Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

Meatloaf Muffins are easy to make, full of flavor, hearty, and juicy. They are perfect to serve as an appetizer or main dish. This recipe is so versatile that you can make it different every time you use it, adding or substituting ingredients as you desire. And you will have them on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Looking for some more easy recipes? Try our Pumpkin Mac and Cheese for a tasty holiday side dish. Also, these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Green Beans are super tasty and cook in 15 minutes. In addition, your family would also enjoy our crunchy Air Fryer Pasta Chips on the side. 

If this is your first time making these little meatloaves, you will love how easy it is and your family will love the change of pace from your normal meatloaf recipe.

And the next time, you can make it different by adding cheese, bacon, or whatever you have on hand. This is a unique way to serve regular meatloaf so even picky eaters will love it

Ingredients needed:

For precise measurements and instructions, scroll down to the bottom of the page to get to our printable recipe card. But here are the main ingredients you will need for this great recipe:

• Lean ground beef: Alternatively, you could use ground turkey or ground pork.
• Breadcrumbs: I usually use ground oats.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded is best. 
• Large egg: At room temperature.
• Tomato sauce: You could also use ketchup, tomato paste, or barbecue sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a few shakes.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Garlic powder: Or minced garlic.

How to make meatloaf muffins from scratch?

1. Preheat: First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and coat a muffin pan with cooking spray. 
2. Combine: Meanwhile, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl but save half the tomato sauce for the top.
3. Scoop: Then, put a scoop of meat mixture in each of the prepared muffin cups. 
4. Dollop: Last, add a dollop of tomato sauce on top of each one and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until your meat thermometer says 165 degrees F.
5. Serve: Finally, serve two loaves per person. 

Recipe variations:

• Tex-Mex: Top your mini muffins with chili sauce for a Tex-Mex flavor.
• Make it Italian: For more Italian flavored loaves, add ¼ cup of Italian seasoning or oregano..  
• Substitute: If you do not have any breadcrumbs, use crackers or oats ground up in your food processor.
• Chopped veggies: You can also add chopped veggies to your meat loaf like carrots, green onions, zucchini, green pepper, or spinach.
• More flavors: For more flavor, add mustard or smoked paprika.
• Heat it up: Add a dash of tabasco sauce or red pepper flakes to the mix to give your loaves a kick.

How to serve:

Serve these for a busy weeknight dinner or anytime you need comfort food that will make the whole family feel better. Or try one of our other serving suggestions:

• Turn these into sliders by serving them on dollar rolls with a side of zucchini fries.  
• You could also serve these little burgers with a side of crispy air fryer sweet potato chips.
• Serve individual meatloaves with different toppings like cheddar cheese, hot sauce, chives, and whatever else you like. 
• A good dessert for this recipe is our tart and sweet fried apples. 
• These mini meatloaves go great with steamed peas and mashed potatoes too.
• Use leftover loaves as pizza topping, mixed into chili, or added to spaghetti sauce. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meatloaf sauce made of? 

Although we just use ketchup, barbecue sauce, or tomato sauce on ours, there is a common recipe for what many call meatloaf sauce, glaze, or topping. It includes ¾ cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, one teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, a dash of pepper, and a dash of salt.

Of course, there are many different recipes out there, just like there are many meatloaf recipes.

Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

The main reason a meatloaf does not stick together is that it does not have enough binders in it. A binding agent is what helps the meat mixture stick together as it cooks.

The binding agents in most classic meatloaf recipes are breadcrumbs and eggs.

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

The breadcrumbs or stale bread are essential to every meatloaf. Not only does it bind the meat together, but it also soaks up moisture to keep the meat moist. However, the tip is to soak the bread in milk until it is mushy and thick before mixing it into the meat. 

How to store leftovers:

1. Store: Store these little loaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three or four days. 
2. Freeze: To freeze, let them cool to room temperature and then freeze them solid by putting them on a baking sheet in the freezer for an hour. Then, wrap them individually with plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag to store for up to 90 days in the freezer.
3. Thaw: Remember to thaw them overnight before reheating.
4. Reheat: You can reheat these for 20 or 25 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave for one or two minutes. Cooking time varies depending on how many you are making.

Recipe tips:

• To be sure your meatloaves stay together, you do not want any large pieces so make sure to mince anything you add to the mix.
• Put a baking sheet under your muffin pan to catch any overflow from your mini meatloaves. 
• Make sure you coat the muffin cups with cooking spray or olive oil, so the loaves do not stick.
• Use an ice cream scoop to get the right amount of meat mixture for each loaf. 

5 from 4 votes

Print

Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Meatloaf Muffins are easy to make, full of flavor, hearty, and juicy. They are perfect to serve as an appetizer or main dish.

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Meatloaf Muffins

Servings: 10 meatloaf muffins

Calories: 156 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese shredded
• 1 egg
• 8 ounces can tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients, making sure to only use about ¼ of the tomato sauce. Reserve the rest.

3. Press the meat into the muffin tins.

4. Top with a bit of the remaining tomato sauce.

5. Cook for 20-30 minutes, until cooked through.

6. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 156 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 51mg17%

Sodium 385mg17%

Potassium 223mg6%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 156IU3%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 61mg6%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.