Who has time to wait around for a whole loaf of meat to bake for an hour? Not me! These easy Meatloaf Meatballs come together in just 30 minutes. The best part? Every single meatball gets coated in that rich, caramelized sauce, not just the ends like a typical loaf.

Why I Love This Recipe

Growing up, meatloaf was not my favorite. I think it was the word “loaf” that turned me off. Also, I didn’t like a big slice of meat on my plate. In my 20s, I embraced the loaf and haven’t looked back. The sweet and savory caramelized sauce is a win for me.

Here are the top reasons why I love this recipe:

• Ready in 30 minutes.
• My kids love it.
• This is a big batch, freeze half for an even easier meal later.

Looking for another quick meal? Try my Chicken Artichoke Bake that’s ready in 35 minutes.

Meatloaf Meatballs Ingredients

This meatball recipe is a double batch for my family. Save yourself: cook once, and freeze half for later. Or for a family of 2, half the recipe.

Ground Beef & Pork

I like the combo of both ground beef and pork. Plus, pork is less expensive than beef, which helps the budget. But this recipe can be made with all beef, all pork, or a combo with ground turkey too.

Oats & Eggs

Crackers or breadcrumbs are typically added to meatloaf to stretch the meat. In this recipe we are using heart healthy oats, a good source of carbs and fiber. Furthermore, using oats makes this recipe gluten free.

To keep your meatballs moist (sorry to those who hate that word), you must add egg to the oats. This helps soften the oats and keeps the meatballs from drying out.

If you think the kids (or picky eaters) will balk at the oats in meatballs, grind them up in a food processer or coffee grinder. Or use crushed crackers or al dente rice.

Clean up those oats with this tasty recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Energy Balls.

Sauces

These sauces add some acidity. The best thing about meatloaf is you can throw just about anything in there. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Worcestershire sauce
2. Ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, Frank’s hot sauce or tomato sauce

Additional sauces are needed for the tangy sauce on top. This recipe uses ketchup, mustard and honey.

Aromatics & Spices

Onions: I learned this trick from my sister: sauté the onions before putting them in the mix. This makes so much sense. I’m not a huge fan of a plethora of raw onions, neither are my kids. This really mellows them out, so everyone is happy.

Garlic: While you’re sautéing the onions, throw in some minced garlic in the last 30 seconds.

Spices: Pick your favorites and toss them in. I tend to lean towards these in my meatloaf:

• Paprika
• Cumin
• Parsley
• Salt & Pepper

If you don’t have the ones above, just throw in your favorites on hand.

How to Make

These balls come together quickly. I like to get everything ready so I’m not washing my hands every other step.

1. Spray cooking sheet and set aside. Turn on oven to 375 degrees.
2. Whisk eggs, sauces, and seasoning together. Stir in oats, onion and garlic.
3. Using your hands, combine ground meat with the oat mixture. Roll into balls, slightly bigger than a golf ball, and place on baking sheet.
4. Whisk together the additional ketchup, mustard, and honey. Brush or spoon some mixture on each meatball making sure to get all sides.
5. Bake meatballs for 12 minutes at 375 degrees. Switch oven to broil. Broil until sauce has slightly caramelized and meatballs temp at 160 degrees (165 degrees, if using turkey).

If you have leftovers and need more sauce, just make another batch. Heat the meatballs and sauce up together on your stove top.

To make this even easier, portion out 6 mini meatloaves on your baking sheet. It will save you from rolling out all the meatballs, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure they temp at 160 degrees (165 if using turkey).

What to Serve With

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes go together like Snoopy and Woodstock. The creamy savory potato and slightly sweet sauce on the meatloaf are a match made in heaven. However, there are lots of options to pair with these meatloaf meatballs.

• Sweet Potato Mash
• Quinoa Salad
• House Salad
• Rice
• Roasted Potatoes
• Steamed Broccoli
• Caramelized Brussel Sprouts
• Green Beans
• Spaghetti Squash

Thanks for reading along. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. If you would like more healthy recipes like this one sent right to your inbox, please sign up for my Recipe Drops. They’re always FREE.

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