If you’re looking for a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: meatloaf muffins! These little gems pack all the savory flavors of traditional meatloaf into perfect, individual portions that are not only super convenient but also fun to eat. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, juicy muffin filled with seasoned ground beef and fresh veggies, all topped with a sweet ketchup glaze – yum! Trust me, once you try these meatloaf muffins, you’ll wonder why you ever made meatloaf any other way!

Ingredients List

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup ketchup

How to Prepare Meatloaf Muffins

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your meatloaf muffins cook evenly and come out perfectly tender. While that’s heating up, grab your muffin tin and give it a good spray with cooking spray. This will help your muffins slide right out after baking, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with a stuck muffin disaster!

Combine Ingredients

Now, let’s get to the fun part – mixing! In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, finely chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands for this, but a sturdy spoon works just fine too! Just remember, the key here is to mix until everything is just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and nobody wants that! You want that perfect texture that’s moist yet holds together beautifully.

Portion and Bake

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to scoop! Use a large spoon or an ice cream scoop to fill each cup of the muffin tin about 3/4 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing. After that, top each muffin with a spoonful of ketchup for that classic flavor. Now pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!

Cooling Period

Once baked to perfection, let your meatloaf muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before removing them. This little cooling period helps them firm up just enough to come out smoothly without falling apart. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! After that, you can serve them up hot and enjoy the deliciousness. Yum!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Keep in mind that the nutritional information provided for these meatloaf muffins is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like the type of ground beef, the brand of breadcrumbs, and even the amount of ketchup can all affect the final nutritional values. For the most accurate results, I always recommend checking the labels of your ingredients or using a nutrition calculator. So, while I’m excited to share this delicious recipe, remember that the numbers are just a guide!

Tips for Success

To ensure your meatloaf muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step; it really does make a difference in how evenly they bake. If you’re looking for a leaner option, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef – just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as they may cook faster. Adding a handful of grated cheese into the mix can elevate the flavor and add a delightful gooeyness!

Also, if you want to shake things up, try mixing in some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra burst of freshness. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so start checking your muffins a few minutes before the timer goes off. Happy baking, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Variations on Meatloaf Muffins

One of the best things about meatloaf muffins is their versatility! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or to use up whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few delicious variations to get your creative juices flowing:

• Turkey or Chicken Muffins: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier option. These lean meats will still be flavorful, especially if you add in some extra spices or herbs!
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in about 1/2 cup of grated cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, into your meat mixture. This adds a rich, gooey texture and a wonderful cheesy flavor that everyone will love. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for that extra melty goodness!
• Veggie-Packed Muffins: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding finely chopped veggies like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the mix. Not only will they add color, but they’ll also keep your muffins super moist and tasty. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend seamlessly!
• BBQ Style: Instead of ketchup, brush the tops with your favorite barbecue sauce before baking. This gives your muffins a smoky, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory meat. You can even mix some BBQ sauce into the meat mixture for an extra kick!
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. It’ll give your meatloaf muffins a spicy twist that’s sure to impress those who crave a little heat in their meals.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique twists. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes meatloaf muffins so much fun to make!

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin: This is essential for shaping your meatloaf muffins perfectly. A standard 12-cup muffin tin works best!
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl will give you plenty of room to combine all your ingredients without making a mess.
• Spoon or spatula: Use this for mixing your meat mixture together. A sturdy spoon works fine, but a spatula is great for scraping down the sides!
• Cooking spray or oil: This is crucial for greasing your muffin tin, ensuring your muffins release easily after baking.
• Meat thermometer: An absolute must for checking the internal temperature of your muffins, ensuring they’re safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
• Ice cream scoop or large spoon: This helps in portioning out the meat mixture evenly into the muffin cups.
• Oven mitts: Don’t forget these to protect your hands when you’re pulling those hot muffins out of the oven!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving my meatloaf muffins, I love to keep things simple yet flavorful! They’re so versatile that you can pair them with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some of my favorite suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. Their smooth texture complements the savory muffins beautifully. You could even add some garlic or cheese to the potatoes for extra flavor!
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a pop of color and nutrition to your plate. Drizzle a little olive oil or lemon juice for a refreshing touch.
• Side Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the hearty muffins. It’s a great way to add some crunch and freshness!
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings in a delightful crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the meatloaf muffins. Plus, it adds a lovely color to your meal!
• Baked Beans: For a true comfort food experience, serve your muffins with a side of sweet and smoky baked beans. The flavors meld perfectly, making each bite satisfying!

Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your mood or the season. No matter what you choose, these meatloaf muffins are sure to shine as the star of your meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these meatloaf muffins as I am to share them with you! There’s something truly special about enjoying a comforting classic in such a fun, individual form. I’d love to hear how your muffins turn out, whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with your own variations. Don’t be shy—drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts or any tips you’ve picked up along the way. Happy cooking, and may every bite be filled with deliciousness!

Meatloaf Muffins: Transform Comfort into Heavenly Bites

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delicious meatloaf muffins made with ground beef and seasoned vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup ketchup

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
4. Use a muffin tin and spray it with cooking spray.
5. Scoop the meat mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
6. Top each muffin with a spoonful of ketchup.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.

Notes

• Experiment with different meats, such as turkey or chicken.
• Add grated cheese for a richer flavor.
• Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a different taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: meatloaf muffins, meatloaf recipe, savory muffins