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.

A metal muffin tray with twelve cups, each filled with a small, round meatloaf topped with a shiny, thick layer of reddish-brown glaze. The glaze is unevenly spread, with some areas darker and more caramelized, giving a glossy and slightly textured look. The meatloaf bases are a light brownish-gray color, compact and firm, contrasting with the smooth, sticky top layer. The tray rests on a wooden surface but should be imagined on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Bake the meatloaf muffins for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Step 5: While the muffins bake, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
  6. 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

A white plate holds a meal with three main layers: in the front, two thick, round meatloaf patties with a rich, shiny reddish-brown sauce covering their tops and dripping slightly onto the plate, showing a moist and dense texture. Behind them, there is a generous serving of creamy, smooth mashed potatoes in a light cream color, forming a soft mound. To the left side of the plate, there is a neat stack of bright green, glossy green beans with a fresh and crisp look. The plate sits on a wooden surface, with a blurred background showing a muffin tray with more meatloaf patties. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.

Print
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Meatloaf Muffins with Sweet and Tangy Ketchup Glaze Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf muffins.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Bake the meatloaf muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until fully cooked through.
  5. Prepare to glaze: Turn the oven setting to broil to caramelize the glaze.
  6. 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

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