Individual Carrot-Pork Loaves

These mini pork loaves cook entirely in the microwave, which means dinner for two is on the table fast. Shredded carrots mixed into the ground pork keep the meat moist while adding a subtle sweetness you don’t get from a plain meatloaf.

The trick is draining the fat every couple of minutes as the loaves cook. Microwave meatloaf can turn greasy if you skip this step, but stay on top of it and the result is surprisingly lean and tender. A blanket of melted cheddar on top seals the deal.

Shape the loaves evenly so they cook at the same rate. If one is thicker than the other, the thinner loaf will dry out before the bigger one finishes.

Kitchen Tips

• Give the dish a quarter turn every two minutes for even cooking. Microwaves have hot spots, and rotating prevents one side from overcooking.
• The loaves are done when there’s no pink remaining in the center. Let them rest for a minute after cooking so the juices redistribute.
• Fine, dry bread crumbs work best as the binder. Fresh breadcrumbs hold too much moisture and can make the texture mushy.

Variations

• Swap cheddar for pepper jack to add a spicy kick.
• Use ground turkey instead of pork for a leaner version.
• Mix in diced bell peppers or zucchini alongside the carrots for more hidden vegetables.