If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic comfort dish, then you have to try this Meatloaf Muffins Recipe. These adorable, perfectly portioned meatloaf muffins bring all the cozy flavors of traditional meatloaf with a quick, easy, and playful presentation. Packed with savory ground beef, bell peppers, and a tangy BBQ glaze, each muffin bakes to juicy perfection with a crispy edge, making them a guaranteed hit for families and dinner parties alike. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough for any home cook to master without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are all straightforward, accessible, and each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory ground beef to the fresh crunch of bell peppers, these ingredients come together to create those irresistible meatloaf muffins you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together perfectly.
- ½ cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and ensures a tender, moist texture.
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and extra flavor depth.
- ½ cup finely diced green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the beef.
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce: Brings a smoky sweetness into the mix for a flavor boost.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Layers in herby notes that complement the beef.
- 1 ½ pounds 85% lean ground beef: The hearty foundation of the dish, juicy but not too fatty.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a familiar tang and sweetness to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce: Combined in the glaze for that signature smoky finish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Introduces a gentle bite that balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 12-cup muffin pan well with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial to ensure your meatloaf muffins come out clean and keep their shape perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Add the Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine everything nicely. Then fold in the diced onion and bell pepper, followed by crumbling the ground beef on top. Use a spoon initially to mix, finishing up with your hands to gently bring everything together. Be careful not to overwork the meat — tender meatloaf comes from gentle mixing.
Step 3: Shape into Muffins
Using a dry â…“-cup measure, pack the meat mixture tightly and roll each portion into a neat ball. Place each ball into the prepared muffin pan wells, creating uniform little meatloaf muffins that will cook evenly.
Step 4: Bake Part One
Slide the muffin pan into the oven and bake the meatloaf muffins for 15 minutes. This initial bake helps the meat start to set before glazing.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the meatloaf muffins bake, whisk together ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This glaze will add a glossy, flavorful topping that makes the muffins extra special.
Step 6: Glaze the Muffins
Take the muffin pan out of the oven and spoon about 1 teaspoon of the glaze on top of each meatloaf muffin. Spread it evenly to cover the surface, ensuring a beautiful caramelized finish later.
Step 7: Bake Part Two
Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 6 to 8 minutes. The meatloaf muffins are done when a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center, ensuring they are juicy and fully cooked.
Step 8: Rest and Remove
Take the pan out and let the meatloaf muffins rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Then gently lift each muffin from the pan with a fork. They should come out easily, holding their shape and looking gorgeous.
How to Serve Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Add some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a bright, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the smoky glaze. A tiny dollop of extra BBQ sauce on the side can elevate each bite for sauce lovers.
Side Dishes
These meatloaf muffins pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for balance. Roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw also complement their rich and savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them on a platter arranged with colorful vegetable sticks for a fun party appetizer, or place each muffin in a small lettuce cup with a little sauce drizzle for a bite-sized dinner option. These meatloaf muffins are versatile and sure to impress no matter how you plate them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover meatloaf muffins in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for easy, ready-to-go meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatloaf muffins by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your meatloaf muffins in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm them in a 350-degree oven until heated through. Reheating slowly helps retain their juiciness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well here. Just keep an eye on baking times since turkey cooks a bit faster and can dry out, so add a splash of olive oil or an extra egg for moisture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture just right while accommodating a gluten-free diet.
Is it necessary to use a muffin pan?
While a muffin pan gives shape and portion control, you could also shape the mixture by hand and bake on a lined baking sheet for mini meatloaf balls. The pan helps them cook more evenly though.
Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?
Definitely. You can mix the meatloaf base up to a day ahead and refrigerate it, then shape and bake when ready. This makes weeknight dinners super convenient.
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce in the glaze?
For a different flavor twist, try ketchup mixed with a little honey and mustard, or even a smoky chipotle sauce. This glaze is flexible and can be adjusted to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Meatloaf Muffins Recipe is such a delightful way to reinvent a classic dish with a perfect balance of hearty flavors, fun presentation, and straightforward steps. Whether you need a weeknight meal, party appetizer, or comfort food fix, these muffins deliver every time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own!
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Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 meatloaf muffins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious Meatloaf Muffins are a convenient and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf. Packed with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, diced vegetables, and a tangy BBQ glaze, they bake quickly in a muffin pan for perfectly portioned, juicy mini meatloaves that are ideal for easy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
- ½ cup finely diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds 85% lean ground beef
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, then add the breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir these together well. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, then crumble the ground beef over the mixture. Mix gently until just combined, using a spoon first and finishing with your hands to avoid overmixing.
- Shape Muffins: Portion the meat mixture using a â…“-cup measure, packing it lightly, then roll into neat balls. Place each ball evenly into the prepared muffin pan wells.
- Initial Bake: Bake the meatloaf muffins for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Prepare Glaze: While the muffins bake, combine the ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to create the glaze.
- Apply Glaze: Remove the muffin pan from the oven and spread 1 teaspoon of glaze over the top of each meatloaf muffin.
- Finish Baking: Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until an internal thermometer registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf muffins rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully lift them out using a fork and serve.
Notes
- Using 85% lean ground beef strikes a good balance between flavor and fat content.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the muffins tender and juicy.
- You can customize the seasoning or add Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- These meatloaf muffins reheat well and can be made ahead for easy meal prep.
- Ensure an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption of ground beef.
