Mini Meatloaf Muffins

These amazing mini meatloaf muffins will be your new favorite weeknight dinner solution! 

These bite-sized delights pack all the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf into perfectly portioned, easy-to-serve muffins.

But wait, there’s more! Hidden inside each meatloaf muffin is a gooey surprise: a melty cube of mozzarella cheese.

Give your classic meatloaf recipe a mini makeover and try these babies on for size!

Why You’ll Love These Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Perfectly Portioned: Each muffin is a single serving, eliminating the need to slice and serve. They’re ideal for portion control or on-the-go meals.

Savory Taste: With a combination of ground beef, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a mozzarella center, these muffins offer a rich, savory taste.

Cheesy Surprise: Each muffin contains a hidden cube of mozzarella. This creates a delightful gooey center that will delight both kids and adults alike.

Time-Saver: With a cooking time of just 20-25 minutes, these mini meatloaves are ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake a traditional meatloaf.

Ingredients

• Lean Ground Beef: The star of the show. It provides a juicy and flavorful base for these mini meatloaves.
  
• Onion and Bell Pepper: Sautéed until tender, these veggies add a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
  
• Barbecue Sauce: It brings a tangy, smoky flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
  
• Worcestershire Sauce: It adds depth and savory notes to enhance the overall taste.
  
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture together while adding a delightful crunch.
  
• Egg: It acts as a binder, ensuring the meatloaf muffins hold their shape.
  
• Fresh Parsley: It brightens up the dish with its fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant green color.
  
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings balance and elevate all the flavors.
  
• Mozzarella Cheese: It provides a gooey, cheesy surprise with every bite.
  
• Glaze: A combination of ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet, spicy, and tangy topping.

How to Make Mini Meatloaf Muffins

These muffins are so much easier than regular meatloaf.

1. Prep. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a muffin pan and set aside.

2. Make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the onions. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the onions cool.

4. Prep the meatloaf mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled onions, bell pepper, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

5. Assemble the meatloaf muffins. Divide the meat mixture into 10 portions. Take each portion, flatten it slightly, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese and shape into a ball, then place it in a muffin well. Repeat for the remaining portions.

6. Top with the glaze. Spoon the prepared glaze evenly over the tops of each meatloaf muffin.

7. Bake and rest. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Allow the meatloaf muffins to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

8. Serve. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Follow these simple tips for the very best muffins.

• Go lean. Use lean ground beef (80% or higher) to reduce excess fat and prevent the muffins from becoming greasy.

• Don’t overwork the meat! This can lead to tough meatloaf muffins. Mix just until combined for a tender result.

• Give them a flavor boost. Sautéing the onions before adding them to the meat mixture enhances their flavor. It also prevents crunchy bits in the finished muffins.

• Glaze generously. Be sure to spoon a generous amount of glaze over each muffin before baking for maximum flavor and moisture.

• Do a temperature check. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf muffins reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.

• Try fun variations. Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or seasonings to customize the flavor of your meatloaf muffins. Try sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for a twist.

How to Store

These muffins are great for meal prep! Here’s how to store them.

To Store: Place cooled meatloaf muffins in an air-tight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To Freeze: Wrap each cooled muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Microwave individual muffins for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. You can also warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.