Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Meatloaf Muffins: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Easy Mini Meatloaves


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Description

Individual meatloaf muffins, perfectly portioned and packed with flavor! A fun and easy twist on classic comfort food, great for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup Milk (any kind)
  • 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Green Bell Pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin. Finely chop onion and green bell pepper; mince garlic.
  2. Bread Crumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add ground beef, egg, chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to the bread crumb mixture.
  4. Mix Gently: Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in cheddar cheese, if using.
  5. Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup almost to the top with the meatloaf mixture.
  6. Top with Ketchup: Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of each muffin.
  7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Check for doneness with a meat thermometer or toothpick.
  8. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Ground Beef: 80/20 ground beef is recommended for flavor and moisture.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing will result in tough meatloaf.
  • Moisture: The milk and bread crumb mixture is essential for keeping the meatloaf muffins moist.
  • Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like barbecue sauce or brown sugar glaze.
  • Vegetables: Add finely grated carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make these meatloaf muffins gluten-free.
  • Freezing: Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the microwave or oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes