Mini Meatloaf in a Muffin Tin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lbground turkey or ground beef
- ⅓ cbreadcrumbs or oatmeal
either works, but i now use oatmeal
- ⅓ cparmesan cheese
- 1egg
- 1can tomato sauce
instead of the tomato sauce, i often substitute with around 1/4 cup of ketchup in the meat mixture and at least another 1/4 cup for the top. personal choice to use the ketchup vs tomato sauce i do prefer the taste of ketchup – must be the added sugar.
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ½ tsponion powder
- salt and pepper
- several shakes of worcestershire sauce
about a teaspoon
- optional: a couple of handfuls of whatever other veggies you have on hand…
onions, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, spinach, lentils…
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with oil.
- 2
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, but only use about ¼ of the tomato sauce/ketchup in the meat mixture. Reserve the rest for the tops of the meatloaf muffins.
- 3
Press the meat into the muffin cups (you should be able to get eight to 10 out of this amount of meat).
- 4
Top with a dollop of tomato sauce/ketchup on each one.
- 5
Bake for 30-35 minutes.
Mini Meatloaf in a Muffin Tin Recipe
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About this Recipe
Tired of waiting ages for traditional meatloaf to bake, only for it to be hit or miss with the kids? This Mini Meatloaf in a Muffin Tin recipe offers the ultimate solution, delivering perfectly portioned, incredibly flavorful meatloaf that cooks in a fraction of the time.
Why This Recipe Works
These Meatloaf Muffins are a game-changer for busy weeknights, transforming a classic comfort food into a fun, kid-friendly format. By baking in a muffin tin, you achieve individual servings that cook much faster and more evenly than a large loaf. Plus, the convenience of using either ground turkey or ground beef, along with a clever breadcrumb or oatmeal option, makes this recipe incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand.
What truly sets these apart is the choice between classic tomato sauce and the often-preferred ketchup topping and mixture, offering a sweeter, tangier note that many find irresistible.
What to Expect
Prepare for tender, savory individual meatloaves, each packed with comforting flavor. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce provides a robust base, while Parmesan cheese adds a delightful richness. You'll find each mini meatloaf to be moist and satisfying, with a subtle sweetness if you opt for ketchup, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, making it easy to fit into your meal planning.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can easily swap ground turkey for ground beef depending on your preference or what’s in your fridge. If you're out of breadcrumbs, oatmeal is an excellent substitute that works just as well. For the topping, while tomato sauce offers a classic profile, many home cooks find the sweeter, richer taste of ketchup both mixed in and on top to be a personal favorite. Don't hesitate to fold in a couple of handfuls of whatever extra veggies you have around—onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach can add nutrients and texture without overpowering the dish.
Serving & Context
These Mini Meatloaf Muffins are perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even meal prepping. Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.