Of course! Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a fantastic, family-friendly twist on the classic comfort food. They are faster to cook, perfectly portioned, fun for kids, and have more surface area for everyone’s favorite part: the tasty glaze.
Here’s a complete guide to making them, including tips, a recipe, and why they’re so great.
Why Make Mini Meatloaf Muffins?
· Faster Cooking: They bake in about 20-25 minutes instead of an hour.
· Perfect Portion Control: Each “muffin” is a single serving.
· Kid-Approved: The small size and fun shape make them a hit with kids. They’re also great for parties or potlucks.
· More Glaze! Every bite has more of the caramelized ketchup or glaze topping.
· Guaranteed Doneness: They cook evenly, eliminating the worry of a raw center.
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Classic Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
This recipe is a staple for a reason—it’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy.
Yields: 12 muffins Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
· 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean/fat ratio is ideal)
· 1 large egg, lightly beaten
· 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain)
· 1/4 cup milk (or beef broth)
· 1/4 cup finely diced onion (about 1/4 small onion)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tsp dried parsley
· 1/2 tsp kosher salt
· 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
· 1/2 cup ketchup
· 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
· 1 tsp yellow mustard
· (Optional) 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or a dash of apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or a little oil.
2. Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid. This is the key to a moist meatloaf.
3. Combine Ingredients: To the same bowl, add the ground beef, egg, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix just until combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaves will become tough.
4. Form Muffins: Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing down gently to pack the meat into each cup. They will be nearly full.
5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
6. Top and Bake: Spoon the glaze evenly over the top of each meatloaf muffin.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the tops are caramelized.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges of each muffin and use a spoon or fork to lift them out. Serve immediately.
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Flavor Variations & Pro Tips:
Pro Tips for the Best Muffins:
· Don’t Overmix: Use your hands and mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.
· Test for Seasoning: Cook a tiny spoonful of the mixture in the microwave for 20 seconds. Taste it and adjust the seasoning in the raw mixture if needed.
· Use a Cookie Scoop: A large ice cream or cookie scoop makes filling the muffin cups quick, easy, and even.
· Resting is Key: Letting them rest for 5 minutes after baking prevents them from crumbling when you take them out.
Delicious Variations:
· BBQ Bacon: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the ketchup glaze. Top each muffin with a small piece of cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
· Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add an extra tablespoon of milk or broth to keep them moist.
· “Everything Bagel”: Add 2 tbsp of Everything Bagel seasoning to the meat mixture and use a cream cheese swirl on top before baking.
· Stuffed: Press a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the center of each muffin before baking for a cheesy, melty surprise.
· Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your mini meatloaf muffins with classic comfort food sides:
· Mashed Potatoes: The perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra glaze.
· Mac and Cheese: A timeless duo.
· Green Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad.
· Sweet Potato Fries: A fun and flavorful pairing.
Enjoy your delicious, bite-sized comfort food!