Meatloaf Muffins Recipe – A Fun & Flavorful Twist on a Classic
This meatloaf muffins recipe is the perfect solution when you’re craving comfort food but want something fun, fast, and easy to serve. These mini meatloaves are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor—just like traditional meatloaf, but baked in a muffin tin for perfect individual portions. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving dinner to a hungry family, these savory muffins are a hit every time. Top them with a sweet ketchup glaze and pair them with mashed potatoes or veggies for a complete and satisfying meal. They cook faster than a traditional loaf and freeze beautifully, too!
Ingredients Of Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with foil baking cups.
Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If you prefer a milder onion flavor, lightly sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, then let cool.
Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing gently to shape.
Add the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon or brush a little glaze over the top of each meatloaf muffin.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve?
- With mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal
- Alongside mac and cheese or roasted vegetables
- Packed in lunchboxes for a fun, protein-packed midday option
- On slider buns for mini meatloaf sandwiches
- Frozen and reheated for a quick weeknight dinner
Tips & Variations
Make it leaner: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add cheese: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
Boost the veggies: Add finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell pepper for extra nutrition.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Freezer friendly: Let cooked muffins cool, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven or microwave
Nutrition
- Per muffin (makes 12):
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
Recipe Card
Meatloaf Muffins Recipe – A Fun & Flavorful Twist on a Classic
12 Muffins
servings10
minutes25
minutes170
kcalIngredients
1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with foil baking cups.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional):
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, lightly sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, then let cool.
- Mix the Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing gently to shape.
- Add the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon or brush a little glaze over the top of each meatloaf muffin.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat—mix just until combined for the best texture.
- For even cooking, press the meat evenly into each muffin cup.
- You can double the glaze recipe if you like extra saucy muffins.
- Let them rest a few minutes before removing from the pan to keep them intact.
- These also work great as a party appetizer with toothpicks!
FAQs
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying twist on a traditional favorite, these meatloaf muffins deliver on flavor, ease, and convenience. Whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead, or feeding a crowd, these mini meatloaves are a reliable go-to. Their individual size makes them fun to eat, quick to bake, and easy to store or freeze. With a sweet and tangy glaze on top and endless ways to customize, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again!
