Ella Walter
Mini meatloaf muffins are a fun twist on the traditional meatloaf. They are individual portions of savory ground beef meatloaf cooked in a muffin tin in just 25 minutes. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick, easy, and convenient comfort food dinner that is perfectly portioned and ready fast for busy weeknights. You can use your favorite meatloaf recipe and simply adjust the cooking time. To ensure moist, tender mini meatloaf muffins, use ground beef with a little bit of fat in it. You can also add vegetables and hearty oats to make it healthier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | Quick and easy to make |
| Taste | Classic meatloaf taste |
| Ingredients | Ground beef, vegetables, oats, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, onion powder, cheese, ketchup |
| Preparation | Combine ingredients, scoop into muffin pans, bake for 25-30 minutes |
| Portioning | Individual portions, perfectly portioned |
| Freezing | Can be frozen for future meals |
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What You'll Learn
Meatloaf muffins are a fun twist on classic meatloaf
Meatloaf muffins are a fun twist on the classic meatloaf. They are individual portions of savoury ground beef meatloaf cooked in a muffin tin. They are a great option for a busy weeknight meal as they are quick to cook, easy to assemble in advance, and can be frozen for future meals.
To make meatloaf muffins, you can use your favourite meatloaf recipe or try something new. For instance, you could use ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also add vegetables such as grated carrots, onion, and garlic, as well as flavour enhancers like ketchup, mustard, and onion powder. To ensure moist, tender meatloaf muffins, use ground beef with a little bit of fat in it—around 85%–93% lean. Soaked oats or panko breadcrumbs can serve as a binder and help retain moisture.
Before baking your meatloaf muffins, grease a muffin pan or line it with muffin liners. Then, scoop the meat mixture into the pan and bake for about 25–30 minutes at 350°F–400°F. To check if your meatloaf muffins are cooked, use a thermometer—the internal temperature should be 155°F–160°F. Once baked, let the muffins sit for 5 minutes, then run a butter knife along the edges to loosen them from the pan. Top with chopped parsley or ketchup, and serve immediately while still warm.
Meatloaf muffins are a convenient and tasty option for lunch, gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal. They are a fun and unique way to enjoy the classic flavours of meatloaf.
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They are quick to cook and can be made in advance
Mini meatloaf muffins are a quick and easy comfort food, perfect for busy weeknight meals. They are quicker to cook than traditional meatloaf, requiring only 25 to 30 minutes in the oven. The individual portions also ensure even cooking and a fun shape.
To make the mini meatloaves, you can use your favourite meatloaf recipe or try something new. For instance, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based alternative. Ensure that your meat has some fat in it to avoid a dry meatloaf. You can also add soaked oats or panko breadcrumbs to retain moisture and act as a binder. For added flavour, you can include vegetables such as onion, bell pepper, and grated carrots, as well as ketchup, mustard, and cheese.
Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F to 400°F, and grease a muffin pan with cooking spray, olive oil, or butter. You can also line the pan with muffin liners. Then, gently combine the ingredients by hand until well distributed, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf tough. Use a ⅓ cup measuring cup to portion out the meatloaf mixture into the muffin cups.
You can make mini meatloaf muffins in advance and freeze them for future meals. When making ahead, bake the muffins without any toppings and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to labelled freezer bags and store for up to three months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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You can use ground beef, turkey or chicken
Yes, you can use ground beef, turkey or chicken to make meatloaf muffins in a muffin pan. This is a convenient way to make individual portions that are quick to cook and easy to assemble in advance.
If using ground beef, opt for lean beef to reduce the amount of fat in the muffin wells. You can add some fat (between 85% and 93% lean) for a moister loaf, but too much fat will make the meatloaf greasy. If you're using breadcrumbs, oats or panko, make sure to soak them so they can absorb and retain the juices, resulting in a moister loaf. You can also add onion, bell pepper, and ketchup for extra moisture and flavour.
If you're using ground turkey, it's best to use dark meat turkey, which typically has around 7% fat. Turkey breast has very little moisture, fat and flavour, so it's not ideal for meatloaf. You can use ground chicken breast, but it will result in a drier meatloaf. If you're making gluten-free meatloaf muffins, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and BBQ sauce.
When preparing the meatloaf muffins, avoid over-mixing the meat, as this can make it tough. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients, then scoop the mixture into the muffin pan. You can top the muffins with chopped parsley, or a sauce made with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg.
Bake the meatloaf muffins at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Then, add the sauce and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes, then run a knife along the edges to loosen them from the pan. Serve immediately while still warm.
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They can be served with a variety of sides
Meatloaf muffins are a fun twist on the traditional meatloaf and can be served with a variety of side dishes. They are perfect for lunch, gatherings, or busy weeknight meals.
When making meatloaf muffins, it is recommended to use lean ground beef with a little bit of fat in it, as too much fat can make the meatloaf greasy, while very lean meat, like ground turkey or chicken breast, can result in a dry meatloaf. You can also use plant-based ground meat alternatives. To ensure moist meatloaf muffins, you can add soaked oats or panko breadcrumbs, which act as a binder and help retain moisture.
Meatloaf muffins can be served with classic side dishes such as mashed potatoes with sour cream and chives, potato salad, or fries. For a more substantial meal, you can pair them with creamy baked mac and cheese, corn casserole, or collard greens. If you're looking for something lighter, they go well with a simple green salad dressed in Dijon vinaigrette or a house salad with candied pecans.
Some other suggested sides include broccoli casserole, cornbread, pumpkin bread or muffins, biscuits, and green beans. These meatloaf muffins are a versatile option that can be paired with a variety of sides to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Remember to let the meatloaf muffins sit for a few minutes before serving, and you can top them with chopped parsley or a ketchup topping for added flavor and presentation.
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They are easy to assemble and portion
Meatloaf muffins are a fun and easy way to enjoy your favourite meatloaf recipe in individual portions. They are quicker to cook than traditional meatloaf and can be made in advance, making them perfect for busy weeknight meals.
To make meatloaf muffins, start by preheating your oven to 350-400°F and greasing a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray, shortening, melted butter, or olive oil. You can also line the muffin pan with muffin liners.
Next, prepare your meatloaf mixture by combining the ingredients in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix the ingredients until they are well distributed, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf tough. For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Once your meatloaf mixture is ready, use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to portion it out into the muffin cups. You can also add cheese, ketchup, or other toppings to your meatloaf muffins before baking.
Bake the meatloaf muffins for about 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F. Let them sit for 5 minutes before serving. Meatloaf muffins can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, or a salad.
Meatloaf muffins can also be made in advance and frozen for future meals. Simply bake the muffins without any toppings, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to freezer bags once they are frozen solid. Meatloaf muffins can be stored in the freezer for up to three months and reheated in the oven when needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put meatloaf in a muffin pan. This method is perfect for making individual portions.
Preheat your oven to 350-400°F. The meatloaf will take around 25-30 minutes to cook.
You can use your favourite meatloaf recipe, but a typical meatloaf muffin recipe includes ground beef, eggs, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Making meatloaf in a muffin pan is a great way to portion your meal and ensure quick and even cooking. It's also a fun twist on a classic dish and perfect for picky eaters.
You can serve meatloaf muffins with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, chips, fries, or a salad. Top with ketchup and chopped parsley for extra flavour.
