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Mini Lunchbox Meatloaves
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Mini Lunchbox Meatloaves

Mini Meatloaves, inspired by a recipe in our "Real Lunches, Real Easy" meal plans, are perfect for school lunches and bigger appetites. Make two batches at once to save time—one for dinner and one for lunches. You could even sub ground beef for ground turkey to switch it up a bit.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 (serving size = 2 mini loaves)
Course: Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the meatloaves (adapted from "Real Lunches, Real Easy" School Lunch Meal Plans)
  • olive oil for greasing the pan
  • 2 pounds ground beef can sub other ground meats
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 carrot shredded, about 1 cup
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 egg
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce plus more for tops, see recipe below
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
For the BBQ sauce (from "100 Days of Real Food" Cookbook)
  • 3/4 cup tomato sauce canned, plain
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

For the meatloaves
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a muffin pan with olive oil and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together all the rest of the ingredients until well combined. I think it's easiest to use my hands for this job!
  3. Spoon out between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of the meatloaf mixture into each muffin cup. Top each with a spoonful of the remaining BBQ sauce.
  4. Bake until cooked all the way through (165 degrees F), about 20 to 25 minutes.
For the BBQ sauce
  1. Combine all ingredients in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Adapted from "Real Lunches, Real Easy" School Lunch Meal Plans.
  • We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
  • Nutrition Facts Mini Lunchbox Meatloaves Amount Per Serving Calories 180 Calories from Fat 45 % Daily Value* Fat 5g8%Saturated Fat 2g13%Cholesterol 74mg25%Sodium 370mg16%Potassium 436mg12%Carbohydrates 14g5%Fiber 2g8%Sugar 7g8%Protein 19g38% Vitamin A 3527IU71%Vitamin C 3mg4%Calcium 38mg4%Iron 3mg17% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Calories 180
  • Calories from Fat 45
  • % Daily Value*
  • Fat 5g
  • 8%
  • Saturated Fat 2g
  • 13%
  • Cholesterol 74mg
  • 25%
  • Sodium 370mg
  • 16%
  • Potassium 436mg
  • 12%
  • Carbohydrates 14g
  • 5%
  • Fiber 2g
  • 8%
  • Sugar 7g
  • 8%
  • Protein 19g
  • 38%
  • Vitamin A 3527IU
  • 71%
  • Vitamin C 3mg
  • 4%
  • Calcium 38mg
  • 4%
  • Iron 3mg
  • 17%