If you’re craving a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and loaded with bold flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf recipe is a must-try. Made with lean ground chicken, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and topped with marinara and melty mozzarella, these mini meatloaves are the perfect twist on a classic comfort food. They’re juicy, oven-baked, and packed with cheesy goodness—ideal for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.
Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for the family, or just need something satisfying and simple, these mini Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves are the answer. Let’s turn an everyday dish into something extraordinary!
Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves – Juicy, Cheesy & Family-Friendly Dinner
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Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves – Juicy, Cheesy & Family-Friendly Dinner
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Milk
Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
Seasonings
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
To Taste
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup Marinara Sauce
- 1/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Make the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, milk, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing for a tender texture.
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Form the Meatloaves: Shape the mixture into individual mini meatloaves and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Top with Sauce and Cheese: Remove from oven, spoon marinara over each loaf, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Return to oven for 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm!
What Are Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves?
Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves take everything you love about traditional meatloaf and elevate it with savory garlic, rich Parmesan cheese, and juicy ground chicken. Baked into individual portions, these mini meatloaves are perfect for easy serving and portion control.
Think: classic meatloaf meets Italian comfort food. With melty mozzarella on top and a spoonful of marinara sauce, every bite is bursting with bold, cheesy flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan:
- Bold Flavor: Garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella create a delicious Italian-inspired flavor profile.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, perfect for families.
- Quick & Easy: Just 15 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup.
- Customizable: Swap in beef, turkey, or add heat with red pepper flakes.
- Kid-Friendly: Mini loaves make serving and eating fun and easy!
These easy chicken meatloaves are a creative twist on an old favorite that delivers on both taste and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these delicious Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey or beef)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap in Italian seasoning for extra depth.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, milk, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—overmixing can make the meatloaves tough.
3. Shape Into Mini Meatloaves
Form the mixture into 4–6 equal mini loaves and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatloaves
Bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Add Marinara and Mozzarella
Spoon marinara sauce over each loaf and top with shredded mozzarella. Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve warm.
These cheesy garlic chicken meatloaves are perfect with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves
Make it a complete meal with one of these simple sides:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
- Caesar salad or mixed greens
- Penne pasta with marinara or pesto
Pro Tips for the Best Mini Meatloaves
- Don’t overmix: This keeps the meatloaf juicy and tender.
- Use a thermometer: Internal temp should be 165°F.
- Make ahead: Shape and chill the loaves until ready to bake.
- Use muffin tins: Great for smaller servings and faster cooking.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
Storage & Reheating
These meatloaves are great for meal prep!
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap cooled loaves and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Microwave with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use beef or turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef or turkey both work great in this recipe.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
Nope—feel free to use 1 tsp dried parsley instead.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! It scales easily and is great for meal prepping.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes—just mix and shape the loaves, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Meatloaves combine all the elements of comfort food—cheesy, garlicky, tender, and totally satisfying. They’re easy to make, perfect for leftovers, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you serve them with pasta, potatoes, or salad, this easy meatloaf recipe is a delicious, budget-friendly option that’ll keep your family coming back for more.