Meat Loaf Minis

This is one of the recipes I had saved on FB but it's gone from there. I'm putting it here so I don't lose it again :)


Ingredients:

Serves: 6 (not in my house!)
Yield: 12

• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1 (6 ounce) package stuffing mix (any kind)
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup shredded cheese
• about a teaspoon of various spices 
• 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce, spaghetti sauce, or salsa

BBQ sauce is the 'American' version

Spaghetti sauce is the 'Italian' version

Salsa is the 'Mexican' version

To be honest, I don't measure the spices or the cheese.

As far as the spices go, the original recipe said something like garlic powder for the American version, Italian seasoning for the Italian version, and chili powder for the Mexican version.  I usually just use what ever I have on hand (but always garlic, often minced onions and some form of Mrs. Dash).

As far as what cheese to use, that's up to you!  I frequently get the Italian blend no matter what kind of minis I'm making but have used cheddar and Mexican blend.  I've also used sliced cheese too.  It works just as well (and actually, it's not quite as messy as the shredded cheese.  I can never get the shredded cheese just on the minis - it always ends up spilling over and cooking onto the tin)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375.
2. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. Mix meat, stuffing mix, water and the spice add-in for the version of meatloaf that you prefer.
4. Divide equally into the muffin cups.
5. Make an indentation in the center of each meatloaf with a spoon; fill with the sauce add-in for the version of meatloaf that you prefer.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through, 160 degrees.
7. Top with cheese; continue baking 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
8. Let them cool off then NOM NOM NOM!

My super secret way to make this easy is to mix all the ingredients in a freezer size zip lock bag - no meat stuck under my fingernails that way!  

They don't always look 'pretty' but they are super easy and super delicious!