Our new neighborhood is a child’s paradise. All day long there’s kids zipping around on scooters and bikes, and running between backyards stopping only for forced food and water breaks. There weren’t any kids our kids’ ages at the old house so Lincoln, especially, is in heaven! Ben and I both grew up in neighborhoods full of children, whom we were shoo’ed out the door to play with all summer long, so it’s a treat knowing our kids will be able to have the same experience. Now when I say “forced food and water breaks” I am not exaggerating. I saw Lincoln for a grand total of 30 minutes between the hours of 9am and 5pm yesterday. His shoes are still wet this afternoon if that tells you what kind of fun he got into. I finally got him to sit in his chair for longer than 10 minutes with the promise of Mini Taco Meatloaf for dinner!
Can I take a second to self-proclaim myself the Mini Meatloaf Queen? Is that something people aspire to be? We’re rolling with it. You guys, mini meatloaves are my JAM. They are such a great way to give familiar flavors a twist AND serve them up in a fun, individual-sized package. Here are my favorite past renditions:
Mini BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf Italian Sausage and Pepper Ring Mini Meatloaves Mini Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Stuffed Italian Meatball Mini Meatloaf Mini Muffuletta Meatloaf Mini Mediterranean Turkey Meatloaf
These Mini Taco Meatloaves have all the flavor of tacos, smashed into a tasty, cheesy individual-sized portion. No crisping up taco shells, no drying tears when said taco shells inevitably shatter and the fillings go cascading onto the floor, no internal screaming when having to clean up said fillings from the floor. You get the picture. This dish is a total upgrade!
Tips for Making Mini Taco Meatloaf
Allllrighty – let’s cook (then more importantly, EAT!)
How to Make This Recipe
Start by combining salsa, gluten free bread cumbs, taco seasoning, cubed cheddar cheese, a whisked egg and a big dollop of hummus (un-pictured) in a large glass bowl.
Crumble lean ground beef (I use 90/10) on top then use your hands to mix everything until just combined. Divide the mixture into four portions then shape into mini meatloaves and place on a foil-lined, nonstick-sprayed baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes at 425 degrees then you’re set! LOOK at that melty, cheesy taco deliciousness! ?
Serve with a scoop of salsa, if you please, then dig in! I hope you love this simple yet scrumptious twist on taco night – enjoy!
More Taco-Inspired Recipes
Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Cheesy Taco Soup Mini Taco Meatloaf
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