Who can resist the allure of BBQ meatloaf bites that pack a flavorful punch with each bite? Blended with a mixture of vegetables and spices, then glazed with a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, these meatloaf bites have all the classic comfort of traditional meatloaf, but in fun, bite-sized servings. Perfect for parties and family dinners alike, this recipe also includes a delicious twist - a meatball sub made from the leftovers.
Photos of BBQ Meatloaf Bites Recipe
Most of these ingredients are commonly found in your pantry, such as ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and vegetables. However, you might need to pick up a few items such as the BBQ sauce and hot sauce for the glaze, as well as a soft French roll, provolone cheese, and banana peppers if you're making the meatball sub. The BBQ sauce you choose can greatly affect the final flavor, so pick one that you really enjoy.
BBQ Meatloaf Bites and Meatball Sub Ingredients
Ground beef: The main protein in this dish, chosen for its rich and flavorful profile.
Egg: Helps to bind the meatloaf mixture together.
Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps hold the meatloaf together.
Vegetables: Onion, carrot, celery, and green pepper add flavor and nutrition.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor to the meatloaf mix.
Spices: Chili powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce all contribute to the overall flavor.
BBQ sauce: This is used to create a sweet and tangy glaze for the meatloaf bites.
Brown sugar and Hot Sauce: Added to the BBQ glaze for extra sweetness and a kick of heat.
French roll, Provolone cheese, Marinara sauce, and Banana peppers: These ingredients are used to make the meatball sub.
One reader, Harmon Jeffery says:
The BBQ meatloaf bites recipe is a game-changer! The combination of savory meatloaf and tangy BBQ glaze is a flavor explosion. The bites are perfectly portioned and make for a delicious appetizer or main dish. Plus, the added bonus of using leftovers for a meatball sub is genius. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making BBQ Meatloaf Bites
Preheat the oven to 350°f: This step is essential to ensure the oven reaches the correct temperature for baking the meatloaf bites.
Make the meatloaf mixture: Combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, carrot, celery, green pepper, garlic, chili powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Mixing the ingredients thoroughly is crucial to ensure the meatloaf bites have a well-balanced flavor.
Fill the muffin tin with meatloaf: Line a muffin tin with foil for easier cleanup, then divide the meatloaf mixture between the muffin tins. Using about 1/4 cup of meatloaf mixture for each muffin tin, which ends up being about 3/4 full on each muffin tin, will help ensure even cooking.
Bake the bites: Place the meatloaf-packed muffin tins in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial to cook the meatloaf bites thoroughly.
Make the glaze: Stir together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce in a small bowl. This glaze adds a delicious flavor to the meatloaf bites.
Finish baking: After the bites have baked for 20 minutes, remove and brush the glaze right on the meatloaf tops. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the meatloaf bites are cooked through.
Serve: Remove the meatloaf bites once they have cooled slightly and serve with steamed veggies and potatoes. The meatloaf bites should hold together easily and not crumble.
Make the dad add sub with the leftovers: Heat the oven to 400°f. Cut open a soft French sub roll and slather on a few tablespoons of marinara sauce. Top with provolone cheese, a few meatloaf bites cut in half, and a few banana peppers. Bake the sub for 6 to 7 minutes until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve while warm.
How To Make BBQ Meatloaf Bites
This bbq meatloaf incorporates the spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors of barbecue in a mini version that even your kids will love.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Meatloaf Bites:
- 2lbslean ground beef,(no more than 10% fat)
- 1largeegg
- ¾cupbreadcrumbs
- 1½cupwhite onion,diced
- ⅓cupcelery,diced
- ⅓cupcarrot,diced
- ⅓cupgreen pepper,diced
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tspchili powder
- ½tspsalt
- ½tspblack pepper
- 1tbspworcestershire sauce
For Bbq Glaze:
- 1cupbarbecue sauce
- ¼cupbrown sugar
- 1tbsphot sauce,optional
For Meatball Sub (Makes 1 sub):
- 1soft french roll
- 3cooked meatloaf bites
- 2tbspmarinara sauce,store bought or homemade
- 2ozprovolone cheese
- banana peppers
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, carrot, celery, green pepper, garlic, chili powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Line a muffin tin with foil for easier cleanup, and then divide the meatloaf mixture between the muffin tins.
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Place the meatloaf-packed muffin tins in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes.
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Stir together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar and, if using, hot sauce in a small bowl. After the bites have baked for 20 minutes, remove and brush the glaze right on the meatloaf tops.
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Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until meatloaf bites are cooked through.
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Remove meatloaf bites once they have cooled slightly and serve with steamed veggies and potatoes. The meatloaf bites should hold together easily and not crumble.
Dad Add Sub:
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Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut open a soft French sub roll and slather on a few tablespoons of marinara sauce. Top with provolone cheese, a few meatloaf bites cut in half, and a few banana peppers.
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Bake the sub for 6 to 7 minutes until it’s the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve while warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 211.85kcal
- Fat: 11.70g
- Saturated Fat: 4.54g
- Trans Fat: 0.60g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.91g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.50g
- Carbohydrates: 15.11g
- Fiber: 0.90g
- Sugar: 8.53g
- Protein: 11.02g
- Cholesterol: 48.33mg
- Sodium: 319.32mg
- Calcium: 59.67mg
- Potassium: 251.95mg
- Iron: 1.59mg
- Vitamin A: 38.38µg
- Vitamin C: 4.39mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing BBQ Meatloaf Bites
When preparing the meatloaf bites, it's important to ensure that all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly for a consistent flavor in every bite. Using your hands can be more effective than a spoon or spatula, as it allows you to break up the ground beef and integrate the spices, vegetables, and breadcrumbs more evenly. However, be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and tough meatloaf. A good tip is to mix until just combined, and no more. This will ensure your meatloaf bites are flavorful and tender.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the onion, celery, carrot, and green pepper for the meatloaf mixture.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of meatloaf bites and freezing the extras for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Bake and freeze: Bake the meatloaf bites ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven and brush with the BBQ glaze.
Pre-portion: Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the meatloaf mixture into the muffin tin for even and quick preparation.
Invest in a meat thermometer: Investing in a meat thermometer will ensure that the meatloaf bites are cooked to perfection without overcooking.
Substitute Ingredients For BBQ Meatloaf Bites Recipe
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to ground beef, and it can be used in place of beef in many recipes without sacrificing flavor or texture.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, and they create a crispier texture when used as a coating or filler in recipes.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor than white onions, but they can be used interchangeably in most recipes without a significant difference in taste.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can be used as a substitute for celery in meatloaf bites.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips have a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor to carrots, and they can be used as a substitute in meatloaf bites for added depth of flavor.
green pepper - Substitute with red pepper: Red peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor than green peppers and can be used as a substitute to add color and sweetness to the meatloaf bites.
chili powder - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a similar smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the meatloaf bites, and it can be used as a substitute for chili powder.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory and umami flavor to the meatloaf bites, similar to Worcestershire sauce, and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with homemade barbecue sauce: Homemade barbecue sauce allows for customization of flavors and can be adjusted to personal taste preferences, making it a great substitute for store-bought barbecue sauce.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and depth of flavor to the barbecue glaze, and it can be used as a natural substitute for brown sugar.
hot sauce - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add heat and spice to the barbecue glaze, similar to hot sauce, and can be used as a substitute to adjust the level of spiciness.
Presentation Ideas for BBQ Meatloaf Bites
Elevate the meatloaf bites: Arrange the meatloaf bites on a sleek, rectangular serving platter with a subtle elevation to create visual interest.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a delicate touch of freshness and color by sprinkling the platter with vibrant microgreens to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Incorporate elegant sauce drizzles: Artfully drizzle the barbecue glaze in a zigzag pattern across the meatloaf bites, using a squeeze bottle to create a refined and sophisticated presentation.
Utilize modern plateware: Serve the meatloaf bites on contemporary, minimalist plates to provide a clean and polished backdrop for the dish.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place edible gold leaf on the meatloaf bites to add a touch of opulence and elegance.
Present with precision: Arrange the meatloaf bites with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each element is placed purposefully and with precision on the plate.
Incorporate negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the meatloaf bites to be the focal point while maintaining an overall sense of balance and sophistication.
Use high-quality serving utensils: Select elegant, polished serving utensils to complement the presentation and elevate the dining experience for the esteemed guests.
Essential Tools for Making Meatloaf Bites
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients for the meatloaf bites. It provides a spacious and sturdy vessel for mixing the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and various vegetables.
Muffin tin: The muffin tin is used to shape the meatloaf bites. It allows for portioning the meatloaf mixture into individual servings and ensures even cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are necessary for accurately measuring ingredients such as breadcrumbs, brown sugar, and spices to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Basting brush: A basting brush is used to apply the barbecue glaze onto the meatloaf bites. It helps to evenly distribute the glaze, adding flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used to mix the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce to create the flavorful glaze for the meatloaf bites.
Oven: The oven is used for baking the meatloaf bites and the dad add sub. It provides the necessary heat for cooking the meatloaf to perfection and melting the cheese on the sub.
Foil: Foil is used to line the muffin tin, making cleanup easier and preventing the meatloaf bites from sticking to the pan.
Knife: A knife is used for chopping the vegetables such as onions, celery, carrots, and garlic for the meatloaf mixture, as well as for cutting the dad add sub before baking.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and other ingredients for the meatloaf bites and dad add sub.
Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is used to ensure that the meatloaf bites reach the recommended internal temperature of 160°F, indicating that they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for BBQ Meatloaf Bites
- Once the meatloaf bites have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the meatloaf bites, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen bites to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen meatloaf bites in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual bites in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high power.
- If you have leftover barbecue glaze, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can use it to brush on the reheated meatloaf bites for extra flavor and moisture.
- Pro tip: For best results, avoid freezing the meatloaf bites with the barbecue glaze already applied, as it may become watery upon thawing. Instead, freeze the bites without the glaze and apply it after reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover BBQ Meatloaf Bites
To reheat leftover bbq meatloaf bites, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Brush a little extra barbecue sauce on top of each bite to keep them moist and flavorful during reheating. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Another option is to reheat the meatloaf bites in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan and heat over medium heat. Place the bites in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place the meatloaf bites on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the bites to become tough and rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your bbq meatloaf bites for a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the bites in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
For a delicious twist, slice the leftover meatloaf bites in half and place them cut-side down on a hot grill or grill pan. Brush with additional barbecue sauce and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until heated through and slightly charred. This method adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the bites.
Interesting Trivia About Meatloaf Bites
The meatloaf bites can be a great make-ahead option for meal prep, as they can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer for later consumption. This makes them a convenient and quick option for busy days when you need a satisfying and delicious meal.
Is Making BBQ Meatloaf Bites Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this bbq meatloaf bites recipe is quite high. Ground beef is a relatively affordable protein, and the addition of vegetables and breadcrumbs helps stretch the meatloaf mixture. The use of common pantry staples like barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce adds flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The versatility of the recipe, including the option to repurpose leftovers into a delicious meatball sub, further enhances its value. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly meal option.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The BBQ meatloaf bites recipe is a tasty and convenient meal option, but it does have some aspects that could be considered unhealthy. The recipe uses lean ground beef, which is a good source of protein but can also be high in saturated fat. The breadcrumbs and barbecue sauce add carbohydrates and sugar to the dish. The addition of vegetables like onion, celery, carrot, and green pepper does provide some nutrients, but they are in relatively small amounts compared to the meat.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a leaner ground beef (90% or higher) or substitute a portion of the beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce the saturated fat content
- Replace the breadcrumbs with rolled oats or crushed whole-grain crackers to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze or use a low-sugar barbecue sauce to decrease the overall sugar content
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the meatloaf mixture to boost the nutrient density of the dish
- Serve the meatloaf bites with a side salad or a larger portion of steamed vegetables to create a more balanced meal
- When making the meatball sub, opt for a whole-grain roll and add more vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Editor's Opinion on BBQ Meatloaf Bites
The BBQ meatloaf bites recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The individual portions make for a fun and convenient way to enjoy meatloaf, and the addition of the BBQ glaze adds a delicious sweet and tangy flavor. The use of fresh vegetables and seasonings enhances the overall taste and texture. The Dad Add Sub is a brilliant way to repurpose leftovers, creating a mouthwatering meatball sub with a unique twist. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves comfort food with a twist.
Enhance Your BBQ Meatloaf Bites Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this BBQ Meatloaf Bites Recipe:
This recipe guarantees delicious meatloaf bites that are perfect for any occasion. The combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices ensures a flavorful and juicy result. The addition of a homemade bbq glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish, elevating the dish to a whole new level. The versatility of using the leftover meatloaf bites to create a mouthwatering meatball sub showcases the recipe's creativity and resourcefulness. Trust in the quality and expertise behind this recipe for a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
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