit perfectly into a weeknight dinner rotation.
Whether you call them cheddar mini meatloaves or 35-minute meatloaf, they bring that nostalgic flavor of Sunday supper to the table—without the wait.
Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Small mixing bowl
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 c cheddar cheese shredded
- ¾ c milk
- ½ c onion peeled and very finely chopped
- ½ c quick oats
- 1 egg
- ½ t salt
- ½ t pepper
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ⅔ c ketchup
- ½ c brown sugar packed
- 1 T yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking sheet with 1-inch sides (to catch juices) with non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cheddar cheese, milk, onion, oats, egg, salt, and pepper. Add ground beef and mix thoroughly.
- With clean hands or kitchen gloves: Shape the mixture into 8 small loaves and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon sauce evenly over each loaf.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until centers are no longer pink and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let them rest a few minutes before serving hot.
