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!
“This has been a family favorite FOREVER and when I make it for others, they always ask for the recipe!”
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.
Strangely, 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.)
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItKids 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
- Ground Beef Stroganoff
- 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.
The meatloaf looks delicious and you are hilarious!
I follow your blog everyday from Boulder, CO. I have totally renovated my “same-ol’ same-ol'” recipe routines (hubby thanks you!) and really enjoyed the food and your commentary.
Thanks IGE!
Thanks, Brandy! Glad you guys are enjoying! :)
I have never been a fan of meatloaf but you make it look so so good! And congrats on the demo! I knew you would kill it. You’re such a natural. :)
I think you read my mind – I was just searching for new, interesting and tasty recipes for ground beef and this looks awesome. Thank you!!
I also am not a meatloaf eater, thankfully my mom allowed the pickiness. However, should i go to the dark side your recipe is the first i will try!
I’m the anti-meatloaf one in our household. But, I’m willing to give this a try. The meatloaf I remember as a kid was super oat-filled and I do believe was my family’s recipe from the Depression days.
Plus…the name…kinda like kidney beans or wax beans or ladyfinger potatoes :)
Where did you get that very adorable top?
Gap! It’s super flowy and comfy. :)
I used to be the exact same way with meatloaf! I would pretend I was sick and would hide in the bathroom until dinner was over hahah now I love it!
Congrats on the demo!!!!
That meatloaf looks excellent…i bet it is super hardy too!
So I was reading the title on the picture and I thought it said something about “microwave meatloaf” and I was thinking – oh my heart, he’s microwaving beef! I may have to stop reading her blog! LOL I’m so glad that they are mini and not nuked… PHEW. I didn’t think I could really give your blog up but it sure scared me.
*she’s LOL, I know you aren’t a man
These look fantastic!! Pinned!
BTW, have you ever tossed your roasted broccoli with a little bit of sugar along with the oil, salt, and pepper? It helps it get a little more caramelized while it roasts. One of the few episodes of Americas Test Kitchen that I’ve managed to watch… :)
This meatloaf has all my favorite things! They look so good. I know my husband would not approve though — he is very anti-meatloaf, but I have a feeling it’s just a lingering childhood bias. Maybe I’ll make these in the shape of a patty and tell him they’re bun-less cheeseburgers?
Love it – go for it! ;)
My husband is the same way but it makes no sense. He loves any kind of meat, including burgers! It’s not *that* different! My theory is the same as yours. Silly husbands!
Yum, I am so excited to make these! They look fantastic! :)