Savory Skillet Mini Meatloaves with Tomato Sauce
Indulge in these delicious Savory Skillet Mini Meatloaves, a wonderfully easy dish perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. Juicy, flavorful patties made from lean ground beef are combined with fresh onions, breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices, creating a comforting meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Topped with a rich tomato sauce, these mini meatloaves are swiftly cooked in a single skillet, saving you cleanup time while maximizing taste. An ideal option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve with your choice of sides for a complete meal!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
1 lb (crumbled)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
large egg
1 (beaten slightly)
fine dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (torn (optional))
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, crumble the extra lean ground beef. Add the finely chopped onion.
2
Crack the large egg into the bowl and beat it slightly with a fork before adding it to the beef and onion mixture.
3
Incorporate the fine dry breadcrumbs, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, and blend everything together using your hands for a consistent texture.
4
If using, tear the fresh parsley into smaller pieces and add it to the mixture, along with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until combined.
5
Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet with a lid over medium-high heat.
6
While the skillet heats up, form the meat mixture into six evenly sized patties, making sure they are no thicker than 1 inch.
7
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the patties into the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the meat is browned and cooked through.
8
Evenly pour the tomato sauce over the cooked patties in the skillet. Cover the skillet with the lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow to simmer for an additional minute to warm the sauce.
9
Remove the skillet from the heat, serve the mini meatloaves warm, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Skillet Mini Meatloaves?
Savory Skillet Mini Meatloaves are juicy, individual-sized meat patties made from lean ground beef, onions, and spices, cooked quickly in a single skillet with tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What type of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of extra lean ground beef for the best results.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of onion that has been finely chopped.
Is there an egg included in the meatloaf mixture?
Yes, one large egg is used as a binding agent, beaten slightly before being added.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of fine dry breadcrumbs.
Why is milk added to the meatloaf?
A 1/4 cup of milk is added to the mixture to help keep the meatloaves moist and tender.
Does this recipe include cheese?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Is the fresh parsley required?
Fresh parsley is optional; you can add 1 tablespoon of torn leaves if desired.
What sauces are mixed into the meat?
The meat is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
What size skillet is needed?
A 12-inch nonstick skillet with a lid is recommended for cooking the patties.
How thick should the mini meatloaf patties be?
The patties should be formed so they are no thicker than 1 inch to ensure even cooking.
How long do the patties cook in the skillet?
The patties should be cooked for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
When do I add the tomato sauce?
The tomato sauce is poured over the patties after they have been fully cooked on both sides.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Once the sauce is added, cover the skillet and simmer for an additional minute to warm the sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 12 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, though the flavor and fat content will vary.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it uses a skillet rather than oven-baking, it is designed for a fast and easy cleanup.
Do I need to grease the skillet?
Since the recipe suggests a nonstick skillet, additional grease is usually not required if the skillet is in good condition.
What should I serve with these mini meatloaves?
They pair well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
Can I make these meatloaves ahead of time?
You can form the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.
How do I ensure the meatloaves are well mixed?
Blending the ingredients using your hands is the most effective way to ensure a consistent texture.
What is the heat setting for cooking the patties?
Start with medium-high heat to brown the meat, then reduce to medium-low when simmering the sauce.
How much tomato sauce is used?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Are these meatloaves gluten-free?
As written, they are not gluten-free because they contain breadcrumbs, but you could substitute with gluten-free crumbs.
What kind of mustard is best for this recipe?
Dijon mustard is specifically recommended for its tangy and savory profile.
How many patties should I form from the mixture?
The mixture should be divided into six evenly sized patties.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, these meatloaves can be frozen in an airtight container for later consumption.
What type of salt and pepper should I use?
Standard table salt and black pepper work well; the recipe calls for 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Why is a lid necessary for the skillet?
The lid helps trap heat to warm the tomato sauce quickly and prevents moisture from evaporating during the final simmer.