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Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

4.5 from 61 reviews

These Meatloaf Muffins are a convenient and flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, baked in individual portions for easy serving. Loaded with aromatic vegetables and a savory glaze made from barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cumin, these muffins are perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • Nonstick cooking spray or softened butter (for greasing)
  • 1/2 white onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce or ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables: In a food processor, pulse the onion, carrot, celery, parsley, and garlic until finely chopped and well combined. This will ensure the vegetables blend smoothly into the meat mixture.
  2. Combine Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped vegetable mixture, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the muffins tender.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or softened butter to prevent sticking.
  4. Shape Meatloaf Muffins: Divide the meat mixture evenly into 12 portions and press each into the prepared muffin tin cups, forming individual meatloaf muffins.
  5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce (or ketchup), brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cumin until smooth and well combined.
  6. Apply Glaze: Spoon the glaze evenly over each meatloaf muffin, coating the tops thoroughly to add flavor and caramelization during baking.
  7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the meatloaf muffins from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. Serve warm as individual portions, perfect for meal prep or a hearty dinner.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
  • The glaze can be adjusted to be spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Meatloaf muffins freeze well; store cooled muffins in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the muffins tender and moist.

Keywords: meatloaf muffins, individual meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, barbecue glaze, comfort food, dinner recipe, gluten-free option, meal prep