Looking for a convenient and fun twist on a classic comfort food? This meatloaf recipe in muffin tins is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even picky eaters at the table. Instead of the traditional loaf, these individual servings cook faster, portion perfectly, and are easy to pack for lunches or freeze for later. They’re crispy on the edges, juicy in the centre, and just the right size for kids and adults alike.
What is especially great about this recipe for meatloaf in muffin tins is its compromise of taste and straightforwardness. Made with pantry staples you’d have on hand (just ground beef, bread crumbs, an egg, and seasonings), each flavour-packed mini meatloaf is finished with a sweet and savoury ketchup glaze that bakes into a delicious caramelized topping in the oven. It cuts down on cooking time and ensures that the golden crisp edges we all know and love are in a meatloaf.
Look no further for a meatloaf recipe in muffin tins: Whether you’re preparing a small family meal or looking for meat portions that you can use for meal prep later in the week, this recipe is where it’s at. It’s also tweakable. Add cheese, sneak in a little finely chopped vegetable, or change the glaze. Any way you make it, these mini meatloaves will be another go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Health Benefits of Meatloaf in Muffin Tins
This meatloaf recipe in muffin tins offers more than just convenience, it can also be part of a balanced and nutrient-rich meal when made with wholesome ingredients. Swapping in lean ground meat, adding vegetables, or using whole-grain breadcrumbs can boost both fiber and nutrient content while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Protein | Supports muscle growth, tissue repair, and keeps you full longer |
| Iron | Helps transport oxygen through your blood and prevents fatigue |
| Vitamin B12 | Supports nervous system health and energy production |
| Zinc | Boosts immune function and aids in healing |
| Fiber (with veggies or oats) | Supports digestion and heart health |
| Lycopene (from tomato glaze) | A powerful antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation |
Pro Tip: You can make this recipe even healthier by incorporating finely chopped vegetables like carrots, spinach, or zucchini to increase the vitamin and fiber content without sacrificing taste or texture.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mini Meatloaf
- Grease the muffin tin lightly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don’t overmix your meat mixture; this keeps your mini meatloaves tender, not tough.
- Use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion the mixture into each muffin cup.
- Let them rest a few minutes after baking before removing them to keep juices locked in.
- Add veggies! Finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions blend seamlessly and add nutrition.
- Try different glazes like barbecue sauce, sriracha-ketchup, or even honey mustard for a flavor twist.
- Freeze extras by wrapping each cooked muffin meatloaf individually; reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
These little meatloaf muffins are proof that simple recipes can be smart, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Meatloaf Recipe In Muffin Tins From OoohDelish!
Meatloaf Recipe in Muffin Tins
Equipment
- 1 Muffin tin Standard 12-cup
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
- 1 Spoon or scoop For portioning
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Lean 85/15 recommended
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Plain or Italian-style
- 1 Egg Beaten
- 1/4 cup Milk Any kind
- 1/4 cup Onion Finely chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- Topping:
- 1/3 cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Portion Into Muffin Tin: Use a scoop or spoon to divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups. Press down gently.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard (if using). Spoon a small amount over each mini meatloaf.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm with mashed potatoes or veggies.
Notes
- For added moisture, try mixing in 2 tablespoons of grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Want a spicy version? Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix.
- These mini meatloaves are freezer-friendly! Let cool completely, wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion: Mini Meatloaf, Maximum Flavor
A meatloaf recipe in muffin tins is not only a fun, repurposed way to make a comfort food classic but also a kitchen win for busy families, picky eaters, portion-controlled dieters, and all of us who love a weeknight dinner that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. The individual servings mean an easy serving of meatloaf and quicker cooking time, but they also contain all of the delicious, moist, savoury goodness we all adore about meatloaf. And they’re just plain cute on the plate.
These little meatloaves are flexible regarding ingredients, cooking time and scale. Whether you’re sneaking some grated veggies (mostly) unnoticed by the kids, playing with bold spice mixes and glazes or just hanging out with a glass of wine and some poems as you mix up the batter, each muffin tin is your blank canvas. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time and have a handy weeknight dinner or packed lunch ready.
In a world where fast usually means not as good, this meatloaf recipe in muffin tins is a tasty time-saver. It’s an updated twist on an old favourite, packing convenience, nutrition, and flavour into a satisfying bite-sized snack. Give it a try; you might never remove the loaf pan again!
FAQs: Meatloaf Recipe In Muffin Tins
What is the best meatloaf recipe?
The best meatloaf recipe often includes a blend of meats such as lamb and spicy pork for flavor and texture. Avoid plain ground beef, and try marbling meats for richness.
What is your favorite way to make meatloaf?
Combine lean ground beef and pork, sautéed mirepoix vegetables, soaked bread, breadcrumbs, eggs, brandy, and seasonings. Bake with a glaze for extra flavor.
What is your family meatloaf recipe?
A flavorful mix of ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, applesauce, BBQ sauce or ketchup, peppers, onions, garlic, and seasonings. Optional add-ins include bacon and roasted hot peppers.
What ingredients do you like to sneak into your meatloaf recipe?
Try scallions, buried eggs, fresh breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, steak sauce, and hot sauce. Roll the loaf in coarse breadcrumbs for texture and finish with a ketchup line on top.
What is Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf recipe?
Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf includes ground beef, onions, bell peppers, eggs, tomatoes, cracker crumbs, and ketchup. Bake low and slow, then glaze with more ketchup before serving.
What’s a meatloaf recipe that doesn’t use ketchup?
Simply skip ketchup or use alternatives like mustard-brown sugar glaze, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki. Split protein types with hot Italian sausage for extra flavor.
What’s a typical American meatloaf recipe or great staple meatloaf recipe of yours?
Ground turkey with soaked crumbs, eggs, onions, and seasonings. Optional additions include poblano peppers, marjoram, or Thai chili glaze.
What is a really good moist meatloaf recipe?
Use 80/20 ground beef, panko soaked in milk, eggs, sautéed onions and peppers, spices, and bacon. Moisture from milk and binding from eggs helps retain tenderness.
🧁 Share Your Twist on Meatloaf Recipe in Muffin Tins! 🍽️✨
Did you mix in smoky chipotle for a spicy kick? Maybe you stuffed each mini meatloaf with gooey cheese or topped them with sweet BBQ glaze? However you made this meatloaf recipe in muffin tins your own — we want to hear about it!
📸 Snap a picture of your muffin tin meatloaf masterpiece and show it off in the comments below — bonus points for creative sides and garnishes!
💬 Got a secret seasoning blend, a fun topping, or a clever way to make it keto, gluten-free, or plant-based? Don’t keep it to yourself — your twist might inspire the next great weeknight dinner.
📢 Want to be featured on Oooh Delish? Send us your original recipe and photo to contact@ooohdelish.com — and we might just publish it with your name on it!
Let’s make meatloaf exciting again — one muffin tin at a time! 💡🥄
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