But if you take the exact same mixture and make it into something bite-sized, it’s instantly more accessible for a kiddo. Like these BBQ Meatloaf Bites, for example! These small meatloaf bites also have the added benefit of being easy to freeze and reheat. And they are the perfect size for a meatball sub.
Classic Meatloaf, But Bite-Sized!
The base of this recipe is a very standard meatloaf and one that I make often. This version has delicious, tried-and-true add-ins, like celery and carrots, with a BBQ glaze. You could in fact bake this as an actual meatloaf in a loaf tin and glaze it with the BBQ glaze and be in really good shape!
How To Make These Meatloaf Bites
The method for making these bites, though, is important. First, use a muffin tin to bake them. This recipe makes 18 bites, so you’ll need two standard 12-cup muffin tins for this. I recommend lining your muffin tins with foil before stuffing them and baking the meatloaf bites. This will prevent you from cursing my name as you scrub meatloaf bits out of the corners of your muffin tins. Foil equals easy cleanup! Also, because these are smaller, they cook much faster than a larger loaf. If you made the mixture a day in advance and stick it in the fridge, which you definitely can, these just need about a half hour in the oven instead of the 60 to 75 minutes that a full meatloaf would require.
How To Serve the Meatloaf Bites
I serve 3 to 4 of these meatloaf bites for adults and older kids. Children can try one chopped up a bit. All in all, it’s a total win and if you serve them with a steamed vegetable and some roasted potatoes. It makes for a really well-rounded and delicious meal!
How To Freeze Leftover Meatloaf Bites
These meatloaf bites freeze well. Bake them as directed and allow them to cool completely. Then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until frozen solid. Wrap each bite tightly in foil and store in a freezer safe bag for up to three months. Reheat frozen bites either in a muffin tin in the oven for 15 minutes at 350°F or until warmed through or in the microwave for about 2 minutes on high (not in a muffin tin).
The Dad Add: “Meatball” Sub
This dinner is pretty great as-is, so instead of dreaming up something else to add to it, I went the leftovers route for the Dad Add this week. Eating the leftovers in a sub sandwich is awesome. Layer some marinara, provolone, a few meatloaf bites, and some banana peppers in a soft sub roll and bake it! YUM.
The Kid Report Card
I need to explain some things about this photo. First, my kids eat with chopsticks occasionally. This was not my idea and while they are getting better at using them, it takes them forever to eat with them. But, they do seem to eat more when they use them because it’s a game, so I’m fine with it. Also, you might have noticed that my two-year old is wearing a bike helmet. That’s because she refuses to take it off after we ride home from school. It’s not a fight I’m willing to have. As far as how the actual meal went, this was a good one for my family. I chopped up the bites a bit for my two-year old but BOTH kids ate it, which is actually unheard of at my house. Total win. High fives all around.
More Best Meatloaf Recipes!
Classic Meatloaf Turkey Meatloaf Spiced Lamb Meatloaf Stovetop Meatloaf with Mushroom Sauce Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaves with Crispy Broccoli and Mustard Glazed Potatoes
If you want to make mini meatloaf bites, divide the mixture into mini muffin tins. You will get about double the amount (my kids liked the smaller ones). It’s pretty impossible to line a mini muffin tin with foil, though, so cleanup will be more intense unless you’re using nonstick muffin tins. Also, total baking time will be shorter, about 20 minutes.
2 pounds lean ground beef (no more than 10% fat) 1 large egg 3/4 cup breadcrumbs 1 small white onion, 1/2 cup diced 1/3 cup diced celery (about 1 rib) 1/3 cup diced carrot (about 1 medium carrot) 1/3 cup diced green pepper (about 1/2 pepper) 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the BBQ glaze:
1 cup barbecue sauce (I like Stubbs) 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
DAD ADD: “Meatball” sub (makes 1 sub)
1 roll (1 oz) roll 2 to 3 cooked meatloaf bites 2 tablespoons marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade 2 ounces provolone cheese Banana peppers
Bake the sub for 6 to 7 minutes until it’s the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve while warm.
