Description
Delight your family with these adorable Mini Meatloaf Muffins, a fun and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf. These bite-sized muffins are packed with savory goodness and are perfect for quick weeknight dinners. With their individual portions, they make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for everyone!
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for families looking for an easy, delicious meal that appeals to both kids and adults. Perfect for busy weeknights, these mini meatloaf muffins are great for meal prepping, parties, or casual gatherings.
Why It’s Great
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, these muffins make weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Portion Control: Each mini muffin is a perfect serving size, making it easy to manage portions and reduce waste.
- Flavorful and Versatile: Loaded with fresh ingredients and spices, these muffins are bursting with flavor. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Muffins:
- 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅔ cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
How to Make Mini Meatloaf Muffins
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Evenly distribute the meat mixture into 10 sections of the prepared muffin tin, pressing down gently to pack the mixture.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and honey. Spoon the glaze over each mini meatloaf muffin.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the muffins are browned and cooked through.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Muffin tin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for the glaze
- Spatula or spoon for mixing
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: These muffins freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven until warmed through.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite finely chopped vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms, to boost nutrition.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
The mini meatloaf muffins are done when they are browned and a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
Conclusion
These Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a delightful and convenient meal that your family will adore. With their rich flavors and easy preparation, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them for dinner tonight, and watch them disappear from your table!
