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Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe 5 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinner Portions

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These mini meatloaf muffins are bite-sized, perfectly portioned, and kid-approved, making weeknight dinners quick, easy, and fun. They bake faster than traditional meatloaf and freeze beautifully for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian style)
  • 1/3 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (yellow onion preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, and egg. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughness.
  3. Stir in finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until evenly distributed.
  4. Divide the mixture evenly into the 12 muffin cups, packing lightly. Each muffin should be about 3 ounces (85g).
  5. In a small bowl, mix ketchup and brown sugar until smooth to make the glaze.
  6. Brush the ketchup glaze generously on top of each muffin.
  7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and tops are caramelized.
  8. Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to help them hold together.

Notes

[‘Do not overmix the meat to avoid dense, tough muffins.’, ‘Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness; leaner meat dries out quickly.’, ‘Apply ketchup glaze thinly and just before baking to prevent burning.’, ‘Let muffins rest after baking to firm up and prevent crumbling.’, ‘Freeze extras individually wrapped for up to 3 months; reheat gently.’, ‘For a lighter option, swap ground beef with ground turkey and add olive oil.’, ‘Add cheese or grated veggies for variations.’, ‘Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mini meatloaf muffins, kid-friendly dinner, easy meatloaf, meatloaf muffins, quick dinner, portion control, family meal, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/mini-meatloaf-muffins-recipe-5-easy-kid-friendly-dinner-portions/