Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are an incredibly easy and satisfying meal, offering all the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf with a twist. The smoky-sweet BBQ glaze adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy meatloaf, while the muffin shape makes them quick to cook and easy to serve. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, a lunch, or a tasty snack, these mini meatloafs are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they are customizable—use ground turkey for a lighter version, or add extra seasoning for more depth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup milk (or dairy-free milk for a non-dairy version)
For the BBQ Glaze:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite or a homemade version)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line it with paper liners.
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Portion the Meatloaf: Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Make the BBQ Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush the glaze generously over each muffin.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloafs reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Serve: Let the mini meatloafs rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini meatloafs
Storage/Reheating
Store the mini meatloaf muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. These also freeze well—store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, and reheat them directly from the freezer.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe for a lighter version. Just be sure to use a bit of extra seasoning to keep the flavor balanced.
2. Can I add extra veggies to the meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can add finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meatloaf mixture for added moisture and nutrition. Just be sure to chop the veggies small to ensure they cook through.
3. Can I make these meatloaf muffins in advance?
Yes! These meatloaf muffins can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’re also great for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.
4. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like! Whether you prefer a tangy, smoky, or sweet sauce, just use your favorite or even a homemade version for extra flavor.
5. How do I know when the meatloaf muffins are done?
The best way to check if the mini meatloafs are done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for them to be fully cooked.
6. Can I make these meatloaf muffins spicier?
Yes, you can easily make these meatloaf muffins spicier by adding some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture. Adjust the level of heat to your liking.
7. Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Yes! You can use Panko breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the quantity if you are using a different type to ensure the texture of the meatloaf remains right.
8. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you need more servings. Just be sure to increase the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.
9. How can I make the glaze sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, simply add more honey or maple syrup to the BBQ sauce mixture to your taste.
10. Can I freeze the BBQ glaze separately?
Yes, you can make the BBQ glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the glaze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf. With a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze and juicy, tender meat, they’re perfect for dinner, lunch, or meal prep. Easy to make and quick to cook, these meatloaf muffins are a great option for busy nights when you want a comforting, satisfying meal. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a deliciously simple dinner that everyone will love!
Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins: A Delicious, Easy Twist on Classic Meatloaf
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini meatloafs
Description
Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are a fun and delicious twist on classic meatloaf. With a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze and juicy portions baked in muffin pans, they’re a perfect portioned, easy-to-serve meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup milk (or dairy-free milk for a non-dairy version)
½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite or a homemade version)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line it with paper liners.
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Portion the Meatloaf: Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Make the BBQ Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush the glaze generously over each muffin.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloafs reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Serve: Let the mini meatloafs rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and moisture.
Make the meatloaf muffins in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
You can adjust the sweetness of the BBQ glaze by adding more honey or maple syrup.
If you prefer a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Use Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.
If doubling the recipe, slightly increase the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
