Five-Way Mini Meatloaves

Even though these Ground Beef meatloaves might be mini, they are chock-full of flavor and nutrients. Try a classic mini meatloaf, or one of four new varieties.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner)
• 1/3 cup saltine, butter cracker crumbs or Panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/3 cup reduced-fat 2% milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• Ketchup or barbecue sauce and shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

   Cook's Tip: To make cracker crumbs, place crackers in food-safe plastic bag; close bag securely, squeezing out air. Crush crackers with rolling pin to form fine crumbs.

2. Shape beef mixture into 12 equal portions. Place into 12-cup standard muffin pan, lightly patting beef mixture to level top. Bake in 350°F oven 19 to 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

   Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.

3. Remove from oven. Garnish with Toppings, as desired. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 
   
   Recipe Variations:
   
   Italian Mini Meatloaves: Add 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, 1/2 cup pasta sauce and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil to base meatloaf ingredients. Bake 22 to 24 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Evenly top with shredded Parmesan cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional pasta sauce and garnish with additional chopped basil, as desired.
   
   Greek Mini Meatloaves: Add 3 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano to base meatloaf ingredients. Bake 22 to 24 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Evenly top with crumbled feta cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with prepared tzatiki sauce. Garnish with sliced cucumber, as desired.
   
   Asian Mini Meatloaves: Add 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger to base meatloaf ingredients. Bake 22 to 24 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Evenly top with hoisin sauce or teriyaki glaze. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions or chopped cilantro, as desired.
   
   Spanish Mini Meatloaves: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped Spanish olives and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to base meatloaf ingredients. Bake 22 to 24 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Evenly top with shredded manchego cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced Spanish olives, as desired.

• Test Kitchen Tips Use a gentle touch with ground beef. Over-mixing will result in burgers, meatballs or meatloaves with a firm texture.