Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the meatloaf mixture and fill the muffin tin, then cover and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake as directed when you’re ready. Or, bake fully, store, and reheat when needed.

What can I use instead of stuffing mix?

If you don’t have stuffing mix, crushed crackers, dry breadcrumbs, or even oatmeal can be used as a binder. Adjust seasoning to ensure the mixture is flavorful—try dried herbs, onion powder, or extra garlic.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes—ground turkey, chicken, beef, or pork all work well here. Turkey or chicken will result in slightly lighter, leaner meatloaves, while beef or pork gives a richer taste.

How do I know when the meatloaves are done?

The meatloaves should be browned on top, firm to the touch, and an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (for poultry) or 160°F (for beef) in the center. The cheese should be melted and bubbly for the best bite!

BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe

Name: BBQ Mini Meatloaves Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey; 1 (6 ounce) package stuffing mix (such as Stouffers); 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3/4 cup barbecue sauce; 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

These BBQ Mini Meatloaves are the perfect answer for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender, juicy meat seasoned just right, a deliciously tangy barbecue sauce center, and gooey melted cheddar cheese on top, every bite is packed with comforting flavor. Plus, their individual size means everyone gets their own adorable little meatloaf—no slicing or mess required! You’ll love how quick they come together and how easily they fit into any family meal plan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight-Friendly: These mini meatloaves come together with minimal prep and bake up fast—no fussing with big loaves or complicated steps.
Super Flavorful: The stuffing mix infuses the meat with savory flavors and keeps it unbelievably moist, while barbecue sauce adds irresistible tang.
Kid-Approved: Mini sizes mean perfect portions that are fun to eat (and picky eaters often love their own mini entrée).
Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry and fridge staples go a long way—plus, you can easily switch things up depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these mouthwatering BBQ Mini Meatloaves:

Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean ground meat keeps these tender but not greasy; turkey is a great lighter option and soaks up all the flavors.
Stuffing Mix: Adds amazing seasoning and acts as a binder so you don’t need eggs or breadcrumbs. Choose your favorite brand or flavor!
Water: Moistens the stuffing mix so your meatloaf stays juicy—totally essential for that soft texture.
Garlic Powder: Lends a gentle hint of garlicky warmth that amplifies the richness of the meat.
Barbecue Sauce: The smoky, sweet sauce is a star player—pick a tangy one for a bold flavor punch.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that melty, bubbly finish. Don’t skimp on this; the gooey top makes all the difference!
Optional Pasta Sauce for Filling: Adds extra moisture and flavor at the center. Try a good-quality marinara or tomato-based sauce if you’d like.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Ready to play with the flavors a bit? Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the Protein: Use ground chicken, pork, or even a meatless crumble for a different twist.
Cheese Change-Up: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a new flavor profile.
BBQ Twist: Use honey barbecue for sweetness, or smoky chipotle BBQ for heat.
Veggie Boost: Add finely grated zucchini, carrot, or bell pepper to the meat mixture—no one will even notice, and it adds a touch of veggie power.
Stuffing Substitute: Out of stuffing mix? Use crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even rolled oats. Add extra seasoning if needed.

How to Make BBQ Mini Meatloaves

Making these mini meatloaves is a total breeze—perfect for those busy evenings when you need comfort food, fast!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab a standard muffin pan and spray all the cavities well with nonstick cooking spray—this ensures the meatloaves release easily and bake up with lightly crisp edges.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, mash together the ground meat, stuffing mix, water, and garlic powder until everything is nicely combined. The mixture will feel soft and squishy—perfect for tender loaves.

Step 3: Shape and Fill

Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing gently so they fill each cavity. Use the back of a spoon to make a little well in the center of every meatloaf. Spoon a small amount of pasta sauce or extra barbecue sauce into each indentation for a saucy surprise.

Step 4: First Bake

Bake the meatloaves in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and just starting to brown on the edges.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Pull the muffin pan from the oven and sprinkle each mini meatloaf generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Slide the pan back into the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps them set so they’re easy to lift out. Then serve up your adorable, melty, flavor-loaded mini meatloaves!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overmix the meat mixture. Stop as soon as the ingredients are combined for the most tender meatloaves.
Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion the mixture into muffin cups for even sizes.
Let them rest! A few minutes of cooling in the pan makes them hold their shape when you scoop them out.
Line your pan for easier cleanup: Use cupcake liners or parchment for super speedy cleanup if you’d like.

How to Serve

Serve these BBQ Mini Meatloaves just as they are for a no-fuss meal, or dress them up a bit—there are plenty of possibilities!

Classic Style: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and simple steamed veggies for total comfort food.
Picnic-Ready: Slide a mini meatloaf into a soft roll with extra BBQ sauce and lettuce for a mini sandwich—kids love this!
Party Platter: Arrange on a board with pickles, roasted veggies, or finger-friendly sides for a fun appetizer.
Potluck Hero: Bring a batch to your next gathering—no need to slice or portion; they’re bite-sized and ready to go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatloaves keep perfectly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain their juiciness, making for stellar leftovers!

Freezing

These mini meatloaves freeze fantastically. Cool them completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To warm, pop them in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through, or reheat in a covered dish in a 325°F oven until warmed completely. For extra moisture, add a spoonful of water or barbecue sauce before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the meatloaf mixture and fill the muffin tin, then cover and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake as directed when you’re ready. Or, bake fully, store, and reheat when needed.
What can I use instead of stuffing mix?

If you don’t have stuffing mix, crushed crackers, dry breadcrumbs, or even oatmeal can be used as a binder. Adjust seasoning to ensure the mixture is flavorful—try dried herbs, onion powder, or extra garlic.
Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes—ground turkey, chicken, beef, or pork all work well here. Turkey or chicken will result in slightly lighter, leaner meatloaves, while beef or pork gives a richer taste.
How do I know when the meatloaves are done?

The meatloaves should be browned on top, firm to the touch, and an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (for poultry) or 160°F (for beef) in the center. The cheese should be melted and bubbly for the best bite!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about these BBQ Mini Meatloaves—from the savory flavors and oozy cheese to that saucy, tangy center, they check every comfort food box. With their quick prep, easy clean-up, and completely customizable ingredients, there’s no reason not to put them into your weeknight dinner rotation. Grab your muffin pan and give these a try—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor and fun comes in a little package!