Mini Meatloaves Weeknight Dish (Printer-Friendly)

Juicy mini meatloaves with Italian herbs, marinara, and mozzarella for a cozy, flavorful dinner.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Meat Mixture

01 - 1.5 lb ground beef
02 - 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
03 - 0.5 cup whole milk
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 0.75 tsp salt
06 - 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1 tsp onion powder
09 - 0.5 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 0.5 cup marinara sauce

→ Topping

12 - 0.25 cup marinara sauce
13 - 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, foil, or lightly oil to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and 0.5 cup marinara sauce until just combined.
03 - Divide mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a compact oval approximately 4 inches long. Arrange on the baking sheet with at least 1 inch spacing.
04 - Brush or spoon the remaining 0.25 cup marinara sauce over each meatloaf. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
05 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and cheese is melted with slight golden color. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Avoid overmixing the meat to maintain tenderness. Using a digital thermometer ensures precise cooking temperature.
02 - Customize by adding fresh herbs or stuffing a small cube of cheese inside each loaf for added flavor.
03 - Chill mixture for 15 minutes if too sticky to shape, or oil hands lightly to prevent sticking.