Meatloaf Muffins with Sweet and Tangy Ketchup Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Meatloaf Muffins are a fun and easy twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. These mini beef meatloaves are baked in a muffin tin and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze for a comforting and delicious meal.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (90/10)
- 1/4 yellow onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Step 3: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and place them in a greased muffin tin, flattening the tops slightly.
- Step 4: Bake the meatloaf muffins for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 5: While the muffins bake, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Turn your oven to broil. Brush the glaze on top of each meatloaf muffin, then broil for about 1 minute until the glaze caramelizes. If you prefer not to broil, you can bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes instead.
Tips & Variations
- Use 80/20 ground beef if you prefer a juicier meatloaf, but be aware it may be greasier.
- For a lower-carb option, substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots to the mix for extra veggies.
- Try a barbecue sauce glaze instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through. These also freeze well—wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind these meats are drier, so adding a little extra moisture like a splash of milk or some grated vegetables can help keep the muffins juicy.
How do I know when the meatloaf muffins are fully cooked?
The best way to ensure doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). The muffins should also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
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Meatloaf Muffins with Sweet and Tangy Ketchup Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Meatloaf Muffins are a quick and easy kid-friendly recipe featuring mini beef meatloaves baked in a muffin tin and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for a fun dinner twist on classic meatloaf, these individual portions offer convenience and delightful flavors for the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef, 90/10
- 1/4 yellow onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Meatloaf Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf muffins.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, breadcrumbs, Kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to ensure a tender texture.
- Form the meatloaf muffins: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them into a greased muffin tin, pressing the tops slightly to flatten.
- Bake the meatloaf muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Prepare to glaze: Turn the oven setting to broil to caramelize the glaze.
- Apply the glaze and broil: Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze. Brush this evenly over each meatloaf muffin. Broil the glazed muffins for about 1 minute, or until the sauce caramelizes. Alternatively, if you prefer not to broil, you can cook the muffins at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to achieve a similar effect.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Use a 90/10 lean ground beef to reduce excess grease but retain moisture.
- Broiling the glaze adds a nice caramelized sweet-tangy finish but can be substituted with a high temp bake if preferred.
- These muffins freeze well, so consider making double batches for easy future meals.
- Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Meatloaf, Meatloaf Muffins, Mini Meatloaf, Kid-friendly Meatloaf, Easy Dinner, Baked Meatloaf, American Comfort Food

