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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lightly greasing it or inserting paper liners to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, gently amalgamate ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, and egg, ensuring a uniform consistency without excessive manipulation.
- Incorporate finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika into the meat mixture, blending ingredients thoroughly but delicately.
- Distribute the seasoned meat mixture evenly across the muffin cups, using gentle pressure to create compact, level surfaces.
- Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate small bowl until well combined.
- Generously apply the prepared glaze atop each meat-filled cup, creating a glossy, caramelized coating.
- 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.
- After removing from the oven, allow the meatloaf muffins to rest briefly, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist texture.
- 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