Muffin tin meatloaf

What Makes This muffin tin meatloaf So Special

Picture this: the savory aroma of onion and thyme fills your kitchen, promising a meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug. These mini meatloaf muffins emerge golden-brown from the oven, each one a perfectly portioned cup of nostalgia.

It reminds me of cooking with my own mum, turning our weekly meatloaf into something fun and new. Many folks wonder, how do you keep mini meatloaves moist when baking? The secret is right here, in this simple, joyful recipe. It’s the best easy mini meatloaf solution for a busy weeknight.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients for muffin tin meatloaf recipe

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup ketchup, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Estimated Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes

This quick meatloaf cups recipe is perfect when you need a comforting meal fast! For another speedy and healthy baking idea, try my healthy banana muffins.

How to Make These individual meatloaf muffins

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin. A good coating is key to prevent sticking!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ¼ cup ketchup, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Mix Gently

Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure your best mini meatloaf stays tender.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing down lightly.

Step 5: Add the Glaze

Spread the remaining ¼ cup of ketchup on top of each meatloaf muffin for that classic, tangy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 7: Let Them Rest

Remove from the oven and let the meatloaves rest in the tin for 5 minutes. This helps them set.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Use a spoon to carefully lift each individual meatloaf muffin out of the tin and serve warm.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Every family adds their own special touch. Here are a few of mine to make this recipe truly yours.

• Flavor Swap: Try using barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist on the glaze.
• Diet Tweak: For a lighter version, swap the beef for ground turkey and use my tips from the healthy blueberry muffins post for inspiration.
• Prep Fix: Grease your tin very well! This is the best way to make meatloaf in a muffin tin without it sticking.
• Storage Tip: These freeze beautifully for meal prep. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. They reheat in a flash!

Nutrition & Health Tips

This comforting dish can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. Using lean ground beef provides a good source of protein and iron.

I always believe that food is about nourishment for both the body and soul. For a sweet treat that’s also mindful, my blueberry yogurt muffins are a favorite. And if you’re looking for more protein-packed ideas, these banana protein muffins are a great option.

A Lighter Version of muffin tin meatloaf recipe

Can you make this quick meatloaf cups recipe healthier? Absolutely! It’s a wonderful canvas for healthy swaps.

Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein. For the breadcrumbs, rolled oats or even almond flour work beautifully. And for a lower-sugar glaze, try a sugar-free ketchup or a mix of tomato paste and a touch of maple syrup.

If you love baking with healthier ingredients, you’ll adore my cottage cheese blueberry muffins and blueberry oatmeal muffins.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

Cooking for loved ones with different dietary needs is an act of love. Here’s how you can adapt this recipe with care.

For low sugar or diabetic diets, the glaze is an easy place to start. Use a no-sugar-added ketchup. For the breadcrumbs, almond flour is a fantastic low-carb alternative that also adds a lovely nutty flavor, aiding in better glycemic control.

How to Serve muffin tin meatloaf recipe

I love serving these mini meatloaf muffins with a big scoop of creamy mashed potatoes and some steamed green beans. It’s the perfect, balanced plate my family always cheers for.

They’re also fantastic for parties as a hearty appetizer. For a complete muffin-themed meal, start with these and finish with a batch of classic banana muffins or delightful blueberry muffins for dessert.

Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all had a kitchen mishap or two! Learning from them is how we become better cooks. Here’s how to ensure your muffin tin meatloaf recipe turns out perfectly every time.

• Overmixing: This is the top mistake! It makes the meatloaf tough. Mix until just combined.
• Not Greasing the Tin: Always grease your muffin tin well to avoid any sticking disasters.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the meatloaves rest for 5 minutes after baking helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove.
• Overbaking: Use a meat thermometer! Baking until 160°F ensures they are cooked through but still juicy.

Remember, cooking is a journey of love, not perfection. Every batch teaches you something new.

How to Store muffin tin meatloaf recipe

These individual meatloaf muffins are fantastic for meal prep. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

They also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Just pop them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. For more make-ahead inspiration, check out my blueberry protein muffins.

Try This muffin tin meatloaf recipe Yourself

I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your table as it has to mine. There’s something so special about a meal made with love that everyone can enjoy together.

It’s a simple pleasure that creates lasting memories. If you’re in a baking mood, I have so many other recipes to share. You must try the decadent blueberry sour cream muffins, the always-classic banana muffins, or the wholesome healthy blueberry muffins.

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