Meatloaf bites are tasty little treats that pack a punch of flavor! Made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and yummy spices, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
I love how quick they are to make, and they bake up nicely in just a short time. Just pop them in the oven and get ready for a meaty delight. They disappear fast—so watch out! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use 100% beef, but mixing it with ground pork adds extra moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well! Just keep an eye on moisture to avoid dryness.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but I prefer using panko for a crunchier texture. If gluten is a concern, swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
Milk: This ingredient helps keep the meatloaf bites moist! If you’re dairy-free, try almond milk or oat milk; they work just as well.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds vibrant flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with fresh cilantro or even a sprinkle of dried herbs like Italian seasoning for a different twist.
How Do You Ensure Your Meatloaf Bites Stay Moist?
To keep meatloaf bites from drying out, use breadcrumbs soaked in milk. This simple step adds moisture and binds the mixture together without making it too dense. Also, avoid over-mixing the meat—just combine until you see no dry ingredients.
- Be gentle when forming the meatballs; overworking the mixture can result in tough bites.
- Using an egg helps bind the ingredients while keeping them moist, so don’t skip it!
- Watch the cooking time; overbaking will dry them out. Aim for 20-25 minutes until cooked through but not overdone.
How to Make Meatloaf Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/3 cup ketchup or tomato sauce (for topping)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for topping)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 20-25 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Meatloaf Bites in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. If you have paper liners, feel free to use those instead to make cleanup easier!
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:
Grab a small bowl and soak the breadcrumbs in the milk. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or your chosen meat mix) with the soaked breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or your bites may become tough!
4. Shape the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to shape the mixture! Form small balls about the size of golf balls and place them evenly into the prepared muffin tin. This will help them cook evenly and look adorable!
5. Add the Topping:
In a separate small bowl, mix the ketchup with the brown sugar if you choose to use it. Spoon a little of this tasty sauce on top of each meatball to add flavor and moisture.
6. Bake:
Put the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the meat is cooked through and they have a nice browned outer layer.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are done baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the meatloaf bites rest for a few minutes before trying one! Garnish them with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Meatloaf Bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup or barbecue sauce. Enjoy these flavorful bites as a snack, appetizer, or at your next gathering!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat used.
Can I Make Meatloaf Bites in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the meat mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Form the bites and bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze uncooked meatloaf bites for up to a month—just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Customize the Seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even some chili flakes can add a unique twist. Just keep in mind that adjusting seasonings can change the overall flavor of the bites.
