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Mini BBQ Meatloaf

Mini BBQ Meatloaf

The ultimate comfort food, Mini BBQ Meatloaf is an easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Juicy meat infused with barbecue sauce and topped with melted cheese makes this dish a family favorite. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal everyone will love!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 16 ounces stuffing mix (such as Stouffer’s)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Frying Pan
  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the meatloaf thoroughly without drying it out. While the oven heats, gather your muffin pan and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
  2. In a large bowl, combine lean ground beef or turkey, stuffing mix, water, and garlic powder. Use your hands to mix everything together until it's well blended. Make sure there are no lumps and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Once mixed, press the meat mixture evenly into the 12-cavity muffin pan. This unique shape helps the meatloaf cook faster and allows for perfectly portioned servings.
  4. Now comes the fun part! Make an indentation in the center of each meatloaf using the back of a spoon. This step is crucial for holding the sauce later. It also ensures that each meatloaf has a beautiful presentation.
  5. Spoon a bit of barbecue sauce into each indentation. This will soak into the meat and create a delicious sauce as it bakes.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the meatloaf will cook through and develop a lovely golden brown color on top.
  7. After 30 minutes, check if the meatloaves are cooked through. If they are, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each one. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted beautifully.
  8. Once done, take the pan out of the oven and let the meatloaf sit for about 10 minutes. This allows for easier removal and helps the flavors settle.
  9. To serve, gently use a fork to lift each meatloaf out of the pan. You can enjoy them just as they are or serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
  10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep!

Notes

Use your favorite BBQ sauce – we love G Hughes which is sugar-free.
Use another flavor cheese if you prefer.
Make this into a large meatloaf in a 9×5 pan, it will take about 1 hour to bake.