Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Tangy Glaze

Transform traditional meatloaf into perfectly portioned Mini Meatloaf Muffins! Packed with savory flavors, tender texture, and a tangy glaze, these are great for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Each mini meatloaf is baked in a muffin tin, which shortens cooking time and ensures perfectly sized servings. The combination of lean ground beef, fresh veggies, and a sweet-and-tangy glaze creates a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

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Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture:

• ½ yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
• ¾ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Glaze:

• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Glaze:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Grease a muffin tin or coat it with cooking spray.
• In a bowl, mix ketchup, chili sauce, and brown sugar until smooth. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Let it cool completely before mixing into the meat.

3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooled onion, bell pepper, bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Add ¼ cup of the glaze mixture to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Gently mix until just combined; overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.

4. Portion and Top:

• Divide the meat mixture evenly into 10 muffin wells, pressing gently to shape.
• Spoon the remaining glaze over each mini meatloaf, spreading it evenly.

5. Bake:

• Bake uncovered for 22-26 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Allow the meatloaves to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Success

1. Add Veggie Variety: Swap the green bell pepper for grated zucchini or shredded carrots for added nutrition.
2. Cheese Lovers: Press a cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the center of each muffin for a melty surprise.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Replace seasoned bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
4. Make-Ahead: These mini meatloaves freeze well! Bake, cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. Sides That Shine: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love It

These Mini Meatloaf Muffins deliver everything you love about classic meatloaf but in an easy-to-serve, quick-to-cook format. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding a tangy-sweet burst of flavor to every bite. Perfect for picky eaters or portion control, this recipe brings both convenience and comfort to your table.