Comforting Meatloaf Muffins: 7 Reasons to Love Them

Name: Comforting Meatloaf Muffins: 7 Reasons to Love Them
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 egg; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

June 3, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something so heartwarming about the smell of meatloaf muffins baking in the oven, isn’t there? These little gems of comfort food are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, meatloaf muffins bring that classic meatloaf flavor in a fun, individual portion. I love how they can be a hit with both kids and adults alike! Plus, you can whip them up in no time, making them a go-to recipe when you need something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Trust me, once you try these meatloaf muffins, they’ll become a regular on your dinner table, filling your home with warmth and joy! meatloaf muffins - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 pound ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
1 egg
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Feel free to mix things up! You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. And if you have dietary restrictions, using gluten-free breadcrumbs is a great choice. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Toss in some finely chopped bell peppers or carrots—they’ll add nutrition and flavor! The beauty of these meatloaf muffins is that they’re so adaptable to what you have on hand. Enjoy experimenting!

How to Prepare Meatloaf Muffins

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! You’ll want to set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your meatloaf muffins cook evenly from the very start. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Combine Ingredients

Next, grab a large mixing bowl and add in all your ingredients. That’s the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Now, this is where the fun begins! Use your hands (yes, I said it—get in there!) to mix everything together until it’s well combined. It might feel a bit messy, but that’s part of the charm. Just make sure everything is mixed evenly, so every muffin gets that delicious flavor!

Prepare the Muffin Tin

Now it’s time to prepare your muffin tin. Lightly grease each cup with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This step is essential to prevent the muffins from sticking, making it way easier to remove them later. No one wants a muffin disaster! So, make sure you cover all the surfaces of each cup.

Fill the Muffin Tin

Now, take your meat mixture and spoon it into the muffin tin. Fill each cup about 3/4 full—this way, they have room to rise without overflowing. If you’re worried about even baking, try to use a cookie scoop or a measuring cup to keep the portions consistent. It really helps with cooking time and ensures they all turn out lovely!

Baking Time

Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, you can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have one, just make sure they’re no longer pink in the center. Keep an eye on them, and if you notice they’re browning too much on top, you can loosely cover them with foil to prevent burning. Safety first!

Cooling and Serving

Once your meatloaf muffins are cooked through, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. This is key! Letting them cool slightly makes it easier to take them out without breaking. When you’re ready, gently run a butter knife around the edges of each muffin to help loosen them, then pop them out. Serve them warm and enjoy every delightful bite! They’re perfect on their own or paired with your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting flavor that brings back nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals.
Individual portions make them fun for everyone—no slicing required!
Versatile recipe that can be customized with different meats and veggies.
Great for meal prep; leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
They freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later!
Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Tips for Success

Making meatloaf muffins is simple, but a few handy tips can take your dish from good to great! Here are some practical suggestions to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overmix: While it’s tempting to mix everything thoroughly, overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Just mix until everything is combined—think of it as a gentle hug for your ingredients!
Check for Doneness: Besides using a meat thermometer, another way to check is by cutting one open to see if it’s cooked through. If you’re unsure, better to be safe than sorry!
Customize Your Meat: If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully. Just remember, these meats can be drier, so you might want to add a little extra moisture, like a splash more milk or ketchup.
Vegetable Boost: Feel free to sneak in some finely chopped veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. They add moisture and nutrition without overpowering the classic meatloaf taste.
Adjusting Cooking Time: If you decide to make larger muffins, you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them and adjust as necessary.
Chill Before Baking: If you have time, letting your meat mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help it hold together better while baking. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference!
Leftover Love: These muffins are fantastic as leftovers! Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat.

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create delicious meatloaf muffins that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying meatloaf muffins, knowing the nutritional values can help you make informed choices while still indulging in comfort food. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per muffin, based on standard ingredients:

Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 12g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. For example, if you decide to swap ground beef for ground turkey, the fat content may be lower. Similarly, using gluten-free breadcrumbs could slightly change the carbohydrate count. So, feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy your delicious meatloaf muffins guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I use other meats for these meatloaf muffins?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even try ground pork for a richer flavor. Just remember, different meats might change the moisture level, so you might need to adjust the liquids a bit.

How do I know when the muffins are done?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have one, just cut into one muffin and make sure it’s no longer pink in the center. Better safe than sorry!

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking, so it cooks evenly. You can also freeze the muffins after baking; just thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to eat!

What should I serve with meatloaf muffins?
These muffins pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! I love serving them with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a classic meal. You could also try a fresh salad or some roasted sweet potatoes for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!

Can I add cheese to the muffins?
Definitely! Adding some shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, can elevate the flavor of your meatloaf muffins. Just mix it into the meat mixture before baking, or sprinkle some on top during the last few minutes of baking for a delicious melted topping!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover meatloaf muffins is super simple and ensures you can enjoy them later! After they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up to prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.

If you want to store them for longer, these muffins freeze wonderfully! To do this, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply move the muffins to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For a quick reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method will keep the exterior nice and slightly crispy!

So, whether you’re savoring them fresh or enjoying leftovers, these meatloaf muffins are sure to be a comforting treat! Happy eating!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your delicious meatloaf muffins, the right sides can really enhance the meal experience! Here are some of my favorite accompaniments that pair perfectly with these comforting bites:

Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes! They soak up all the savory flavors from the muffins and add that classic comfort food vibe.
Steamed Vegetables: A colorful mix of steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, and green beans makes for a light and nutritious side that balances the richness of the muffins.
Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. It’s a great way to boost your veggie intake!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the savory muffins beautifully. Just toss them with a little olive oil and your favorite spices before roasting.
Garlic Bread: For a truly indulgent meal, serve your meatloaf muffins with warm garlic bread. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover juices!
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a nice texture and a bit of tang that pairs wonderfully with the hearty muffins.

Feel free to mix and match these sides based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. You can create a delightful, balanced meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your hearty feast!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.