Mini Meatloaf Dinner Meal Prep
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs (900 g) lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Vegetables
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 onion, sliced
Sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Make the meatloaf
In a large bowl combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Onion
- Garlic
- Worcestershire
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Parsley
Mix gently until just combined.
Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into large round meatloaves.
Step 3: Prepare vegetables
Mix potatoes, carrots, and sliced onions with:
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 4: Assemble
Place vegetables into four foil pans.
Pour about ½ cup beef broth mixture into each pan.
Place one meatloaf on top of the vegetables.
Brush with glaze if using.
Step 5: Bake
Cover loosely with foil.
Bake for 35 minutes.
Remove foil.
Brush with more glaze.
Bake another 15–20 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat or it can become tough.
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Add mushrooms or celery to the vegetables if desired.
Storage
Refrigerator: 4 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 20 minutes
- Microwave: 3–4 minutes
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~670
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: ~900 mg
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
- Potassium: ~1,250 mg
- Iron: ~30% Daily Value
- Calcium: ~8% Daily Value
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Use 93% lean ground turkey and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze before baking?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Q: What potatoes work best?
Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and become tender without falling apart.
Q: Can I cook this without foil pans?
Absolutely. Arrange the portions in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a sheet pan with raised edges.
Q: How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center.
Q: What can I serve with it?
This is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also great with dinner rolls, green beans, peas, or a simple side salad.
