threefootcooks: M is for Mini Meatloaves for The Kids Cook Monday

Taking something adult sized and making it smaller is often a good way to get children interested. And that was exactly my reasoning for trying these mini meatloaves for dinner tonight. We have had meatloaf on and off as part of our monthly menu plans but Bear and Bee have never been keen on tasting it. Making mini version certainly made a difference. While they didn't eat the whole thing, both girls did take a bite of their mini meatloaves which is a start for two fussy eaters.

This is also a great recipe to sneak in extra vegetables so feel free to add in grated zucchini, grated capsicum or even finely chopped mushrooms. This makes it very budget friendly too with leftovers making great sandwiches for lunch the next day.

Mini Beef and Bacon Meatloaves
Serves 2 adults and 2 children (makes 6 regular muffin sized loaves)
Download the free printable recipe card here.

Ingredients
300g beef mince
1/2 small brown onion, finely chopped
2 rashers rindless bacon, finely chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon tomato sauce
Mashed potato and steamed carrots and/or green beans to serve

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease 6 holes of a regular muffin tray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mince, onion, bacon, egg, carrot, breadcrumbs, chives and 1 tablespoon of the barbecue sauce. Season with a little salt and pepper.

3. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin tray holes and press lightly.

4. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Mix the remaining barbecue sauce and tomato sauce together in a small bowl.
6. Remove loaves from muffin tray and place on prepared baking tray.
7. Brush each loaf with sauce mixture.