Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup onion
finely diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper
finely diced
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
chopped
- to tastesalt and black pepper
- 10 small small cubes of mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a muffin pan and set aside.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Set aside.
- 3
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the onions cool.
- 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled onions, bell pepper, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- 5
Divide the meat mixture into 10 portions. Take each portion, flatten it slightly, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese and shape into a ball, then place it in a muffin well. Repeat for the remaining portions.
- 6
Spoon the prepared glaze evenly over the tops of each meatloaf muffin.
- 7
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Allow the meatloaf muffins to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- 8
Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 10 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Imagine all the comforting, savory flavor of classic meatloaf, perfectly portioned into adorable, bite-sized muffins! These Mini Meatloaf Muffins are the ultimate weeknight meal or party appetizer, delivering pure deliciousness in every hand-held bite that everyone will love.
What makes these Mini Meatloaf Muffins truly special is their convenient size and incredibly tender texture. Each muffin bakes up juicy and flavorful, complete with a tangy, sweet glaze and a delightful melted mozzarella center that sets them apart from traditional slices.
You'll be delighted by the rich, savory aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake. The meatloaf itself is wonderfully moist and tender, seasoned perfectly with classic flavors from sautéed onion and bell pepper, a hint of barbecue and Worcestershire sauce, and fresh parsley. Tucked inside each one is a molten cube of mozzarella cheese, adding a delightful creamy contrast that will surprise and please.
The top is brushed with a vibrant, irresistible glaze—a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a touch of spicy from the ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. They’re satisfying, comforting, and surprisingly fun to eat, making them a family favorite for sure.
While lean ground beef forms the perfect base, you could experiment with ground pork or a beef-pork blend for a different flavor profile if you wish. For the cheesy surprise, feel free to swap the mozzarella with cheddar or a pepper jack for a little kick. Adjust the glaze to your taste by adding more brown sugar for sweetness or a bit more Dijon mustard for tang.
These Mini Meatloaf Muffins are fantastic for family dinners, casual gatherings, game day spreads, or even packed lunches. Serve them alongside classic mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a complete, comforting meal that's sure to impress.