Mini meatloaf muffins are a fun and delicious twist on traditional meatloaf. These individual-sized portions are perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or serving at parties. Made with a savory mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, these mini meatloaves are moist, flavorful, and easy to customize. Baked in a muffin pan, they cook quickly and are great for portion control. Serve them with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Mini Meatloaf Muffins
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
How to Make Mini Meatloaf Muffins
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Form the Mini Meatloaves:
- Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it down gently to fill the cups and smooth the tops.
- Bake the Mini Meatloaf Muffins:
- Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through and browned on top.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the meatloaf muffins cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the mini meatloaf muffins with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad.
About the Main Ingredients
Ground Beef:
Ground beef is the base of these mini meatloaf muffins, providing a hearty and savory flavor. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, or use a higher fat content for a juicier meatloaf.
Breadcrumbs:
Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatloaf mixture together and add texture. Use plain breadcrumbs for this recipe, or try seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra kick of flavor.
Milk:
Milk adds moisture to the meatloaf mixture, helping to keep the mini meatloaves tender and juicy.
Ketchup:
Ketchup not only adds flavor to the meatloaf but also helps to keep it moist during baking. It also adds a hint of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
Egg:
The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf mixture together. It also adds richness and helps to keep the mini meatloaves moist.
Onion and Garlic:
Finely chopped onion and minced garlic add flavor and aroma to the mini meatloaf muffins. They are sautéed before adding to the mixture to enhance their flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce:
Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor and a savory richness to the mini meatloaf muffins. It complements the other ingredients and adds a subtle umami taste.
Salt, Pepper, and Paprika:
These seasonings add flavor and enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Cooking Spray:
Cooking spray is used to grease the muffin pan, preventing the mini meatloaf muffins from sticking during baking.
Mini meatloaf muffins are a versatile and family-friendly meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer. They are easy to make, easy to customize, and can be made ahead of time for meal prep. Serve them with your favorite sides for a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
