B.B.Q. Mini Meat Loaves
Mini meat loaves glazed with smoky barbecue sauce offer a savory, tender, and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, appealing to meat lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Beat the egg in a bowl.
- Mix in ground beef, ground pork, 2/3 cup of barbecue sauce, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, grated onion, chopped garlic, and salt.
- Shape the mixture into six loaves, each about 3/4 cup, measuring approximately 4 x 2 x 1 inches, and place on a jelly-roll pan.
- Top each loaf with about 2 tablespoons of remaining barbecue sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Let stand on the pan for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately or cool completely, then refrigerate and serve cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some Worcestershire sauce or mustard into the meat mixture. If you're out of fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute, but use about one-third of the amount. To save time, you can use pre-made meatloaf seasoning. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption. This recipe is a great take on classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These mini meat loaves are perfect as a main dish and pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a classic comfort meal. For a lighter option, serve with a side salad. You can also slice them for sandwiches, making them versatile for lunchboxes or picnics. Consider topping with extra barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover mini meat loaves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. They can also be microwaved for a quick meal, but the oven method helps maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of B.B.Q. Mini Meat Loaves contains roughly 554 calories, with 18g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (76% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and potassium (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the mini meat loaves?
Yes, you can freeze these mini meat loaves. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the oven until warmed through.
What can I use instead of ground pork?
If you prefer not to use ground pork, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes. They will provide a leaner option while still maintaining moisture. You may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor, as poultry can be milder than pork.
How do I know when the meat loaves are done?
The best way to check if the mini meat loaves are done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of one loaf, and it should read 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut one open; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink in the center.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).