Hands down, the best meatloaf muffins ever!

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the muffins cook evenly and get that perfect golden brown top.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix everything together until fully combined, but be careful not to overmix as that can make the meatloaf tough.

3. Add the Cheese

Fold in the shredded cheese into the mixture. The cheese adds both flavor and moisture to the muffins, making them extra tasty and gooey in the best possible way.

4. Scoop Into Muffin Tin

Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil. Then, use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the meat mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full. This ensures they’ll cook through without spilling over.

5. Top with Ketchup

For that classic meatloaf finish, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of each meatloaf muffin. You can even drizzle a little extra on top if you like your meatloaf on the sweeter side.

6. Bake

Bake the meatloaf muffins in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown on top, and a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for poultry.

7. Rest & Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, let the meatloaf muffins rest for about 5 minutes in the tin before removing them. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them juicy when you serve them.

Serve with extra ketchup, a dollop of mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Muffins

• Use lean meat: Ground beef is the traditional choice, but you can use turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just make sure to use meat with a little fat to keep the muffins juicy.
• Customize the fillings: Feel free to add extras like diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even a little bit of chopped spinach for a veggie boost.
• Add a glaze: For extra flavor, you can top the muffins with a tangy glaze made from a mixture of ketchup and a bit of brown sugar or mustard before baking.
• Make them mini: If you want even smaller portions (or if you’re meal prepping), you can use a mini muffin tin to make bite-sized meatloaf muffins.
• Rest before serving: Letting the meatloaf muffins rest for a few minutes after baking allows them to hold together better and makes them easier to remove from the tin.

Why These Are Hands Down the Best Meatloaf Muffins

What makes these meatloaf muffins the best? It’s all about the balance of flavors, the perfect texture, and how easy they are to make. Each muffin is tender and juicy, thanks to the mix of milk and breadcrumbs that keep the meatloaf moist, while the cheese adds a little richness that elevates the flavor. The ketchup on top is the perfect touch—sweet and tangy, just like traditional meatloaf, but in bite-sized form.

Also, the fact that these muffins cook so quickly is a huge bonus. No more waiting forever for a meatloaf to bake all the way through. With these muffins, you get the same comforting flavor, but in half the time, and with a lot less fuss.

Great Pairings

• Mashed Potatoes: The classic comfort food pairing. Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the juices from the meatloaf muffins.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are a great side dish to add color and freshness to the meal.
• Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the meatloaf muffins and adds a fresh balance.
• Mac and Cheese: For a more indulgent side, macaroni and cheese is always a hit with meatloaf muffins.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect meatloaf recipe, these Meatloaf Muffins should be at the top of your list. They’re tender, flavorful, and packed with all the comfort food goodness you crave. Plus, their individual size makes them perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or even feeding a crowd.

So next time you’re craving meatloaf, skip the old, time-consuming loaf and opt for these easy, delicious meatloaf muffins—you won’t regret it. Trust me, they really are hands down the best meatloaf muffins ever!