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Mini BBQ Meatloaf

Mini BBQ meatloaf are small, quick-baking loaves with extra melted cheddar and a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze that caramelizes at the edges. Each portion is brushed with sauce and topped with cheese for gooey, browned spots.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

mini bbq meatloaf
  • 1.5 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 0.33 cup BBQ sauce divided (for mixing and brushing)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Preheat and prep
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet.
  2. Make sure the baking sheet is ready so the loaves can be shaped and baked right away.
Mix the meatloaf mixture
  1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, 3/4 cup shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup BBQ sauce until evenly combined.
  2. Distribute the seasonings and onion throughout so each mini loaf bakes with the same flavor.
Shape and sauce
  1. Shape the mixture into 6 small individual loaves on the baking sheet.
  2. Brush the tops of the loaves with the remaining BBQ sauce.
Bake
  1. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and the glaze is set.
  2. For the last 5 minutes, add remaining cheddar on top so it melts and lightly browns.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the mini BBQ meatloaves for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle.

Notes

Mini-loaf tip: using smaller portions increases surface area, which helps the BBQ glaze caramelize and keeps cooking time short. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days in a covered container. Freeze baked meatloaves up to 2 months. For a lighter option, use ground turkey (same amount) instead of ground beef.