Who knew meatloaf could be this fun? These Meatloaf Muffins are a game-changer—perfectly portioned, incredibly flavorful, and ready in half the time of a traditional meatloaf. They’re juicy, tender, and topped with a sweet-savory glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a dinner idea that everyone will love, these mini meatloaves are about to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Meatloaf in a Muffin Pan
This recipe isn’t just about great flavor—it’s about convenience, too! Here’s why it’s a winner:
Versatile
You can switch up the protein (beef, turkey, or even a mix) and add different seasonings to suit your taste.
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a hearty, filling meal.
Quick and Easy
Cooks faster than traditional meatloaf, so you can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes!
Customizable
Make them spicy, cheesy, or even sneak in some extra veggies for a healthier twist.
Crowd-Pleasing
Kids love them, adults love them—everyone wins! Plus, they’re easy to pack for lunch the next day.
Ingredients in Meatloaf Muffins
These little bites of comfort food come together with simple ingredients that pack in tons of flavor.
Ground Meat
The star of the show! You can use beef, turkey, or a mix—whatever you prefer.
Breadcrumbs
Helps bind everything together and gives the meatloaf the perfect texture.
Egg
Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together.
Onion & Garlic
Adds a delicious savory depth to every bite.
Ketchup & Worcestershire Sauce
Gives the meatloaf that classic, rich flavor with a hint of tang.
Seasonings
A simple mix of salt, pepper, and any extra spices you love!
Glaze
A sweet and tangy topping made with ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. It caramelizes beautifully as it bakes!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make these irresistible meatloaf muffins step by step:
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners for easy cleanup.
Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and half of the ketchup. Mix gently—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough!
Fill the Muffin Pan
Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it down slightly so they hold their shape.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Top and Bake
Spoon the glaze over each meatloaf muffin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Rest and Serve
Let the muffins sit for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories per serving: 180
(Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Meatloaf Muffins
These mini meatloaves are perfect with classic sides like:
- Mashed potatoes – The ultimate comfort food pairing.
- Roasted veggies – Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
- Mac and cheese – Because why not?
- A fresh side salad – Light and refreshing to balance out the meal.
Additional Tips
- Want extra moisture? Add a splash of milk to the meat mixture.
- Make them cheesy! Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a melty surprise.
- Make-ahead tip: These freeze beautifully! Just thaw and reheat for a quick meal.
FAQ’s
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great, but you may want to add a little extra seasoning since it has a milder flavor. - How do I prevent dry meatloaf muffins?
Don’t overmix the meat, and be sure to include enough moisture (ketchup, egg, and Worcestershire sauce help with this). - Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative or use crushed oats. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze them?
Yes! Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. - How do I reheat them?
Microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. - What other toppings can I use instead of ketchup glaze?
Try barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha glaze. - Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. - Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Definitely! Finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini work great. - What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, oats, or even almond flour for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
These Meatloaf Muffins are the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience. They’re juicy, flavorful, and easy to make—plus, they cook in a fraction of the time of a full-sized meatloaf. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just looking for a fun twist on a classic, these mini meatloaves are a must-try. So go ahead, grab your muffin pan, and get cooking!
Print
Meatloaf in a Muffin Pan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 meatloaf muffins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Description
A fun twist on the classic meatloaf, this recipe transforms a traditional favorite into individual, perfectly portioned servings baked in a muffin pan. With a savory blend of ground meats, herbs, and spices crowned by a tangy glaze, these meatloaf muffins are ideal for easy meal prep and a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Glaze:
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick spray or a little oil. -
Mix the Meatloaf:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. -
Fill the Muffin Pan:
Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing down lightly to shape individual loaves. -
Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon or brush a generous layer of the glaze over the top of each meatloaf muffin. -
Bake:
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C). For a slightly crispier top, you can broil for an additional 2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
-
Serve:
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the meatloaf muffins to rest for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- These meatloaf muffins can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- They also freeze well—simply thaw and reheat in the oven for a quick meal.
- Customize with additional herbs or spices (like parsley or paprika) to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatloaf muffin
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg