KEWANEE WEATHER

In the kitchen with Kim: Easy Mini Meatloaves


By Kim Gehling    March 22, 2025
The secret to these mini loaves is the sweet and savory sauces used to flavor them. [Photos by Kim Gehling]

Meatloaf is one of those comfort foods that brings warmth to the dinner table and smiles to everyone’s faces. In my household, it’s a staple meal—especially since we raise our own cattle and always have an abundance of ground beef on hand. However, while I love traditional meatloaf, I’ve often struggled with two common issues: excessive grease pooling in the loaf pan and ensuring that the meatloaf cooks evenly throughout.

That’s why I’ve turned to this recipe for Easy Mini Meatloaves. By shaping the mixture into smaller portions instead of one large loaf, the meat cooks more quickly and evenly. Plus, the grease doesn’t collect as much, making cleanup easier and the meal less greasy overall.

Beyond the convenience, these mini meatloaves are packed with flavor. The hoisin sauce and teriyaki glaze bring both sweet and savory flavors. Hoisin sauce, which is readily available in most grocery stores, has a deep, slightly tangy, soy sauce flavor with a touch of sweetness. The teriyaki glaze then adds a delicious, caramelized finish to the meatloaves.

These mini meatloaves pair perfectly with green beans and rice for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Give it a try, and you might find yourself making mini meatloaves instead of the traditional version from now on.

From our kitchen to yours — enjoy!

Easy Mini Meatloaves Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs. ground beef
  • 4 scallions
  • 4 T. hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 c. Panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 8 T. teriyaki glaze

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prepare the scallions by trimming and slicing them, keeping the white and green parts separate.
  3. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, scallion whites, hoisin sauce, Panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well incorporated.
  4. Shape the mini meatloaves: Lightly grease a baking sheet with oil. Form the meat mixture into four individual meatloaves, each about 1 inch tall.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and brush the tops with the teriyaki glaze.
  6. Finish baking for another 12-15 minutes until cooked through.