Introduction

Score big this game day with these Football Mini Meatloaves — perfectly seasoned, tender, and shaped just like footballs!

These individual meatloaves are topped with tangy barbecue sauce “glaze” and finished with white mashed potato “laces” — making them as cute as they are delicious.

They’re hearty, protein-packed, and easy to make ahead — perfect for feeding a hungry crowd during Sunday football, Super Bowl parties, or family dinners.

Whether you serve them with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or slider buns, these mini meatloaves are guaranteed to be a touchdown at your table!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🏈 Game-day themed: Fun football shape adds festive flair.
• 🍖 Classic comfort food: Juicy, flavorful mini meatloaves baked to perfection.
• ⏱ Quick & easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• 🍽️ Individual servings: Perfect for portion control or parties.
• 🧊 Make ahead friendly: Freeze or refrigerate and reheat anytime.

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🥩 Ingredients

For the Mini Meatloaves

• 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
• ½ lb ground pork (optional for extra juiciness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the BBQ Glaze

• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

For Decoration (Football Laces)

• ½ cup mashed potatoes (or sour cream in a piping bag)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit 2 minutes to soften.
Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork the meat!

3. Shape into Footballs

Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions and shape each into a mini football (oval with tapered ends).
Place them on your prepared baking sheet.

4. Add the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar.
Brush evenly over each meatloaf, coating the tops and sides.

5. Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

6. Add Football Laces

Spoon or pipe mashed potatoes or sour cream in thin lines to mimic football laces on top of each meatloaf.

🏈 Tip: For extra fun, serve on a bed of mashed potatoes that look like the “field!”

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your Football Mini Meatloaves with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Soft dinner rolls or pretzel buns for mini sliders

🍔 Hosting a crowd? Turn them into slider sandwiches with melted cheese and pickle slices!

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Storage & Meal Prep

• To Store: Keep in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• To Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.

Nutrition (Per Mini Meatloaf)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~265 kcal
Protein	21 g
Carbs	11 g
Fat	15 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	420 mg

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Tips for Perfect Mini Meatloaves

1. Use a mix of beef + pork — gives the best flavor and moisture.
2. Don’t pack the meat — keep it loose for tender texture.
3. Use a meat thermometer — perfectly cooked at 160°F.
4. Add cheese inside! Try mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey surprise.
5. Double the glaze — it’s what makes these shine (literally).

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Make It a Game Day Feast

Pair these mini meatloaves with:

• Rice Krispie Footballs for dessert
• Crockpot Sticky Sesame Ginger Chicken for variety
• Buffalo Chicken Dip or Loaded Potato Skins as appetizers

Add a few cold drinks and a big-screen TV, and your football dinner lineup is set!

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Conclusion

These Football Mini Meatloaves are the ultimate game day dinner — comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly fun to serve.

From the juicy meat center to the sweet-and-smoky glaze (and those adorable mashed potato laces!), they’re guaranteed to win over even the toughest fans at your watch party.

So preheat the oven, grab your apron, and make your kitchen the MVP of game night — one mini meatloaf at a time.