Mini Meatloaf Muffins: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Mini meatloaf muffins are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These bite-sized meatloaves are not only fun to eat but also incredibly easy to make! Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or serving at gatherings, they are sure to please everyone at the table. With their appealing presentation and hearty flavors, mini meatloaf muffins bring comfort food to a whole new level!
A Personal Story Behind My Mini Meatloaf Muffins Journey
Growing up, my family often enjoyed meatloaf for dinner. It was a staple in our household, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy. One day, while trying to make dinner more exciting, I decided to create mini versions of our beloved meatloaf. The result was a hit! Now, these mini meatloaf muffins are a cherished recipe that I love to share with friends and family, bringing back memories of joyful mealtimes.
What Makes This Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your taste. The muffins are packed with flavor from the lean ground beef, minced onion, and a hint of garlic powder. The sweet and tangy topping made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Plus, you can easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite spices or even some shredded cheese for a gooey twist. This recipe is not only quick but also a fantastic way to engage kids in the kitchen!
The Full Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion, finely minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 cup ketchup, divided
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. This will help ensure your mini meatloaf muffins release easily once baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and 1/2 cup of ketchup. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Fill each muffin cup in the prepared muffin tin with the meatloaf mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure they hold their shape.
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup with the brown sugar and mustard. Spoon this mixture on top of each meatloaf muffin for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). A helpful tip: you can check the doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Allow the mini meatloaf muffins to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to remove from the muffin tin.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Mini Meatloaf Muffins
These mini meatloaf muffins are versatile and can be served in various ways. Pair them with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They also make great sandwich fillers; just place them between slices of bread with your favorite condiments. For a fun twist, consider adding shredded cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor. You can even experiment with different spices or add veggies like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Can I make these mini meatloaf muffins ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover mini meatloaf muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I make these mini meatloaf muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a delicious gluten-free option.
What can I serve with mini meatloaf muffins?
Mini meatloaf muffins pair well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also serve them as appetizers at a party with toothpicks for easy eating.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per Serving: 350
Servings: 6
Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Equipment
- Muffin tin Use a standard muffin tin, greased.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion, finely minced
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.75 cup ketchup, divided
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. This will help ensure your mini meatloaf muffins release easily once baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and 1/2 cup of ketchup. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Fill each muffin cup in the prepared muffin tin with the meatloaf mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure they hold their shape.
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup with the brown sugar and mustard. Spoon this mixture on top of each meatloaf muffin for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). A helpful tip: you can check the doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Allow the mini meatloaf muffins to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to remove from the muffin tin.