Description

Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food, often evoking memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. However, traditional meatloaf can take time to prepare and may not suit every occasion, especially when you're looking for something more convenient or fun for a group. Enter the Irresistible Mini Meatloaf Muffins—a bite-sized version of this classic dish that delivers all the savory goodness of traditional meatloaf but in a more compact, playful form. These meatloaf muffins are perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even serving as appetizers at a gathering. The individual portions not only make serving easy but also allow for customization in seasoning and toppings to suit everyone's taste.

The blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices ensures these mini muffins are packed with flavor, while the glaze on top adds that signature meatloaf sweetness. With a cooking time that’s significantly reduced compared to full-sized meatloaf, these muffins make it easy to enjoy a hearty meal even on the busiest of days.

Ingredients

• 1 lb of ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup of ketchup (for the glaze)
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of mustard

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray.
Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf muffins dense.
Form the muffins: Evenly divide the meat mixture into the muffin tin, pressing down gently to shape each muffin.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spoon a generous amount of the glaze over each meatloaf muffin.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
Serve: Allow the muffins to rest for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a few more ingredients to your meat mixture, such as grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped bell peppers. You can also experiment with different sauces for the glaze, like BBQ sauce or even a spicy sriracha-ketchup blend for a bit of heat. If you're meal-prepping, these muffins freeze well, making them an excellent option for future lunches or quick dinners.

The Irresistible Mini Meatloaf Muffins take all the best elements of a classic meatloaf and condense them into a convenient, bite-sized format. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual get-together, these muffins are a surefire hit. They’re simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to suit your preferences. Try them out today, and you’ll see why they’ve become a favorite for home cooks everywhere. The combination of hearty meat, tangy glaze, and quick cooking time makes this recipe one you'll turn to again and again.