Mini Mexican Meatloaves

Mini Mexican Meatloaves are individual size meatloaves seasoned with Mexican flavors and topped with melted cheese.  These are not only easy to whip up but brings something unique to your dinner table. They make a perfect weeknight dinner served with smashed red potatoes.

Let’s be honest here: meatloaf has had a bit of a bad rap over the years.

Often associated with bland dinners and soggy leftovers, it’s time to resurrect this classic dish with a vibrant twist. Enter my Mini Mexican Meatloaves. These bite-sized beauties are packed with zesty flavors, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike.

A Brief History of Meatloaf

Before we dive into the recipe, I wanted to share some interesting history. I was curious about this humble dish’s origination, so of course I did a little research. I was surprised to find out that meatloaf has roots that stretch back centuries, with variations found in many cultures around the world.

The concept of combining meat with fillers like breadcrumbs or grains can be traced back to ancient civilizations.

The Romans, for example, had a dish called isicia omentata, which consisted of ground meats combined with wine and spices, then formed into balls or patties. This early version of meatloaf was often cooked on some form of grill, showcasing the timeless appeal of combining meat with various ingredients to create a satisfying meal.

I had no idea; I would have probably guessed that we didn’t start adding fillers and binders to change the form and taste of meat until at least the 18th century. The modern meatloaf as we know it became a staple during the Great Depression because it allowed families to stretch their budgets while still providing a substantial meal.

The addition of adding tomato sauce or brown gravy on top became popular later on, giving it that comforting, nostalgic feeling that many of us associate with home-cooked meals.

Over the course of my entire life, the only time I have had meatloaf was when my mother made it. I absolutely loved hers, and I will definitely share it soon because it just dawned on me that I never have. Otherwise, I would never order it in a restaurant or really even give it a second thought.

Obviously, I like my own versions, and this is one of them.

Why Mini?

Mini meatloaves are not just adorable; they also cook faster and easy to serve without having to cut and all that jazz. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that looks cute on a plate? These little loaves are perfect for entertaining or a cozy family dinner. And let’s not forget that these are one of those dishes that’s great (sometimes even better) the next day. 

Let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for these mini meatloaves:

For the Mini Mexican Meatloaves:

• Ground beef – or turkey, or bison or elk
• Breadcrumbs – for that extra fiber
• Onion – for umami flavor and a subtle sweetness
• Bell pepper – for a little crunch and flavor, red, green, or yellow is fine
• Cilantro – for a fresh kick
• Egg – to bind it all together
• Taco seasoning – the star of the seasoning show – homemade or store-bought
• Salsa – to top our meatloaves with and for moisture
• Cheese – Cheddar, White American or Monterey Jack, your call

Why You’ll Love Mini Mexican Meatloaves

1. Quick and Easy: You can easily whip this up in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Skip the take-out!
2. Flavorful: Each bite is full of Mexican-inspired flavors and a twist on the traditional meatloaf
3. Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños! Prefer a veggie version? Substitute with plant-based ground “beef”. I’ve had a couple of brands that are actually pretty good.
4. Kid-Friendly: The mini size and cheesy goodness make these a hit with kids (and adults who are kids at heart).

What To Serve With Mini Mexican Meatloaves

• Smashed red potatoes
• Yeast Rolls 
• Asparagus
• Sesame Ginger Broccoli
• Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
• Cheesy Twice Baked New Potatoes

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping meals for the week, or simply looking for a fun and delicious dinner idea, this recipe is a great option.