This IS the best meatloaf recipe ever...according to my son.   "The kids in my class were CRAZY...they didn't LIKE meatloaf!  I couldn't believe it.  I guess it's just because they had cafeteria meatloaf."  I'm generally not a fan of tooting-my-own-horn, but the other suggestion was 'meat muffins'...and that just didn't sound appetizing.

Truly, though, this is a very awesome meatloaf recipe, and I think you should try it, even if you like your current recipe, or if you have family members who 'don't like meatloaf'.  That was us...that was ME, before I discovered this recipe!  It's my own modification of a Boston Market Meatloaf recipe knockoff that I found online years ago.

There are lots of opinions on meatloaf out there.  My siblings and I sure had them when we were kids.  'Slimy onion chunks'?  Gone.  Bell Pepper?  No way-uh, Hosea.  You won't even need any eggs or ketchup for this one.  It's kinda' special and unique!

This is everything that you love about a good meatball, 'cept it's in a meatloaf form.  Or, in the case of what I'm making today, 'Mini Meatloaf'.  If you prefer the traditional 'loaf', then feel free to bake in a regular loaf pan.  The printable recipe has directions for both.  I am going for the muffin tin with silicone liners today , because baking time is significantly reduced, and they freeze/reheat easily. 

Let's get started! 

First, crank the oven to 400*.  Now, you'll need a cup of tomato juice, 2 tablespoons of bbq sauce...and a tablespoon of sugar.  Warm in a small sauce pan, until it bubbles around the edges, and turn off heat.  The bbq sauce just adds depth and more flavor to the tomato sauce...it's not going to taste like BB-Q meatloaf.  Although, that might be a kinda tasty modification to try out!

While the sauce heats, I'm going to go ahead and combine my pound and a half of ground beef, 2/3 cup of oatmeal (regular or quick cooking), 1/3 c. flour, and spices in a bowl.  I use 1/2 t. of onion powder, 3/4 t. salt, and a pinch of garlic powder and ground black pepper.  Not tons of spices, but the sauce will impart a lot of flavor.  And speaking of the sauce...I think it's bubbly by now.

Once you've got a nice, even blend, it's time to transfer it to your meatloaf pan!  Here is my little mini-meatloaf pan all ready to go. I like to use a large stainless steel scoop to transfer it into the cups. 

The last thing I do is make an indention down the middle that will later hold the sauce.  Almost ready to go!

To keep them from drying out, I cover the pan with foil.  Into the oven they go!

Bake for 20 minutes.  They'll be nearly set.  Now,  you want to take them out and remove the foil.  I want a nice, browned top and some sticky nummy sauce on each one...

Yes!  Back into the oven for 7-8 more minutes, until they're browned and the house smells sooooo good that you can't stand it!