Savory Muffin Tin Meatloaves

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or your choice of meat), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. The breadcrumbs will help bind the mixture together, and the milk keeps the meatloaf moist.
• Add the egg, chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until fully combined. Tip: If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.

3. Form the Meatloaves:

• Divide the meat mixture evenly between the muffin tin cups, pressing down slightly to ensure they’re packed in well. You should fill each muffin cup almost to the top, but leave a little room for the topping.

4. Add the Topping:

• In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard (if using) to create a simple glaze. Spoon a small dollop of this mixture on top of each mini meatloaf. Tip: For extra flavor, you can also drizzle a little extra Worcestershire sauce or BBQ sauce on top, or sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, cheesy crust.

5. Bake the Meatloaves:

• Bake the muffin tin meatloafs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey/chicken.
• For a crispy topping, you can broil the meatloafs for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.

6. Serve:

• Let the meatloafs rest for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. This will help them set and make them easier to remove without falling apart.
• Serve the savory muffin tin meatloafs with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for Success:

• Make Them Ahead: You can prepare the meatloafs up to a day in advance. Simply cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for meal prep or busy nights when you want to save time.
• Try Different Meats: If you prefer a lighter option, swap the beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. You can also use lean ground pork or even a mixture of meats for a more complex flavor profile.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, try finely chopping or grating carrots, zucchini, or even spinach into the meat mixture. They’ll add extra nutrition without compromising flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Muffin tin meatloafs are also freezer-friendly. Simply let them cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Flavor Variations: You can get creative with your seasonings and toppings. Try adding a bit of hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or cheddar cheese to the meat mixture for a twist. For the topping, you could use tomato sauce, salsa, or even a creamy mayo-mustard sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 10-12g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 5-7g (depends on glaze)

Why You’ll Love Savory Muffin Tin Meatloaves:

1. Quick and Convenient: With a fast baking time and easy cleanup, these individual meatloafs are a busy weeknight savior.
2. Portion Control: No more slicing up a big meatloaf and dealing with leftovers. These individual servings make it easy to serve everyone exactly what they need.
3. Flavorful and Moist: The combination of breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings ensures these mini meatloafs are flavorful and juicy every time. The ketchup glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tang.
4. Versatile: Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, making them for meal prep, or even serving them at a party, these savory muffin tin meatloafs are guaranteed to please a crowd.
5. Kid-Friendly: The small, individual servings are perfect for kids, and the familiar flavors of meatloaf and ketchup are always a hit.

Final Thoughts:

Savory Muffin Tin Meatloaves are an easy, versatile, and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a fun, modern twist. With a quick prep time and customizable ingredients, they’re perfect for busy families, meal prepping, or anyone looking for a satisfying meal that comes together in no time. Try them tonight, and you’ll understand why these mini meatloafs are bound to become a family favorite!