Meatloaf Muffins are a fun and convenient twist on classic homemade meatloaf. Instead of baking one large loaf, the seasoned ground beef mixture is divided into individual portions and baked in a muffin tin. The result is tender, flavorful mini meatloaves with delicious caramelized edges and a sweet, tangy glaze.
They’re perfect for busy weeknight dinners because they cook faster than traditional meatloaf and are easy to portion. Kids also love the individual muffin-sized servings, making this a family-friendly comfort food that’s simple to customize.
Why You’ll Love These Meatloaf Muffins
- Faster than traditional meatloaf: Individual portions cook quickly.
- Easy to serve: No slicing or complicated portioning.
- Family-friendly: A fun size that kids and adults enjoy.
- Tender and flavorful: Seasoned ground beef with a classic glaze.
- Great for meal prep: Easy to refrigerate or freeze.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Muffins
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Make Meatloaf Muffins
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk.
Let the mixture sit for approximately 2–3 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk and helps create tender meatloaf muffins.
3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
Place the ground beef in a large bowl.
Add the softened breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Gently mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
4. Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
Gently press the mixture into each cup without packing it too tightly.
5. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix until smooth.
6. Add the Glaze
Spoon a small amount of the glaze over the top of each meatloaf muffin, spreading it gently across the surface.
Reserve some glaze for serving if desired.
7. Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through.
For ground beef, the center should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
If you want a more caramelized topping, place the muffins under the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
8. Rest and Serve
Allow the meatloaf muffins to rest for approximately 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.
Use a spoon or small spatula to carefully lift them out.
Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Muffins
Don’t overmix the meat. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overworking the meat can produce dense muffins.
Use breadcrumbs soaked in milk. This helps keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
Don’t pack the mixture too tightly. Gently pressing the meat into the muffin cups gives you a lighter texture.
Grease the pan well. Meatloaf can stick to the sides of the muffin cups, so a generous coating of cooking spray helps.
Let them rest. A few minutes of resting makes them easier to remove and allows the juices to redistribute.
What to Serve with Meatloaf Muffins
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