These Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a fun twist on classic homemade meatloaf. Made with seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and a sweet and tangy glaze, they bake quickly in a muffin tin and come out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
They’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving to the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Muffins
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, optional
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 2–3 minutes so the breadcrumbs can soften.
Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and parsley.
Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is just combined.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf muffins dense instead of tender.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
Gently press the mixture into each cup, filling them almost to the top.
You should have approximately 12 mini meatloaves, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
4. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
The glaze should be smooth and slightly sweet with a tangy flavor.
5. Add the Glaze
Spoon a little glaze over the top of each meatloaf muffin.
Reserve some glaze for serving or for adding during the final few minutes of baking.
6. Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.
For ground beef, the center should reach 160°F (71°C).
During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the tops with another layer of glaze for a shiny, flavorful finish.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the meatloaf muffins from the oven and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes.
Carefully remove them from the muffin tin and serve warm.
What to Serve With Mini Meatloaf Muffins
These little meatloaves pair wonderfully with classic comfort-food sides such as:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Buttered corn
- Green beans
- Glazed carrots
- Macaroni and cheese
- Steamed broccoli
- Dinner rolls
- Simple garden salad
For a classic dinner, serve two or three meatloaf muffins with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Helpful Tips
Don’t overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
Finely chop the onion: Smaller pieces soften more quickly and blend better into the meat mixture.
Don’t skip the glaze: The sweet and tangy topping adds a delicious contrast to the savory meat.
Use lean ground beef: Around 80–90% lean works well. Very lean beef can produce drier meatloaf.
Check the center: Because muffin tins vary in size, cooking time can vary. Use an instant-read thermometer for the most reliable result.
Easy Variations
Cheesy Meatloaf Muffins
Place a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar in the center of each meatloaf before baking for a cheesy surprise.
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
Replace the ground beef with ground turkey. Since turkey can be leaner, don’t overcook it, and make sure the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
BBQ Meatloaf Muffins
Replace part or all of the ketchup in the glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Bacon Meatloaf Muffins
Add finely chopped cooked bacon to the meat mixture or sprinkle a little bacon over the tops before baking.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
They can also be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, wrap individually, and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Mini Meatloaf Muffins have everything you love about classic meatloaf in a convenient individual serving. They’re tender on the inside, caramelized and flavorful on top, and incredibly easy to portion.
Serve them with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a cozy homemade dinner the whole family will enjoy.