Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves

Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves 🧄🍗

These Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional meatloaf. Packed with savory garlic and nutty Parmesan flavors, they’re perfectly portioned in a muffin tin for easy serving and even easier cleanup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these mini meatloaves are sure to satisfy. Topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, they’re as comforting as they are delicious.

Let’s dive into how to make these flavorful, cheesy meatloaves step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bite-Sized Fun : Perfectly portioned and easy to serve—great for kids and adults alike.
2. Flavor-Packed : Garlic, Parmesan, and herbs create a rich, savory base.
3. Customizable : Swap chicken for beef, turkey, or pork to suit your taste.
4. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 35 minutes with minimal prep.
5. Family-Friendly : A hit with picky eaters and perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients

(Makes 6–8 mini meatloaves)

• 1 pound ground chicken (or substitute ground turkey, beef, or pork )
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese , grated
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley , chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• ¼ cup marinara sauce
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese , shredded

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken , Parmesan cheese , and breadcrumbs .
2. Add the minced garlic , egg , and milk . Mix gently to combine.
3. Stir in the fresh parsley , dried oregano , onion powder , salt , and pepper . Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaves dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaves

1. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups (about 6–8 portions ).
2. Gently press the mixture into each cup to form compact, even shapes.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaves

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the meatloaves are golden on top and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C ).

Step 5: Add Toppings

1. Remove the meatloaves from the oven and spoon marinara sauce evenly over each one.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce.

Step 6: Finish Baking

1. Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Let the meatloaves cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness of these Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves !

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overmix : Overmixing the meat mixture can make the meatloaves tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh garlic and parsley add brighter, more vibrant flavors than dried alternatives.
3. Swap Proteins : Use ground turkey, beef, or pork if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
5. Freeze for Later : Assemble the meatloaves (without toppings), freeze in the muffin tin, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Perfect Pairings

These Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves pair beautifully with:

• Mashed Potatoes : Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the marinara sauce perfectly.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for added nutrition.
• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the savory flavors.
• Green Salad : A crisp arugula or Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Meatloaf, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~180 kcal
• Protein : ~18g
• Carbohydrates : ~8g
• Fat : ~9g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves are a flavorful, fun twist on classic comfort food. With their cheesy, herby filling and saucy, melty topping, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, packing them for lunch, or bringing them to a potluck, they’re a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to love.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the protein, spices, or toppings to make them your own. So grab your ingredients, grease that muffin tin, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.