These tasty meatloaf bites are perfect for a quick meal or snack! They bring all the comfort of classic meatloaf but in easy-to-eat portions. Plus, they’re packed with flavor!
It’s super fun to make them—just mix, roll, and bake! They’re great for parties or movie nights. I love to dip them in ketchup; it adds the perfect touch! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main ingredient for your meatloaf bites. You can use ground pork or a mix of both for added flavor. If looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture. You can replace them with crushed crackers, oats, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option.
Onion: Fresh onion adds flavor, but if you’re short on time, onion powder is a good substitute. Just use about 1 teaspoon of onion powder instead of the chopped onion.
Milk: This helps moisten the meat mixture. Non-dairy milk like almond or soy can replace it easily if you have lactose sensitivities.
Ketchup: This is perfect for topping, but feel free to use BBQ sauce or a homemade sauce if you prefer something different!
How Do I Ensure My Meatloaf Bites Stay Tender?
Keeping the meatloaf bites tender is all about how you mix the ingredients. Avoid overmixing once you combine everything. Mixing vigorously can make them tough. Just gently mix until combined, then shape them into rounds for baking.
- Preheat your oven before mixing so they cook evenly.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform bites; this helps them cook at the same rate.
- If you have some liquid left in the bowl after mixing, don’t worry! It keeps the bites moist.
How to Make Meatloaf Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and ground pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
- Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (to sweeten the ketchup glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes for cooking. In total, you should allow about 35-40 minutes from start to finish to have your delicious Meatloaf Bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, parsley, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until combined. Remember not to overmix! This keeps the meatloaf bites nice and tender.
3. Shape the Bites:
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized rounds, around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place each one on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the meatloaf bites for 15-20 minutes. They should be cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
5. Add the Ketchup Glaze:
Once they’re out of the oven, spoon a little ketchup over the top of each meatloaf bite. If you’d like a sweeter glaze, mix the ketchup with brown sugar or honey before adding it. This will enhance the flavor!
6. Final Bake:
Return the bites to the oven for another 5 minutes to let the ketchup set and caramelize slightly—a delicious finish!
7. Serve:
Lastly, take the meatloaf bites out of the oven, sprinkle them with extra chopped parsley, and serve them warm. Enjoy with extra ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce!
There you have it—your flavorful and fun Meatloaf Bites are ready to be devoured!
Can I Use Different Types of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can mix ground beef with ground pork for extra flavor, or opt for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner version. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may yield drier bites, so ensure they’re still moist with enough milk or egg.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick option. Enjoy them as a snack or in a lunchbox!
Can These Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and form the bites up to a day in advance. Just cover them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the baking steps, adding a few extra minutes if they’re still cold from the fridge.
Can I Freeze Meatloaf Bites?
Yes! Meatloaf bites freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
