With the holidays approaching, I found myself craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that felt special but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s when I thought—why not give traditional meatloaf an Italian twist and make it mini? These mini Italian meatloaves came out so perfectly portioned and flavorful that they’ve quickly become a go-to for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Even my picky eaters asked for seconds!
If you’re looking for a bite-sized comfort food recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or holiday gatherings, these Mini Italian Meatloaves are the answer. Packed with Italian herbs, savory ground beef, and topped with warm spaghetti sauce and melty Parmesan cheese, they deliver all the hearty flavors of traditional meatloaf—just in a more convenient, party-friendly form.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping easy freezer meals, or looking for a new family favorite, these mini meatloaves are simple to make and packed with classic Italian flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Meatloaves
- Perfect individual portions – great for meal prepping or serving at parties
- Quick & easy prep – just mix, shape, and bake
- Freezer-friendly – great for batch cooking
- Kid-friendly dinner idea – even picky eaters love them!
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
These mini Italian meatloaves can be made ahead, refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave and top with fresh sauce.
Serving Ideas
- Serve over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
- Add a side of pasta or a simple garden salad for a full meal.
- Cut into slices and skewer with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer.
Save This Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe!
Pin it, share it, or print it for your next dinner idea! These mini meatloaf bites are guaranteed to be a hit—whether you’re cooking for your family or a hungry crowd.
Mini Italian Meatloaves
These Mini Italian Meatloaves are a flavorful twist on classic comfort food, made with ground beef, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and topped with warm marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers, this easy baked meatloaf recipe delivers bold Italian flavor in individual portions everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti or marinara sauce
- Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini loaf pan or muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings. Mix with clean hands or a fork until evenly blended.
- Divide mixture into 4–6 equal portions and press into mini loaf molds or muffin tin cups.
- With the back of a spoon make a small indentation in the top of each mini meatloaf for the marinara sauce.
- Add a generous amount of marinara sauce to the tops of each mini meatloaf.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F).
- Take meatloaves out of the oven and turn up the heat in the oven to 400°F or turn on the broiler to high.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese to the top of each mini meatloaf and bake/ broil for around 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and browning.
- Let cool for around 10 minutes before taking each mini meatloaf out of the pan.
- Once meatloaves are ready, serve with a side of sauce and extra parmesan if preferred. Enjoy!
Notes
- Breadcrumb Substitute: If you're out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats work well. For a low-carb version, try almond flour.
- Meat Options: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a meat blend (like beef and pork) for added flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little kick.
- Cheese Boost: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone inside the meat mixture for a cheesy surprise.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 478Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 147mgSodium 632mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 40g
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make mini meatloaves without breadcrumbs?
Yes! You can substitute crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour if you’re gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze individually for up to 3 months.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just reduce bake time slightly as turkey cooks faster than beef.
Check out this delicious grapefruit salad that would be a perfect compliment to this easy meal: Grapefruit salad.
