Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Ketchup Glaze
Recipe Introduction: Say Hello to Meatloaf Muffins
Ever feel like classic comfort food could use a little remix? Me too! That's why I'm obsessed with these meat loaf muffins .
They're basically individual mini meatloaf recipe that are so fun to eat.
These aren't just any old meatloaf. They are baked in a muffin tin. A sweet and savory ketchup glaze is added on top. Plus, they are the perfect kid-friendly meatloaf .
A Blast from the Past, Reimagined
Meatloaf itself has roots stretching back centuries. It's a dish found in various forms across European cuisines. This individual meatloaf portions version is a modern take.
It's easy, and ready in under an hour. It yields twelve yummy muffins. Perfect for dinner or lunch.
Why You'll Love These Little Guys
These meat loaf muffins are a nutritional powerhouse. They are packed with protein from the ground beef. They are perfect for busy weeknights, and ideal for picky eaters.
Honestly, what isn't to love? They are the best meatloaf you will ever have.
Let's Get Started
Ready to dive into this good meatloaf recipe ? We're talking a flavorful, easy meal. It will be ready in no time.
Next up: gathering your ingredients. Don't worry. You probably have most of them already!
Let's Talk Meat Loaf Muffins: Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these amazing Meatloaf Muffins ! You know, the ones that turn a classic into a super cute, easy-to-eat meal? It's like turning your best meatloaf recipe into something even better! It's so good for a kid-friendly meatloaf dish.
Main Ingredients for Meatloaf Magic
Here's the shopping list to start whipping up your own mini meatloaf recipe :
- Ground beef: 1 pound (454g) . Go for an 80/20 blend. It keeps things moist.
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup (57g) . Plain ones are best.
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Any kind works. Even almond milk!
- Egg: 1 large . It's the binder that holds it all together.
- Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely chopped. Adds a nice flavor kick.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Because everything's better with garlic.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Trust me, it's key.
- Italian seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon . For that classic meatloaf vibe.
- Salt and pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each. Season to taste, you know?
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
- Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , packed. Adds a touch of sweetness to the glaze.
- Yellow mustard: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Worcestershire sauce: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) , for an extra kick in the glaze.
Quality indicators for beef: Look for bright red colour and minimal liquid. Fresh is always best for any meatball recipes easy
Seasoning Secrets for Good Meatloaf Recipe
Want to level up your Meatloaf in muffin pan ? Here's the deal:
- Italian seasoning + Worcestershire sauce is a must.
- Ketchup and brown sugar make the best sweet glaze.
- No Italian seasoning? Try a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
These spice combinations are perfect for baking your comfort food muffins !
Gear Up: Equipment You'll Need
Okay, don't stress. You don't need fancy gadgets.
- A 12-cup muffin tin is essential.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Small saucepan (for the glaze).
- Whisk.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don't have a muffin tin? Use a baking sheet and make individual meatloaf portions instead! This makes a wonderful easy weeknight dinner meatloaf !
Meatloaf Muffins: The Ultimate Comfort Food Makeover
Honestly, who doesn't love a good meatloaf recipe ? But let's be real, sometimes slicing and serving it feels like a chore.
That’s where meatloaf muffins come in! Think of it as your favourite comfort food muffins , but in perfectly portioned, super cute little packages.
A bit retro, a bit modern, and totally delicious. I can't wait to tell you how to create this easy weeknight dinner meatloaf .
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Power-Up
Essential mise en place : Grab your ingredients. It's key for smooth cooking. Gather 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
For the glaze, you need 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
Time saving organization tips : Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. It saves time. Pre-measure your spices too. It is a chef's kiss.
step-by-step Process: From Bowl to Oven
- Preheat & Prep : Get that oven fired up to 375° F ( 190° C) . Then, grease your muffin tin. Seriously, don't skip this step unless you want to fight with the muffins later.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients : In a large bowl, gently mix your ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remember: gently . We don't want tough muffins.
- Fill Muffin Tin : Divide that glorious mixture evenly among your muffin cups.
- Make the Glaze : Whisk together your ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes . The perfect glaze will be ready.
- Glaze & Bake : Spoon a dollop of that yummy glaze over each muffin. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until the internal temperature hits 160° F ( 71° C) . Use a meat thermometer. It is your best friend!
- Cool & Serve : Let those meatloaf in muffin pan beauties cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. This helps them hold their shape.
Pro Tips: Meatloaf Master Level
Avoid overmixing. Trust me, it makes a difference. For the best meatloaf , handle the mixture gently. Get creative with your glaze.
A touch of sriracha. A squeeze of lemon juice? Totally up to you! Consider gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF friends and family.
So there you have it: my take on mini meatloaf recipe , individual meatloaf portions . Get your loved ones ready for this kid-friendly meatloaf . It’s an instant crowd pleaser. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Meat Loaf Muffins
Right then, let's talk shop about these Meatloaf Muffins . Honestly, they're pretty foolproof, but a few tips can make them amazing . You know?
Serving Up Some Serious Deliciousness
So, how do you make these Individual meatloaf portions shine? I like to plate them with a swirl of mashed potatoes, like proper comfort food muffins .
A side of steamed green beans adds a nice pop of color and some healthy greens. Or, keep it simple with a little side salad job's a good'un.
Think about presentation! A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders. Also, consider serving it with root vegetables like carrots and parsnips!
Savvy Storage Solutions
Got leftovers? Not a problem! Once cooled, pop your mini meatloaf recipe into an airtight container. They'll happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze them. I wrap each muffin individually in cling film before popping them into a freezer bag.
They'll last for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
You could use a microwave, but I think the oven makes them taste better. I usually do a portion and my kid loves it as it is a kid-friendly meatloaf .
Remixing the Recipe: Variations on a Theme
Fancy mixing things up? If you're watching the carbs, try using almond flour instead of bread crumbs for a dietary adaptation.
You could easily add different seasonal ingredients, such as a dollop of pesto, or a layer of tomato sauce in your meatloaf in muffin pan , for a special and colorful twist.
Nutrition Nuggets
Each Meatloaf Muffin clocks in at around 150 calories. They also pack about 12g of protein which is good for muscle strength and growth! This Good Meatloaf Recipe also provides some iron and other essential nutrients from the meat and veggies.
Consider it the perfect easy weeknight dinner meatloaf .
Honestly, making these meat loaf muffins is a breeze. Have a go, experiment, and make them your own! I think you'll love them. Give these Meatball Recipes Easy a go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these meat loaf muffins? I'm all about batch cooking like a proper domestic goddess!
Absolutely! Meat loaf muffins freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely after baking, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or reheat them directly from frozen in the oven or microwave.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs in the meat loaf muffins? I'm trying to cut down on carbs, you see.
No worries, there are several great substitutes for bread crumbs. Crushed crackers, rolled oats or even almond flour work well to bind the meat loaf mixture. For a very low-carb option, try using grated parmesan cheese or a finely ground pork rind.
Just remember to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe if necessary.
How do I prevent my meat loaf muffins from being dry? Nobody wants a sandy meat experience!
The key to moist meat loaf muffins is to avoid overmixing the meat and to ensure there's enough moisture in the mixture. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Adding a bit more milk or even grated zucchini can also help.
Be sure not to overbake them; use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C) and take them out of the oven immediately.
Can I make these meat loaf muffins ahead of time? I'm juggling work and family like a modern day Mary Poppins!
You certainly can! You can prepare the meat loaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the muffins ahead of time, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
What are some tasty variations I can try with these mini meat loaf muffins? I want to spice things up a bit, Gordon Ramsay style!
The possibilities are endless! For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture and a dash of sriracha to the glaze. You could also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Try adding some finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the mix for extra flavour and nutrients. A barbecue sauce glaze or a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking are also delicious options.
Are there any healthier alternatives to the ketchup glaze for these meat loaf muffins? I am watching my figure!
Absolutely! Instead of a traditional ketchup glaze, try using a sugar-free ketchup or making your own glaze with tomato paste, a touch of balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of stevia or erythritol. You could also try a mustard based glaze by combining Dijon mustard with a bit of honey or maple syrup substitute.
Get creative and find a flavour profile that you enjoy while keeping things healthy!
Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Ketchup Glaze
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 3g |
