Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

Here is a delicious, family-friendly recipe for Mini Meatloaf Muffins, portioned and prepared in a standard muffin tin just like the prep shown in the image.

Description

These bite-sized mini meatloaves pack all the savory, comforting flavor of a traditional meatloaf into quick-cooking, individual portions. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or kid-friendly lunches, these muffins bake in a fraction of the time and feature a sweet and tangy glaze on top.

Ingredients

• Meat Mixture:

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and ground pork)

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup ketchup

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, green bell pepper, eggs, milk, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just incorporated—avoid over-mixing to keep the meat tender.

3. Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing down slightly so they fill each cup (making about 12 uniform portions, similar to the photo layout).

4. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

5. Top the Meatloaves: Spoon a thin layer of the glaze over the top of each unbaked mini meatloaf.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the edges are browned.

7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes before removing them with a spoon or spatula. Serve warm!

• Can I freeze mini meatloaf muffins? Yes! They freeze exceptionally well both before and after baking. To freeze cooked muffins, let them cool completely, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and reheat them in the microwave or oven.

• How do I keep them from sticking to the muffin tin? Generously spray your muffin tin with cooking spray, or use foil muffin liners for an effortless cleanup.

• Can I substitute the ground beef? You can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to keep the lean meat from drying out.