Make Meatloaf in a Muffin Pan – it cooks in 15 minutes!
An Easy and Delicious Twist: Meatloaf in a Muffin Pan
Who says meatloaf has to be boring and time-consuming? With our Meatloaf in a Muffin Pan recipe, you can enjoy this classic comfort food with a modern twist. Perfectly portioned and ready in just 15 minutes, these meatloaf muffins are a quick and fun way to enjoy a beloved dish. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or a picnic, these little meaty delights are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Perfect Portions: Easy to serve and share.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and easy to hold.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Food Processor
- Large Mixing Bowl
- 12-Muffin Tin (1/2-cup each)
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Baking Brush
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 to 1 3/4 pounds ground sirloin
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
- 2 ribs celery from the heart of the stalk, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 large egg plus a splash of milk, beaten
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)
- 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato salsa
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
- Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
- In a food processor, pulse the onion, celery, and bell pepper until finely chopped. Add these to the meat in the bowl.
- Add the beaten egg with milk, bread crumbs, and grill seasoning to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour half of this sauce mixture into the meat mixture and combine thoroughly with your hands.
- Brush the muffin tin with vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil.
- Use an ice cream scoop to fill each muffin tin with the meat mixture.
- Top each meatloaf muffin with a spoonful of the remaining sauce.
- Bake for about 20 minutes. Cut open one muffin to ensure it is cooked through.
Tips for Success
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- Consider using disposable foil cupcake pans with holes to allow grease to escape.
- Line the base pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Add a chunk of your favorite cheese in the center of each muffin for a gooey surprise.
- Experiment with flavors by adding herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary.
- Try different sauces or spices to create Tex-Mex or Asian-inspired variations.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can these be frozen?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
These Meatloaf Muffins are a delightful twist on a classic recipe, perfect for a quick meal or a unique addition to your next gathering. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear your feedback and any creative variations you come up with. Enjoy your cooking!
