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Get ready to cheer for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! This Football Mini Meatloaf Recipe is a touchdown at any game day gathering or family dinner. These adorable, individual-sized meatloaves are packed with savory flavor, tender texture, and a playful twist—complete with string cheese “laces” that make each one look just like a mini football. Whether you’re feeding hungry fans or just craving a comforting, hearty meal, this recipe scores big on taste and presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients can come together to create such a delicious and fun dish. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, binding the mix, or delivering that rich, savory flavor that makes this Football Mini Meatloaf Recipe truly special.
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures your mini meatloaves come out cleanly without sticking to the pan.
- 2 pounds ground round beef (85% lean): Provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture for tender meatloaf.
- 16 oz. Tomato Sauce: Adds a tangy depth that keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
- 3 large eggs: Acts as a binder to hold everything together, keeping the shape firm but tender.
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats: Absorbs moisture and adds texture without overpowering the meat.
- 1 oz dry onion soup mix (1 oz envelope): A secret seasoning punch that infuses the meat with savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup Ketchup: Coats the top with a sweet and tangy glaze for that classic meatloaf finish.
- 1 stick string cheese: The star for decoration—the cheese cut into strips mimics football laces, giving the mini meatloaves a whimsical look.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Football Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a shallow baking dish or sheet pan with aluminum foil, then coat the foil with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures everything slides off easily once baked and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground round beef, tomato sauce, eggs, rolled oats, and dry onion soup mix. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly is key—it helps the flavors meld and gives you a cohesive mixture to shape into perfect mini meatloaves.
Step 3: Shape and Arrange the Mini Meatloaves
Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval, gently pinching the ends if you want that authentic football look. Place the shaped meatloaves neatly onto your prepared pan, leaving a little space between each.
Step 4: Add the Ketchup Glaze
Use a spoon or brush to spread ketchup evenly over the top of each mini meatloaf. This classic glaze will caramelize in the oven, giving the meatloaves a beautiful, shiny, and flavorful finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the meatloaves for 25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures they’re cooked through but still juicy and tender inside.
Step 6: Create the Football Laces
While the mini meatloaves are baking, prepare the laces by slicing your string cheese into thin strips. You’ll need eight long pieces and 32 short pieces total. Once the meatloaves are out of the oven, carefully lay one long strip crossed by four short strips on top of each mini meatloaf for that fun football effect.
How to Serve Football Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives around the plate adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce on the side to complement the savory meatloaf flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your Football Mini Meatloaf Recipe with classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. Crispy sweet potato fries also make a colorful, tasty companion that keeps the game day vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the mini meatloaves on a platter shaped like a football field using fresh greens, baby carrots as yard lines, and cherry tomatoes as field markers for an unforgettable presentation. Serve with small bowls of dipping sauces like BBQ, ranch, or spicy mustard to keep guests engaged and satisfied.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mini meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They retain their moisture and flavor best when tightly covered and kept chilled.
Freezing
These mini meatloaves freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to three months for easy reheating on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them covered for a quicker option, but the oven method helps retain the texture and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, though you might want to add a bit of extra moisture like a splash of olive oil since these meats can be leaner and drier than beef.
What can I substitute for the dry onion soup mix?
If you don’t have onion soup mix, try using a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and a little beef broth powder or bouillon for a similar savory punch.
How do I know when the mini meatloaves are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures they are safely cooked and remain juicy.
Can I make these mini meatloaves ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the ketchup glaze and bake right before your event for the freshest results.
Is string cheese the only option for the laces?
String cheese works best because it’s easy to cut and holds its shape, but if you want a dairy-free option, thin strips of white bell pepper or tofu slices can also be fun alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Football Mini Meatloaf Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings cheer and comfort to your table. It’s playful, delicious, and perfect for feeding a group with style. Next time you want a meal that scores high on flavor and fun, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’ll be the MVP of your kitchen!
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PrintFootball Mini Meatloaf Recipe
Delicious and fun Football Mini Meatloafs are perfect for game day or any casual gathering. Made with lean ground beef, oats, and a flavorful dry onion soup mix, these individual-sized meatloafs are topped with ketchup and adorned with string cheese to mimic football laces. Ready in just 40 minutes, these mini meatloafs are easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini meatloafs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray
- 2 pounds ground round beef (85% lean)
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1 oz dry onion soup mix (1 oz envelope)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 stick string cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a shallow baking dish or sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, tomato sauce, eggs, quick oats, and dry onion soup mix until evenly mixed.
- Shape Meatloafs: Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval shape, pinching the ends slightly to resemble a football, then place them on the prepared pan.
- Add Ketchup Topping: Spread ketchup evenly on top of each mini meatloaf to add flavor and moisture.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the meatloafs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicating they are fully cooked.
- Create Football Laces: While the meatloafs bake, cut the string cheese into thin strips to form the football laces — you need 8 long pieces and 32 short pieces. Once the meatloafs are baked and slightly cooled, place one long piece crossed with four short pieces on each mini meatloaf to resemble the laces of a football.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
- Quick oats help bind the meatloaf while keeping it moist; do not substitute with instant oats.
- For a lower fat option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken but may need to adjust cooking time.
- Prepare the football laces while meatloafs are baking to save time.
- These mini meatloafs can be served hot or at room temperature, making them convenient for parties.
