Speedy & Delicious Mini Beef & Veggie Meatloaves: A Kid-Approved Dinner!

  

Getting kids to eat their vegetables can sometimes feel like a culinary battle! But what if you could sneak some in, make it fun, and create a dinner they'll actually ask for? These Mini Beef & Veggie Meatloaves are the answer! They're portion-sized perfectly for little hands, packed with flavor, and a great way to introduce some hidden veggies.

 

This recipe is designed to be simple, relatively quick for busy weeknights and even offers opportunities for your little helpers to get involved in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist a mini meatloaf? They're just inherently more fun!

 

Why These Mini Meatloaves Will Be a Hit:

 

Kid-Friendly Size: Mini portions are less intimidating and easier for kids to manage.

Hidden Veggies: Finely grated vegetables blend seamlessly into the meatloaf mixture.

Great Flavor: The simple seasoning and ketchup glaze are familiar and appealing to kids.

Fun to Make (and Eat!): Kids can help mix ingredients and shape the mini loaves.

Versatile: Serve them with their favorite sides – mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or even more veggies!

Gather Your Ingredients:

 

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

1/4 cup milk

1 small onion, finely grated (about 1/4 cup)

1 small carrot, finely grated (about 1/4 cup)

1 small zucchini, finely grated and squeezed dry (about 1/4 cup) - Squeezing helps remove excess moisture!

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/4 cup ketchup, for glaze

Let's Get Cooking!

 

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and beaten egg.

Add Flavor & Veggies: Stir in the grated onion, carrot, zucchini, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Introduce the Beef & Breadcrumbs: Add the ground beef and breadcrumbs to the bowl.

Mix (Kid-Friendly Step!): Get those clean hands in there! Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaves tough.

Form the Mini Loaves (Another Kid-Friendly Step!): Scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1/4 cup each) and gently shape them into small, oval-shaped meatloaves. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Add the Glaze: Spoon a little ketchup over the top of each mini meatloaf, spreading it lightly.

Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaves are cooked through and the glaze is slightly caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Rest and Serve: Let the mini meatloaves rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them retain their juices.

Get the Kids Involved!

 

Here are some ways your little ones can lend a hand (with supervision!):

 

Help measure and add ingredients to the bowl.

Get their hands messy and mix the meatloaf mixture (they usually love this part!).

Help shape the mini meatloaves.

Spoon the ketchup glaze onto the tops.

These Mini Beef & Veggie Meatloaves are a fantastic way to make dinner fun and nutritious for your kids. They're quick to prepare and bake, leaving you more time to enjoy a meal together. Happy cooking!