Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
For the meatloaves
- 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or a mix of beef/pork)
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the stuffing
- 4 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into halves or smaller cubes
For the sauce
- 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite marinara sauce
Equipment and Utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup (optional).
2. Make the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing).
3. Assemble the mini meatloaves: Divide the meat mixture into 8-12 equal portions (depending on how large you’d like them). Flatten each portion into a patty. Place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each patty and carefully form the meat around the cheese to seal it in securely.
4. Bake: Place the stuffed meatloaves on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaves are cooked through and the cheese is melted.
5. Add the sauce: During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, carefully spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each mini meatloaf.
6. Finish and serve: Allow the meatloaves to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot with your favorite sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
Get creative with the filling: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, or add some chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the meat mixture.
Make ahead: You can assemble the mini meatloaves in advance and refrigerate them, covered, until ready to bake.
Air fryer option: You can definitely cook these in the air fryer. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
