Savory Meatloaf Muffins Recipe: Bite-Sized Comfort Food Magic

Crusty golden meatloaf muffins deliver comfort in every bite-sized portion.

Small packages often hide surprising delights waiting to be discovered.

Compact and convenient, these miniature meat treasures simplify weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these individual servings come together in standard muffin tins.

Lean ground beef combined with herbs and seasonings creates a hearty meal packed with flavor.

Rich aromas will drift through your kitchen, drawing everyone closer to the table.

Savor each perfectly portioned morsel that promises satisfaction in just a few delectable bites.

Tips for Baking Perfect Meatloaf Muffins

• Customize Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for healthier muffins or blend different meats like beef, pork, and veal for richer flavor complexity.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Mix milk and egg thoroughly to keep meatloaf muffins moist and tender, avoiding overworking the meat mixture which can make them tough.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to increase nutritional value and create subtle sweet undertones in the meatloaf muffins.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make these muffins ahead and freeze individually wrapped for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners that reheat perfectly.
• Control Portion Sizes: Use the muffin tin method for precise serving sizes, making it easier to track calories and manage meal portions for diet-conscious individuals.

Store and Reheat Meatloaf Muffins Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover meatloaf muffins in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place muffins on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, reaching an internal temperature of 165F.
• For quick reheating, place muffins on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to avoid overcooking.

What Goes Great with Meatloaf Muffins

• Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to match the rich, meaty flavor of the meatloaf muffins, cutting through the richness with its tannic structure.
• Whip up smooth, buttery mashed potatoes seasoned with roasted garlic and chives to balance the meatloaf's savory glaze and provide a comforting side dish.
• Toss a crisp mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette and toasted almonds to add refreshing acidity and textural contrast against the dense meatloaf muffins.
• Prepare a quick brown gravy with pan drippings and herbs to enhance the meatloaf's flavor profile, adding moisture and an extra layer of richness to each bite.

Flavor Twists for Your Next Batch of Meatloaf Muffins

• Gluten-Free Muffins: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining a similar texture and binding properties.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentils mixed with mushrooms for a meat-free version that delivers rich, satisfying flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and replace breadcrumbs with grated zucchini or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meatloaf muffin.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped spinach, and oregano into the meat mixture, then top with a tzatziki-style sauce for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that adds excitement to the classic recipe.

Meatloaf Muffins That Are Small but Mighty

• Compact meatloaf muffins transform traditional meatloaf into convenient, individually portioned servings perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
• Flexible recipe allows personalized variations by swapping ground beef with turkey, adding different herbs, or experimenting with unique glaze combinations to suit family preferences.
• Short 20-25 minute baking window means these mini meatloaves cook faster than traditional meatloaf, reducing overall kitchen time and getting dinner on the table quickly.
• Individual muffin-sized servings appeal to children, making mealtime more fun and helping parents manage portion sizes while ensuring balanced nutrition.

Gather These Ingredients for Meatloaf Muffins

• Ground Beef: A classic protein choice with rich flavor, best from 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for moisture.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meat and create tender texture, plain or seasoned varieties work well.
• Egg: Natural binder that holds the mixture together and adds richness.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide deep savory undertones, fresh is always preferred.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami depth and tangy notes to the meat mixture.
• Thyme, Smoked Paprika: Herbs and spices that contribute warm, earthy background flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste, kosher salt recommended.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking, classic meatloaf flavor profile.

• Milk: Helps keep the meatloaf muffins tender and prevents dryness, whole milk works best.

Make Meatloaf Muffins That Stay Moist and Tasty

Step 1: Blend Meaty Goodness

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Smoked paprika

Gently mix ingredients until just combined, avoiding heavy handling that could make meat tough.

Step 2: Shape Savory Cups

Prepare a 12-cup muffin pan by coating with cooking spray or lining with paper liners.

Distribute meat mixture evenly across muffin cavities, pressing gently to create uniform tops.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Spread glaze generously across each meatloaf muffin surface.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide muffin pan into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake until meat reaches internal temperature of 160°F, approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow muffins to rest briefly after removing from oven.

Plate with complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or crisp garden salad.

Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory meatloaf muffins promise a delightful twist on classic comfort food, perfectly portioned for easy serving. Meaty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these individual parcels deliver a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 large egg

Binders and Fillers:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Glaze:

• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lightly greasing it or inserting paper liners to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently amalgamate ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, and egg, ensuring a uniform consistency without excessive manipulation.
3. Incorporate finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika into the meat mixture, blending ingredients thoroughly but delicately.
4. Distribute the seasoned meat mixture evenly across the muffin cups, using gentle pressure to create compact, level surfaces.
5. Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate small bowl until well combined.
6. Generously apply the prepared glaze atop each meat-filled cup, creating a glossy, caramelized coating.
7. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C) for food safety.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the meatloaf muffins to rest briefly, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist texture.
9. Carefully extract the muffins from the tin and plate alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef with 90/10 fat content to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, healthier muffin.
• Mix ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense meatloaf by avoiding overworking the meat mixture.
• Add grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutrition and keep the meatloaf moist without changing the core flavor profile.
• Experiment with alternative protein options such as ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes for different dietary needs and preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg