Kid-Friendly Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins

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Now, you can enjoy meatloaf any day of the week with this fast and Kid-Friendly Easy Meatloaf Muffins recipe that requires half the cooking time of the classic meatloaf recipe! Let’s get to the kitchen.

I rarely make meatloaf for dinner on weeknights because it just takes too long to bake — I’m really not into spending hours prepping and waiting for dinner to be ready after a long day at the office!

And that’s exactly what makes this 30-minute meal perfect for family dinners and even better for meal prep!

Ingredient notes

• Ground beef | I love to use 80/20 ground beef for meatloaf. This fat ratio provides flavor and moisture, ensuring a delicious and juicy meatloaf. The fat content helps prevent the meatloaf from becoming too dry during cooking. However, you can adjust the fat content based on your preference and dietary needs. If you prefer lean ground beef, remember that the meatloaf might be drier.
• Bread crumbs | You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs if you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs. To add flavor, consider mixing in some dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) and garlic powder. 

• Cheese | Freshly grated parmesan cheese is best, providing authentic flavor, but a bag of shredded or grated cheese from the store also works. 
• Milk | Milk soaks into the breadcrumbs and brings moisture to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup | Tomato sauce or tomato paste diluted with a bit of water can be used as a substitute for ketchup.
• Onion | Bring texture and flavor with a finely chopped onion– A yellow or white onion will do the trick.
• Bell pepper — Omit the bell pepper if you don’t prefer its flavor. You can add more finely chopped onion or other vegetables if desired.

• Garlic powder | Minced fresh garlic can be used as a replacement for garlic powder. Use about 2-3 cloves.
• Oregano | Feel free to substitute with other dried herbs like basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning. 
• Salt and pepper | Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Egg | Add an egg to bind the ingredients and create the perfect texture.

Barbecue Topping

• Ketchup | Real ketchup is best for this BBQ topping, but watered-down tomato paste or tomato sauce also works.
• Brown sugar | Sweeten the topping with light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
• Mustard | Bring tangy notes with yellow mustard.
• Worcestershire sauce | Round out the flavors with Worcestershire sauce.

How to make Muffin Tin Meatloaf Cupcakes

This kid-friendly and delicious muffin pan meatloaf recipe is ready for dinner time in just 30 minutes! 

STEP 1 | Preheat and prep

Get started by preheating the oven to 375 degrees and lightly coating a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners.

STEP 2 | Combine the meatloaf ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, 1/4 cup ketchup, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.

STEP 3 | Press meat mixture into muffin cups

Next, divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing gently to pack the mix.

STEP 4 | Combine the BBQ sauce ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for the topping.

STEP 5 | Add topping

Then, spoon a small amount of the topping mixture on top of each muffin and spread it over the tops.

STEP 6 | Bake

Finally, bake the recipe in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

STEP 7 | Cool and serve!

Once finished, remove the mini meatloaves from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, serve and enjoy!

Try my other meatloaf recipes, like this flavorful Smoked Meatloaf and my healthy Turkey Mini Meat Loaf with Honey Dijon Glaze.

Variations and substitutions

• Turkey Meatloaf Muffins. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a slightly healthier alternative and a different flavor profile.
• Meatloaf Cupcakes. For an adorable presentation, top the meatloaf muffins with freshly made creamy mashed potatoes by placing them in a plastic bag and cutting a corner, as you’d do with icing. After piping on the mashed potatoes, drizzle with gravy and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
• Garnish the mini loaves with fresh parsley. 
• This is a great recipe to customize and adjust to your liking. Add more veggies or switch up the sauce for something different.

Storage and reheating tips

• Meatloaf Muffins should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator (if frozen) and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Keep in mind that reheated meatloaf muffins may have a slightly different texture but will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Frequently asked questions

Hints for Kid-Friendlier Versions

We all know little ones can be picky eaters. And even though these mini meatloaf bites are adorable and kid-sized, they may still shy away from them without even trying a bite. Here are some suggestions.

First, be sure to chop up any of the veggies tiny, tiny. You can even soften the onion and pepper by sauteing them a bit.

Second, Allow them to participate in the plating process. Give the kids a spoon and ramekins of their favorite condiments. Let them make their little burger meatloaves their way. Even better, you can give them a Hawaiian Roll, and the kids can make a slider of sorts!

Serving suggestions

Mashed potatoes are one of the most common side dishes for this Meatloaf muffin recipe, but these mashed sweet potatoes are an excellent way to try something a little different with the same comfort.

Add some greens with my simple Instant Pot Green Beans Recipe, or combine the carbs and veggies with my delicious Southern Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole, also perfect for meal prep!