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BBQ Mini Meatloaves

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BBQ Mini Meatloaves offer all the comfort of traditional meatloaf in convenient individual portions that cook in half the time. This recipe combines lean ground beef with crispy bacon pieces and sharp cheddar cheese for richness and flavor. Seasoned with a blend of onion powder, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, the meat mixture is enhanced with chili sauce for a subtle kick. The mini loaves are formed with a slight depression in the center to hold the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. The result is perfectly portioned meatloaves with a delicious glaze and juicy interior. These mini meatloaves are perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even tucking into sandwiches the next day. Their smaller size means faster cooking time, making this comfort food accessible even on busy weeknights.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:33:31 GMT
Bacon wrapped meat on a tray. Pin it
Bacon wrapped meat on a tray. | tastelikemagic.com

Mini BBQ bacon cheddar meatloaves combine savory ground beef with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce for an irresistible weeknight dinner option. These individual portions cook faster than traditional meatloaf while delivering maximum flavor in every bite. The caramelized BBQ glaze creates a delicious outer crust, sealing in moisture and providing the perfect sweet and tangy complement to the rich, cheesy interior.

I discovered the brilliance of mini meatloaves during a particularly busy season when I needed dinner solutions that could work around varying family schedules. These individually portioned loaves became an instant hit, with everyone appreciating being able to grab exactly what they needed when hungry. The combination of bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce transformed ordinary ground beef into something truly crave worthy, making this recipe requested weekly in our household.

Essential Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef: Provides a hearty base with balanced fat for moisture and flavor.
  • 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a melty, rich interior with sharp flavor.
  • 4 slices thick bacon: Adds smoky depth and crisp texture.
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Ensures tenderness without making the loaves dense.
  • 2 large eggs: Binds everything together for structure and moisture.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor without added moisture.
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: Provides balanced seasoning with built-in spice blend.
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic: Delivers aromatic depth without burning.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness and depth.
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce: Creates a sweet, smoky glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 425°F and position the rack in the middle.
Cook Bacon:
Fry bacon until crisp, then crumble once cooled.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Combine panko, onion powder, seasoned salt, and granulated garlic in a bowl.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix Worcestershire sauce and beaten eggs into the seasoned breadcrumbs.
Incorporate Meat:
Add ground beef, shredded cheddar, and bacon, mixing gently to combine.
Form Mini Loaves:
Divide into 8 portions, shaping each into a small oval loaf.
Apply BBQ Sauce:
Brush each loaf generously with BBQ sauce.
Bake:
Cook for 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Caramelize Glaze:
Brush with additional BBQ sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Rest Before Serving:
Let loaves rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Two pieces of meat with cheese and herbs on a plate. Pin it
Two pieces of meat with cheese and herbs on a plate. | tastelikemagic.com

Serving Ideas

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a classic meal.

Serve with a fresh coleslaw to balance the richness of the BBQ glaze.

Slice leftovers into sliders with toasted brioche buns for an easy next-day meal.

Flavor Variations

Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños and using pepper jack cheese.

Try an Italian version with marinara, mozzarella, and Italian herbs.

Swap BBQ sauce for honey mustard glaze for a tangy twist.

Storage Guide

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze individually wrapped loaves for up to 3 months.

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, brushing with fresh BBQ sauce.

Two pieces of meat on a plate. Pin it
Two pieces of meat on a plate. | tastelikemagic.com

These mini BBQ bacon cheddar meatloaves have become a weeknight staple in my home. Their quick cooking time and individually portioned size make them ideal for busy schedules while still delivering the full, comforting flavors of classic meatloaf. Whether served fresh from the oven, packed into lunchboxes, or turned into sliders the next day, they remain a crowd-pleasing favorite that never fails to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is chili sauce and where can I find it?
Chili sauce is a condiment typically found in the ketchup and condiment aisle. It's similar to ketchup but with a spicier, more complex flavor. Brands like Heinz make a common version that works well in this recipe.
→ Can I make these mini meatloaves ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the loaves up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and add the BBQ sauce just before baking.
→ What sides pair well with these BBQ mini meatloaves?
These pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
→ Can I freeze these mini meatloaves?
Yes, these freeze well both before or after cooking. If freezing raw, thaw completely before cooking. If freezing cooked, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! Try using a mixture of ground beef and pork, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly.

BBQ Mini Meatloaves

These BBQ Mini Meatloaves combine ground beef, bacon, and cheese topped with tangy BBQ sauce for individual portions that cook faster than traditional meatloaf.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 mini meatloaves)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatloaf Mixture

01 2 pounds lean ground beef
02 6 ounces chili sauce
03 4 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
04 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or cheddar blend cheese
05 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
06 2 large eggs, beaten
07 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
09 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
10 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
11 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

→ Topping

12 ½ cup prepared BBQ sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Start by firing up your oven to 425°F. We want it nice and hot to get those meatloaves perfectly cooked with a caramelized exterior.

Step 02

Cook those thick bacon slices until they're nice and crispy. Let them cool a bit, then crumble them into pieces. Try not to snack on too many while you're working - I know it's tempting!

Step 03

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your ground beef, chili sauce, those bacon crumbles you hopefully didn't eat all of, shredded cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and beaten eggs. Add all your seasonings - the onion powder, seasoned salt, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and that bit of yellow mustard. Now get your hands in there and mix it all up until everything's well combined, but try not to overwork the meat.

Step 04

Divide your mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each one into a round little loaf. Use your thumb to press a small indent in the center of each one - this helps them cook evenly and gives you a little well for that BBQ sauce.

Step 05

Brush or spoon that BBQ sauce generously over the top of each mini meatloaf. Don't be shy with it - that sauce will get all sticky and delicious in the oven.

Step 06

Pop those saucy little loaves in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until they're cooked through. Then, for that extra touch of awesomeness, switch your oven to broil for 2-5 minutes to caramelize that BBQ sauce on top. Keep an eye on them - they can go from perfect to burnt pretty quick under the broiler!

Step 07

Let your mini meatloaves rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set up and keeps all those juices inside where they belong. Then dig in and enjoy your handiwork!

Notes

  1. These mini meatloaves combine all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with tangy BBQ sauce for a family-friendly dinner option.
  2. The individual portions cook faster than a traditional meatloaf and are perfect for meal prep - freeze the extras for an easy weeknight dinner.
  3. Feel free to switch up the cheese or BBQ sauce flavors to create your own signature version.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or roasting pan
  • Pastry brush (optional, for BBQ sauce)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (panko breadcrumbs)
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein: 32 g