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Juicy Mini Meatloaf Muffins for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Two perfectly baked mini meatloaf portions topped with a shiny red glaze, sitting on a white plate.

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Make these perfectly portioned mini meatloaf servings in a muffin tin for faster cooking and easy cleanup. This recipe delivers the classic comfort food flavor you love, making it a family favorite and a great option for meal prep dinner ideas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or plain breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (for mixing)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (for mixing)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing lightly to form individual meatloaf servings.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
  5. Spoon about one teaspoon of the glaze over the top of each mini meatloaf.
  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is set. Cooking time is faster than a traditional loaf.
  7. Let the meatloaf cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve immediately with your favorite sides for an easy comfort food meal.

Notes

  • For freezer meal prep, assemble the meatloaves (without glaze) in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, remove from the tin, place on a baking sheet, top with glaze, and bake from frozen at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes.
  • If you prefer a bacon topping, wrap each mini meatloaf with half a slice of bacon before baking.
  • These savory meatloaf bites pair well with piped mashed potatoes or simple roasted vegetables on a sheet pan dinner setup.

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