Dr. Maggs' Microwave Mini Meat Loaf
A quick and tasty microwave mini meat loaf with savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or individual servings, combining beef, bread crumbs, and a tangy ketchup glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, beaten egg, milk, minced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a 6 x 4-inch loaf.
- Place the loaf in an 8 x 4-inch loaf dish.
- Microwave at medium-high power (170°F) for 15 to 20 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink, rotating the dish once.
- Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during cooking.
- Let the meat loaf stand for 5 minutes before removing from the dish.
- Remove from dish, slice, and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the meat mixture. If you don’t have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or rolled oats can work as a substitute. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and feel free to experiment with different spices. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit of brown sugar to the ketchup.
Serving Suggestions
This mini meat loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it with mini slider buns to create meat loaf sandwiches. You can also enjoy it alongside steamed vegetables or a side of macaroni, cheese and hamburger casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dr. Maggs' Microwave Mini Meat Loaf contains roughly 472 calories, with 17g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 30g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Keep in mind that these meats may require slightly less cooking time, so monitor the internal temperature closely to ensure they're cooked through.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done cooking?
The meat loaf is done when it's no longer pink in the center and has reached an internal temperature of 160°F. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness without cutting into the loaf.
Can I freeze the meat loaf before cooking?
Absolutely! You can shape the meat loaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the cooking instructions. It will maintain its flavor and texture well.
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).