Description
Mini Muffin Tin Meatloaves became a weeknight hero back in my tiny Austin kitchen, when testing quick classics saved dinner after long shifts. I’d mix beef with onions, breadcrumbs, and a tangy ketchup-brown sugar glaze, then press it into a muffin tin for fast, evenly cooked Mini Muffin Tin Meatloaves that didn’t hog the oven. The crispy edges, juicy centers, and built-in portions felt playful and practical—exactly how I love to cook. Mini Muffin Tin Meatloaves also freeze like a dream, so meal prep stays easy and flavorful all week long.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef, 85–90% lean
3/4 cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 onion, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or finely diced bell pepper
Nonstick spray for muffin tin
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350–375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika; mix gently.
3. Divide mixture into 10–12 muffin wells, pressing lightly to level.
4. Stir ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, Dijon; spoon over each mini loaf.
5. Bake 20–30 minutes until center reaches 160°F; rest 5 minutes.
6. Optional: Brush extra glaze and broil 1–2 minutes for sticky edges.
Notes
Hydrate crumbs with milk and mix just until combined to keep meatloaves tender.
For lean beef or turkey, add 1–2 tsp olive oil for moisture.
Sauté onions first for sweetness and better texture.
Use an ice cream scoop for even portions.
Tuck in small cheese cubes for molten centers.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini loaf
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg