Spicy Mini Meatloaf
Cooking for One
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Course
- Features: Fast, Make-Ahead Recipes
Summary:
This recipe makes enough for 4 small meatloafs; we're suggesting you freeze three of them and bake one at a time. To adjust the heat level to your taste, use mild to spicy salsa and, if desired, omit the pepper-sauce glaze.
Serve with roasted, mashed or scalloped potatoes (or root vegetables) and a crisp green salad.
MAKE AHEAD: The unbaked meatloafs freeze well for up to 1 month. Let defrost in the refrigerator before baking. The meatloaf also can be made in one small loaf pan and sliced into portions after baking; increase the baking time as needed so the meatloaf's internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
4 single-serving meatloafs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground pork (may substitute ground turkey, chicken or beef; internal temperatures should be 170 for the poultry products)
- 1/2 cup dried plain bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup store-bought salsa (see headnote)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus a few leaves for optional garnish (may substitute cilantro)
- 2 teaspoons any mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup apple jelly (may substitute apricot preserves)
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
Directions:
Preheat the toaster oven to 350 degrees. Use nonstick cooking oil spray to lightly grease the insides of four 4- to 5-ounce ramekins.
Combine the pork, bread crumbs, egg, salsa, chopped parsley, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix until well incorporated. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions; form each into a ball, then fit them into the ramekins, leaving the meatloafs domed on top.
Combine the apple jelly and hot pepper sauce in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on HIGH for about 30 seconds to soften the jelly. Whisk to form a glaze, then brush it on the top of each meatloaf; there may be some leftover glaze, which can be used to brush the baked meatloaf. Wrap 3 of the ramekins tightly in plastic wrap for freezing.
Bake the remaining meatloaf for about 20 minutes or until it is nicely browned on top and its interior temperature registers at least 160 degrees on a instant-read thermometer. Let cool slightly, then unmold and place on a plate, glazed side up. If desired, brush again with any remaining glaze.
Garnish with parsley leaves, if desired.
Recipe Source:
From Food editor Joe Yonan, based on a recipe in "The Gourmet Toaster Oven" by Lynn Alley (Ten Speed Press, 2005).
E-mail the Food Section with recipe questions.
(Dayna Smith for The Washington Post)
