Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

If you’ve ever wished classic comfort food came pre-portioned, meet your new obsession: Meatloaf Muffins. These savory, individual-sized treats deliver everything you love about traditional meatloaf—juicy, tender texture, sweet tangy glaze, irresistible aroma—packaged into perfect single servings that bake up in just half an hour. Whether you’re making dinner for a family, prepping flavorful lunches for the week, or just want a fun twist on a classic dish, Meatloaf Muffins will soon become your go-to recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of simple, familiar ingredients is the secret behind why Meatloaf Muffins are so deeply satisfying. Each component brings something special to the table, from moisture to flavor to that crave-worthy golden finish!

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! Choose 80/20 for juicy muffins or leaner meat for a lighter version.
• Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding everything together and soaking up all those tasty juices.
• Milk: Adds tenderness and keeps the muffins perfectly moist without being greasy.
• Egg: Acts as the glue that holds your mini meatloafs together and gives them a light texture.
• Onion: Finely diced for sweet flavor and a bit of texture in every bite.
• Carrot: Grated for an extra layer of sweetness and a sneaky veggie boost.
• Garlic: Minced for aromatic depth that balances the richness of the beef.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash brings tangy, umami magic that wakes up the whole dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds subtle herby notes that make things feel a bit special.
• Salt: The classic flavor enhancer—don’t skip it!
• Black Pepper: For a gentle kick and warm finish.
• Ketchup: Some goes inside for flavor, and the rest creates that classic sticky-sweet topping.
• Brown Sugar: Mixed with ketchup for a lightly caramelized, irresistible glaze.

How to Make Meatloaf Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan

Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 12-cup muffin tin a quick grease or pop in some paper liners to make removing the Meatloaf Muffins a breeze. A little prep now means easy cleanup later (always a win in my book)!

Step 2: Mix Up the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely diced onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and half of the ketchup. Use clean hands or a large spoon to mix until everything is just combined. The key here is not to overdo it—the lighter you mix, the more tender your Meatloaf Muffins will be.

Step 3: Shape and Fill

Grab a scoop or spoon and divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, lightly pressing it in so it holds its shape but still stays airy. Don’t pack it too tightly—think cozy, not compacted!

Step 4: Glaze with Sweet Tang

In a small bowl, stir together the rest of the ketchup and the brown sugar until smooth. Spoon a generous dollop over each muffin, spreading gently to coat the tops. This little step is where the magic happens, caramelizing in the oven to create sweet, sticky, irresistible tops.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The aroma will make everyone in the house hungry! Let the Meatloaf Muffins rest for about 5 minutes—they’ll firm up and be easier to lift out without falling apart.

How to Serve Meatloaf Muffins

Garnishes

Once your Meatloaf Muffins are hot and ready, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can really make them pop. Even a touch of cracked black pepper or a few thinly sliced green onions will add a restaurant-worthy finishing touch and a burst of color.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes and green beans are a natural match, soaking up all that delicious glaze. But you can also serve these with simple steamed veggies, a fresh garden salad, or mini roasted potatoes. Their compact size means you can easily round out the plate however you like—ideal for feeding picky eaters or pleasing everyone at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the Meatloaf Muffins on a platter with toothpicks, or stack them up on a wooden board with a bowl of extra glaze. Turn them into sliders with mini buns and a quick slaw for a fun twist, or serve two with a colorful veggie skewer for a cheery dinner plate. The cuteness and versatility of these muffins might just steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Meatloaf Muffins cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re just as tender and moist the next day, perfect for easy lunches or dinners on busy nights.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Place cooled muffins on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the Meatloaf Muffins in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for about a minute per muffin until warmed through. If you have a little extra glaze, brush some on before reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven shine and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swapping in ground turkey or chicken makes the Meatloaf Muffins lighter but still flavorful. Just be sure to check the seasoning and don’t overmix, as leaner meats can get tough if handled too much.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the muffin tin or using paper liners does the trick. If you want super easy release, opt for silicone muffin pans, which pop the muffins out effortlessly.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Go ahead and get creative! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can be added in small amounts. Just make sure everything is finely diced or grated so it blends in and keeps the tender texture of your Meatloaf Muffins.

What’s the best glaze alternative if I don’t like ketchup?

Try barbecue sauce or a tomato-based chili sauce for a slightly smoky or spicy kick. You can also mix a little balsamic glaze or mustard into the topping for a unique flavor.

How do I make these in advance for a party?

You can make the Meatloaf Muffins mixture a day ahead, shape them in the tin, and store them covered in the fridge. Add the glaze just before baking for the freshest taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinners or wow friends at your next potluck, give these Meatloaf Muffins a try. They’re simple, fun, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you see those golden-topped mini loaves come out of the oven, you’ll be hooked!

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