Meatloaf Muffins
- Total Time: 35min
- Yield: 6servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These meatloaf muffins are a quick, fun twist on classic meatloaf, offering individual servings baked in a muffin tin. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, and kids’ lunches. These flavorful, tender muffins are topped with a tangy glaze and can be customized with different variations.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp mustard (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, grated onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme until well combined.
- Portion the mixture evenly into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- For the glaze, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl and spoon a small amount over each meatloaf muffin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if preferred.
- For a spicy glaze, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs such as oregano or rosemary.
- Use BBQ sauce instead of the glaze for a smoky variation.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Meatloaf muffins are the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting dish but want to change things up. They cook much faster than a traditional meatloaf, and the muffin shape makes it so much easier to serve. Plus, the combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a moist and flavorful meatloaf, while the optional glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tang. These meatloaf muffins are also great for meal prep or lunchboxes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp mustard (for glaze)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, grated onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until well incorporated.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze. Spoon a small amount of the glaze over each meatloaf muffin.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative, like lentils or a meat substitute.
- Cheese Stuffed: Add a small cube of cheese in the center of each muffin for a cheesy surprise.
- BBQ Glaze: Instead of ketchup and mustard, use barbecue sauce for a smoky twist on the glaze.
- Mini Meatballs: Make mini meatballs instead of muffins by forming the mixture into balls and baking on a sheet pan.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, rosemary, or parsley to change the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the meatloaf muffins to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the meatloaf muffins in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make meatloaf muffins ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and portion it into the muffin tin. Cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
2. Can I freeze meatloaf muffins?
Absolutely! After baking, let the meatloaf muffins cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them by thawing overnight and baking in the oven.
3. How can I make the glaze spicier?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well as ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may cook slightly faster.
5. Can I use fresh bread crumbs?
Yes, you can substitute fresh bread crumbs for the dry breadcrumbs. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the moisture level of the fresh crumbs.
6. How do I know when the meatloaf muffins are done?
The meatloaf muffins are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or when they are no longer pink in the center.
7. Can I use a muffin liner for this recipe?
While you can use muffin liners, it’s not necessary. Greasing the muffin tin works just fine and makes for easy cleanup.
8. How do I prevent the meatloaf muffins from being too dry?
Be sure not to overbake the meatloaf muffins. Check them at 20 minutes, and avoid squeezing the meat mixture too much when mixing. Adding the milk and egg helps keep them moist.
9. Can I make these meatloaf muffins in a regular loaf pan?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a muffin tin, shape the mixture into a loaf and bake it in a greased loaf pan. It will take longer to cook, around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness.
10. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Definitely! Finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
Meatloaf muffins are a fantastic, customizable version of the classic meatloaf, offering all the comfort and flavor in a convenient, bite-sized format. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, meal prep option, or a fun way to serve a family favorite, these muffins are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, can be stored for later, and are perfect for any occasion.
