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.
you know those recipes that you save because they look amazing but you never actually make them…? too much effort or the thought that it might not be outstanding? THIS IS NOT THAT. its such a quick meal to whip up during the week yet is delicious. ive made this a bunch of times already. thank you thank you!
What kind of ground beef do you use for this? 80/20? Etc. Or is it good with leaner beef? Thanks.
Lean works just great – I think I used 90/10.
I made these tonight and they were amazing!!!! Instead of making 4 loaves I put them in a 6 muffin tray. The caramalized sweet onions were the best part so never short cut but using regular onions. Next time I make these, I’m going to put them in a mini-muffin tray just the right size for my 1 year old son to eat.
I tried the roasted broccoli for the first time and is so much better then steamed. I added some thin slices of carrots as well and they were so good. I couldn’t get over the meal…I would have gone back for seconds if I wasn’t watching my weight…LOL.
I made these tonight it was so easy to make, the prep time for the meal was only 15 mins….and they were soooooo good things for making a boring meal so exciting!
I just made these the other night with a little adaption to make them gluten free and they were AMAZING! The caramelized onions just put them over the top!! SO, I’ve just added this to my long list of meatloaf favorites :)
Also, cauliflower is awesome roasted the same way as the broccoli, if you like cauliflower!
This was so delicious! I also made the broccoli and a side of mash potatoes! Great recipe when your craving some comfort food!!
I just pre-made these mini meat loaves so that all I have to do is pop them in the oven when I get home from work tomorrow. They already smell great and they aren’t even cooked! Roasted broccoli is one of my favourites. We eat it at least 4 out of 7 nights a week. So good. The other nights are either roasted cauliflower or asparagus.
I make roasted broccoli all the time for our 4 daughters (thank you for another AWESOME recipe, Pinterest!) I use lemon juice & olive oil drizzled over the top then slice up a garlic clove or two to mix in with the broccoli. Roast at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until browned then grate some fresh parmesan cheese on top. YUM! I have had our daughters, ages 4-11, arguing over who got to finish off the broccoli! Can’t complain about that!
You are such a cute little button ! I am an old time girl, but I will say that I am going to try out this personal sized meatloaves. Looks comforting and delicious !
This was unbelievable! Thanks so much!
Made these tonight. de.li.ci.os.o. You are so inspiring!
Made these tonight…YUM! I made 2 without onions since the boyfriend isn’t a huge fan of them. So delicious and I love any kind of roasted veggie. The house smelled amazing while it was baking. :) Thanks for a delicious, no fuss recipe.
I made both recipes on Friday…yum! Quick, easy and very good.