Description
These Mini Muffin Tin Meatloaves are a quick and easy twist on classic meatloaf, baked in bite-sized portions perfect for individual servings. Made with lean ground beef and seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, they are topped with a tangy and slightly sweet ketchup glaze. Ready in just 45 minutes, they make a delicious weeknight dinner that’s both convenient and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk (any kind)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
Glaze
- 6 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the mini meatloaves.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken and bind properly.
- Add Ground Beef: Incorporate the ground beef into the mixture and gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid a dense and tough texture.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Evenly distribute the meat mixture into 8 cups of a muffin tin, pressing down firmly to fill each cup.
- Initial Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the mini meatloaves for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: While baking, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drain Excess Grease: Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and use a paper towel to gently dab each meatloaf, absorbing any excess grease for a cleaner finish.
- Apply Glaze: Spoon the prepared glaze evenly over every mini meatloaf, coating the tops generously.
- Final Bake: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatloaves reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicating they are fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let the mini meatloaves rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness. Enjoy your delicious mini meatloaves!
Notes
- Do not overmix the ground beef to keep the meatloaves tender.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the meatloaf is safely cooked to 160°F.
- You can use any type of milk or even a non-dairy alternative in the mixture.
- These mini meatloaves reheat well and can be frozen for meal prep.
- Try serving with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
