Mini BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves are flavored with melty cheddar cheese and sweet BBQ sauce. This tasty twist on classic meatloaf is a hit with my family!
Raise your hand if you were forced to eat meatloaf as a kid (my arm is stretched into the air, waving wildly right now)!
Meatloaf is one of my Dad’s favorite meals so my Mom made it for dinner quite often when I was growing up. Unfortunately I didn’t feel the same and spent many nights planted at the kitchen table long after my brother’s had cleaned their plates, washing down nibble after nibble of cold meatloaf with warm milk and a pinched nose.
You’ve been there.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItStrangely, as an adult I’ve developed somewhat of a craving for meatloaf, especially when it’s studded with cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, and caramelized onions, like Mini BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves!
Mini BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves are individually portioned meatloaves studded with the aforementioned craveable ingredients, baked to sizzling, ooey-gooey cheesy perfection.
These are NOT your Mother’s meatloaves! (Sorry Mom.)
Kids and kids at heart will not be able to resist this seriously delicious flavor combo, and what food isn’t better made in miniature form? Kids feel special getting their own mini meal and I, especially, appreciate the built in portion control.
Whatever the reason, you will adore these mini meatloaves!
Watch How to Make Them
How to Make This Recipe
Start by caramelizing a large sweet onion. Oh yeah! Melt butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat then add sliced or chopped sweet onions and season with a dash of salt. Saute for 20 minutes, or until the onions are soft, golden brown, and sweet. Set them aside to cool slightly – you can do this a couple of days ahead of time.
Next add ground beef and a whisked egg to a large mixing bowl. I like using lean ground beef so the meatloaves don’t end up greasy.
Add Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce, plus salt and pepper.
Lastly, add gluten free panko-style bread crumbs (or regular panko bread crumbs if you don’t need to eat gluten free,) plus the cooled caramelized onions and cheddar cheese cut into 1/4″ cubes, which will stud the inside of the meatloaves like melted buried treasure.
Mix the ingredients together with your hands then form into four mini loaves and place on a foil lined, nonstick sprayed baking sheet. Spread 1 Tablespoon BBQ sauce over each loaf to keep them nice and moist in the oven then bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees.
Wooo! Look at that meltage!
Pair the mini meatloaves with a side salad, or roasted broccoli like I did, then serve them on up. I hope you love this easy, decadent, totally tasty twist on classic meatloaf – enjoy!
More Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love
- Beef and Veggie Enchilada Skillet
- How to Cook Burgers in the Oven
- Gluten Free Lasagna
- Mini Taco Meatloaf
- Cheeseburger Quesadillas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- salt
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce, divided
- 1/4 cup gluten free panko-style bread crumbs
- pepper
- 3 oz cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4″ cubes
Directions
- Cut onion in half then each half into thin slices OR, chop the onion. Melt butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat then add onions and a dash of salt. Cook, stirring every couple of minutes, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Turn heat down if onions start to burn. Set aside to cool slightly – can be made up to several days ahead of time.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl combine ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, cheese cubes, and caramelized onions, then mix until just combined. Divide mixture into 4 equal-sized portions then form into loaves and place on a foil-lined, non-stick-sprayed baking sheet. Spread 1 Tablespoon BBQ sauce over each loaf then bake for 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center, and then serve.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
This has been a family favorite FOREVER and when I make it for others, they always ask for the recipe! It’s easy and yummy and goes really well with salad and potatoes. I highly recommend using Stubb’s BBQ sauce b/c it’s also yummy, GF, and low in sugar.
I’m so glad this is a long time favorite of yours, LeeAnn!! We love Stubb’s BBQ sauce too. :) Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
I made the mini bbq cheese meatloaves. I used Sweet baby Rays original and the caramelized onions were so good in this. They are delicious. Perfect for us, since it is just the 2 of us. We actually split one and froze the rest. Love your recipes!
I’m SO glad this recipe was a hit, Joyce – and that you have some in the freezer for next time!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Absolutely delicious! It has become a favorite in our house. I use Sweet Baby Rays Sweet n’ Spicey barbecue sauce. Definitely carmelize the onions. I have used both cubed and shredded cheese and they both work. The shredded cheese melts and the cubes you can actually see in the meatloaf. I have tried all kinds of meatloaf recipes plus my own creativity and there is no comparison to this recipe. It is also company worthy!
I’m SO glad this is a go-to recipe of yours, Kate!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
I’ve made this recipe quite a few times but I just realized I never reviewed it! It is so delicious. Don’t skimp on caramelizing the onions as that really adds a lot of flavor. Thanks for a very fantastic recipe!
I’m so glad this is a go-to of yours, Jen!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
can you make this with shredded cheddar cheese and bake in a regular meatloaf pan ??
I haven’t tried baking this recipe as a full loaf, but you could definitely give it a go — there’s no reason why it wouldn’t work. You can use shredded cheese though it will melt and get lost inside the meatloaf as it bakes.
Huge hit! My family likes meatloaf but it feel so autumn/wintery to me and it’s never something I crave personally. Well I gave this a go thanks to your email about it. Amazing! The caramelized onions, cheese and BBQ are the stars of the show! And this was my first time using gluten free breadcrumbs. I was pleasantly surprised that they were just made from rice with few ingredients! My family just really loved this! I serve with mini roasted potatoes and sautéed carrot coins. Thanks so much!
Oh I’m so thrilled to hear this, April – really glad you gave it a try! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Per other reviews, YES to doubling this recipe next time and YES this is THE BEST meatloaf recipe ever!! I followed the ingredients and instructions, so simple, SO flavorful. Thank you very much for sharing this glorious creation with us, Kristin!
You are TOO KIND, Rachel!! I am thrilled this recipe was a smash hit! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Absolutely amazing recipe. Next time I’m doubling it! Thanks so much for sharing ????????
Ahh, I love to hear that, Kim!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Hands down the BEST meatloaf EVER! I add bacon too.
Loooove this idea, Debra!!! So glad you enjoyed this one!!
what would you use instead of egg?
So good! I made this for the first time tonight and it’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory. I added a little fresh garlic for good measure. Will definitely make again and may try it for meatballs. Easy to make with items I already had in the fridge/pantry. Love!
Thrilled this was a hit for you, Jennifer!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!