Mini Meatloaf Muffin Pan

What’s Hidden In This Meatloaf Is No Secret But HOW We Made It Will Blow Your Mind

Everyone loves meatloaf at our house, and over the years, I’ve tried an impressive number of recipes for it. Stuffed, with sauce, taco meatloaf, mini loaves – you name it, we’ve had it! I think if we had to have a vote, the stuffed meatloaf would be the winner. Which is no surprise – who doesn’t enjoy meatloaf with all kinds of goodness hidden inside?

However, there’s one thing that has bothered me a little when making meatloaf. Somehow, I always end up with a really messy oven, which means a massive cleanup operation for me. I think I’d rather have someone sticking toothpicks under my fingernails than clean the oven! It’s one of those tasks I really hate.

Fortunately, my friend told me about this awesome recipe from Everyday Good Thinking – I had never even thought of making meatloaf in the crock pot! Silly me! It was one of those light bulb moments that make you feel bright and extremely stupid at the same time. Anyway, I’m just happy that I do have the recipe now, and this has become a staple in our dinner rotation!

For those of you who’d like some bacon on top of your meatloaf, as well, in addition to having it inside the meatloaf – the recipe includes instructions for that.

I usually don’t add the bacon slices; I just cook this a little while longer in the crock pot and bring it out a few minutes before it’s time to serve dinner. If you’re not a fan of Velveeta, you can use your favorite cheese instead. Those French fried onions make a great, crunchy topping if you’re into that kind of thing, but this tastes awesome even without it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mini Meatloaf Muffin Pan recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. It transforms the traditional meatloaf into fun, individual servings that cook faster and are perfect for portion control. Plus, the mess is minimal, sparing you the dreaded oven cleanup!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• A large mixing bowl
• A small mixing bowl
• A 12-cup muffin tin
• A brush for oiling the muffin tin

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground chuck
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 egg plus a splash of milk, beaten
• 1 cup plain bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons grill seasoning such as steak seasoning
• 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup tomato salsa
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Extra-virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion, celery, and green bell pepper.
3. Add the beaten egg with milk, bread crumbs, and grill seasoning to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
4. In a separate small bowl, mix together the smoky BBQ sauce, tomato salsa, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Pour about three-quarters of the sauce mixture into the meatloaf mixture and mix well.
6. Brush a 12-cup muffin tin with extra-virgin olive oil.
7. Fill each muffin cup with the meatloaf mixture.
8. Top each meatloaf muffin with a spoonful of the remaining sauce.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
10. Check one muffin to ensure the middle is cooked through before serving.

Tips for Success

Ensure that all your vegetables are finely chopped to help them integrate well with the meat mixture. Don’t over-mix the meat, as this can make it tough. Also, be sure to check that the meatloaf muffins are cooked through; internal temperatures should reach 160°F (71°C).

Additional Tips and Variations

For a cheese twist, add a cube of your favorite cheese in the center of each muffin before baking. You can also swap the ground chuck for ground turkey for a leaner version. If you prefer more spice, add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 300
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze these meatloaf muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well. Simply let them cool completely, wrap them individually, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

How can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the plain bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try these Mini Meatloaf Muffins as I was when I first discovered the recipe. They’re a delicious and convenient twist on the classic dish, perfect for any occasion. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so be sure to share your experiences or any creative variations you try!