Grandma's Savory Mini Meatloaf
This delightful mini meatloaf recipe is a cherished family treasure, scaled down for those cozy nights at home. Inspired by my grandmother’s original recipe that could feed an army, this version yields a perfectly portioned meatloaf that's hearty enough to satisfy without overwhelming your kitchen. Packed with savory flavors from sautéed onions, subtle spices, and a touch of ketchup, this dish is designed for solo diners or small families. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be doubled or even tripled when the dinner invites arrive! With crispy edges and a juicy center, you’ll be left wanting more—so watch out for those leftovers!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (thawed)
egg
1 (cracked)
oatmeal
1/3 cup (uncooked)
onion
1 cup (chopped (about one large onion))
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon (dry (or regular pepper))
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (dry (or regular salt))
ketchup
1/4 cup (for mixing and optional topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, break apart the thawed ground beef into small chunks.
3
Crack the egg into the bowl and add the oatmeal, chopped onion, garlic powder, chili powder, lemon pepper, kosher salt, and ketchup.
4
Using your hands or a large mixing spoon, thoroughly combine the ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.
5
Transfer the meat mixture to a standard-sized bread pan. Press down gently to smooth out the top.
6
For those who enjoy a tangy glaze, spread an additional layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf, though this step is optional.
7
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) in the center.
8
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Savory Mini Meatloaf?
Grandma's Savory Mini Meatloaf is a cherished family treasure recipe scaled down for solo diners or small families, offering a hearty and savory meal.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the meatloaf need to bake?
The meatloaf should be baked for 35 to 40 minutes.
What internal temperature should the meatloaf reach?
The meatloaf is done when a meat thermometer registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) in the center.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of thawed ground beef.
Can I use regular pepper instead of lemon pepper?
Yes, you can use regular pepper as a substitute for lemon pepper.
Is the oatmeal cooked before being added?
No, the recipe uses 1/3 cup of uncooked oatmeal.
How much onion is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 cup of chopped onion, which is approximately one large onion.
How many eggs are used in this meatloaf?
The recipe requires one cracked egg.
What type of pan is recommended for baking?
A standard-sized bread pan should be used to bake the meatloaf.
Is there a glaze for the meatloaf?
While optional, you can spread an additional layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for a tangy glaze.
How long should the meatloaf rest after cooking?
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, the recipe is versatile enough to be doubled or even tripled if you are serving more people.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, though regular salt can be used instead.
What spices are included in the mixture?
The savory flavor comes from garlic powder, chili powder, and lemon pepper.
How should the ingredients be combined?
Use your hands or a large mixing spoon to thoroughly combine the ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.
How should I prepare the ground beef?
Break apart the thawed ground beef into small chunks in a medium mixing bowl before adding other ingredients.
How much ketchup goes into the meat mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of ketchup to be mixed into the meat.
What is the texture of the finished meatloaf?
The finished dish features crispy edges and a juicy center.
Who is this recipe designed for?
It is specifically designed for solo diners or small families looking for a perfectly portioned meal.
What is the measurement for garlic powder?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dry garlic powder.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of dry chili powder.
What is the purpose of the oatmeal?
Oatmeal acts as a binder to help the meatloaf maintain its structure and adds heartiness.
Do I need to chop the onions?
Yes, the onions should be chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
How should the meat be placed in the pan?
Transfer the mixture to the bread pan and press down gently to smooth out the top.
Why is resting the meatloaf important?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a one-dish meal.
What are the main categories for this dish?
This dish is categorized as comfort food and a family recipe.
Can I use dry onion instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of chopped fresh onion for the best flavor and moisture.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this mini meatloaf recipe.