If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic comfort food, this Meatloaf Muffins Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These little savory bundles pack all the rich, hearty flavor of traditional meatloaf but with a playful, individual serving size that makes them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these meatloaf muffins combine savory ground beef, fresh veggies, and a tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. They are a surefire way to bring smiles to the dinner table while keeping meal prep stress to a minimum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatloaf Muffins Recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create complex layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role – from the tender ground beef to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs, fresh vegetables, and the tangy BBQ glaze that ties it all together.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep each muffin tender and cohesive without drying out.
- ½ cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light, crispy texture and helps absorb juices perfectly.
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion: Infuses sweetness and a subtle bite that balances the savory elements.
- ½ cup finely diced green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp note and vibrant color.
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce: Provides a smoky sweetness right in the meat mixture for depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that complements the beef with herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1 ½ pounds 85% lean ground beef: Offers rich flavor with just enough fat to keep the muffins moist.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds subtle tang and moisture to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce: Used in the glaze for that irresistible sticky finish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Boosts the glaze with a slight sharpness that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F and generously coat the wells of a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your meatloaf muffins come out cleanly without sticking—making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the egg first to get it nice and smooth. Then add the Italian seasoned panko, the measured BBQ sauce, and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together. Next, fold in the finely diced yellow onion and green bell pepper before crumbling the ground beef over the mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly — it’s important not to overwork the meat, so start stirring with a spoon and finish with your hands for the best texture.
Step 3: Shape the Muffins
Using a ⅓-cup dry measuring cup, portion out the meat mixture and pack it lightly as you roll each into a neat ball. Place these balls into the prepared muffin pan, ensuring they’re evenly spaced and well-shaped for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake the Muffins Partially
Bake the meatloaf muffins for 15 minutes, allowing them to start setting and allowing some initial browning that locks in flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the muffins are baking, whip up the irresistible glaze by combining ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This tangy glaze will bring an added layer of sweet and smoky goodness to the muffins.
Step 6: Glaze the Muffins
Once the initial baking phase is complete, carefully remove the muffin pan from the oven and spread 1 teaspoon of the glaze evenly over each muffin’s top. This step ensures the glaze caramelizes nicely on the muffins’ surface.
Step 7: Finish Baking
Return the pan with glazed muffins to the oven and bake for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. This will make sure your meatloaf muffins are perfectly cooked and juicy.
Step 8: Rest and Remove
Take the pan out of the oven and let the meatloaf muffins rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute. Then, use a fork to gently lift each muffin from the pan, keeping their shape intact and ready to serve.
How to Serve Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top right after baking for a pop of color and an extra flavor dimension. A dollop of creamy mashed potatoes or a spoonful of tangy coleslaw on the side can also elevate the whole experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
These meatloaf muffins pair wonderfully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a light and crisp green salad. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, so get creative with simple sides that balance hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an entertaining twist, serve the meatloaf muffins on small dinner plates with individual scoops of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans, drizzled with the glaze sauce for a gourmet touch. Alternatively, place them on slider buns with quick pickles and a little extra BBQ sauce for portable, crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Meatloaf muffins keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. They maintain their juicy texture and flavors, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a stress-free meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place the meatloaf muffins on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350-degree F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them covered on medium power in 30-second bursts, but baking helps keep that crispy glaze intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the Meatloaf Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well with this recipe. Just be mindful it tends to dry out faster, so consider adding a little extra BBQ sauce or a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the muffins moist.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of Italian seasoning or dried herbs like oregano and basil. Plain breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can also work in a pinch.
Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the meat mixture can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored tightly covered in the fridge. Just shape and bake the muffins when ready to enjoy the freshest results.
Are meatloaf muffins kid-friendly?
Definitely! Their individual size makes these perfect for kids, and the sweet BBQ glaze often appeals to younger palates. Plus, sneaking in diced veggies is an easy way to boost nutrition without complaints.
How do I know when the meatloaf muffins are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—once the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, your meatloaf muffins are safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Meatloaf Muffins Recipe is one of those brilliant meals that proves comfort food can be fun, quick, and delicious all at once. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these muffins are sure to brighten up your dinner table and win over everyone’s hearts. So grab your ingredients, channel your inner home chef, and give this recipe a whirl—you’re going to love the results and want to make it again and again.
Print
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 Meatloaf Muffins are a delicious, easy-to-make twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for individual servings. Packed with ground beef, finely diced vegetables, and a tangy BBQ glaze, they bake quickly in a muffin pan for a convenient, kid-friendly meal or appetizer.
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 and prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat the wells of a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, then add the panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup BBQ sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper, then crumble the ground beef on top. Mix gently just until combined, using a spoon to start and finishing with your hands to avoid overmixing, which keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Form the muffins: Use a â…“-cup dry measuring cup to portion out the meat mixture, packing it slightly to form neat balls. Place each ball into the prepared muffin pan wells.
- Bake the muffins: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: While the muffins bake, mix together the ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the muffins: Remove the muffin pan from the oven and evenly top each meatloaf muffin with 1 teaspoon of the prepared glaze, spreading it over the surface.
- Finish baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F, ensuring the meat is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the meatloaf muffins rest for about 5 minutes. Use a fork to lift the muffins gently from the pan before serving.
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the texture tender and avoid dense meatloaf muffins.
- The glaze adds a flavorful, tangy finish and can be adjusted to taste by varying the BBQ sauce or mustard amount.
- Letting the muffins rest after baking helps them hold their shape when removed from the pan.
- Feel free to substitute Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs with regular panko and add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning separately if unavailable.
- These meatloaf muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
