Let’s talk about ground beef. It’s affordable, it’s versatile, and it’s probably sitting in your fridge right now. But are you stuck in a rut of tacos and spaghetti? I get it. Finding new and exciting Ground Beef Recipes can be a challenge, especially on a busy weeknight.
Well, what if I told you that you could turn that simple package of ground beef into adorable, single serving meatloaf muffins? They are juicy, savory, and so much fun to eat. This is one of those Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef your whole family will ask for again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the portion control is fantastic. Everyone gets their own little meatloaf muffin. This makes serving a breeze, and they are especially great for kids. No more fighting over who got the bigger piece. It is a simple solution for family harmony.
They are also incredibly quick to make. From start to finish, you are looking at under an hour. That makes them a wonderful choice for those hectic weeknights when you need to get a satisfying meal on the table fast. It’s one of those Ground Meat Recipes For Dinner that saves the day.
Plus, this recipe is super easy to customize. You can swap sauces, add cheese, or even sneak in some finely grated veggies. It is a forgiving recipe that welcomes a little creativity. You really can’t go wrong with these little guys.
These little meatloaves are one of my favorite Meals With Ground Beef because they are just so dependable. They taste great, they are easy to assemble, and the cleanup is minimal. What’s not to love about that?
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather. The list is simple, using pantry staples you likely already have on hand for these amazing Ground Beef Recipes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup ketchup divided
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make the best meatloaf muffins ever? Let’s walk through the process together. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Prep And Preheat The Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven going. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, grab a standard 12 cup muffin pan. Give it a good spray with cooking spray or grease it with a little melted butter. This step is important for making sure your muffins pop right out later.
Step 2: Sauté The Vegetables
Now, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and let it cook for about five minutes. You want it to get soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 more seconds until you can smell that wonderful aroma.
Cooking the onion and garlic first makes a huge difference. It softens their flavor and brings out a little sweetness, adding a lot of depth to your Ground Beef Recipes.
Step 3: Mix The Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked onion and garlic, the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and half a cup of the ketchup. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, crack in the egg, and sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and pepper.
Use your hands to mix it all together until it is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture. Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough, and we are aiming for tender and juicy results for our Meals With Ground Beef.
Step 4: Fill The Muffin Tins
Take your meat mixture and divide it evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. I find using an ice cream scoop helps make this part quick and ensures all the muffins are roughly the same size. This helps them cook evenly. It’s a simple trick for better Ground Beef Recipes.
Step 5: Finish And Bake
Now for the finishing touch. Spoon a little bit of the remaining ketchup on top of each meatloaf muffin. This creates that classic tangy glaze. Pop the muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes.
The muffins are done when they are cooked through. The safest way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This is one of the most reliable Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef.
Step 6: Cool And Serve
Once they are done baking, carefully take the pan out of the oven. Let the meatloaf muffins rest in the pan for about five minutes. This helps them set up and holds all those delicious juices inside. Then, serve them up warm. They are fantastic with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and some steamed green beans.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best parts about these meatloaf muffins is that they make amazing leftovers. If you have any remaining, let them cool down completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days.
These also freeze beautifully, making them one of the best Ground Meat Recipes For Dinner when it comes to meal prep. To freeze, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips
Want to make your meatloaf muffins even better? I have a few suggestions for you. First, do not skip the sauce on top. Whether you use ketchup or your favorite barbecue sauce, that topping adds a nice bit of acidity that balances the richness of the meat. It also helps lock in moisture.
For a cheesy twist, try sprinkling a little grated cheddar cheese on top of each muffin during the last five minutes of baking. Let it get all melted and bubbly. It is a small addition that adds a lot of comforting flavor to these Ground Beef Recipes.
Feel free to get creative with your additions. You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for a hidden boost of nutrients. The kids will never even know they are there. Exploring different Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef is part of the fun.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and fun way to shake up your dinner routine. These meatloaf muffins prove that Meals With Ground Beef do not have to be boring. They are easy enough for a beginner cook and tasty enough for the whole family to enjoy.
I hope you give these a try. It is one of those Ground Beef Recipes that will surely become a staple in your home. Let me know how they turn out!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Ground Meat?
Absolutely. This is a very flexible recipe. Ground turkey or ground chicken are great lighter alternatives. You could also use a mix of ground pork and beef for extra flavor and richness. This is one of those Ground Meat Recipes For Dinner that you can easily adapt.
How Do I Know When The Meatloaf Muffins Are Cooked?
The most accurate way to tell is by using an instant read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. If you do not have one, you can check to see that the juices run clear when you cut into the center of a muffin. The tops should be nicely browned as well.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, these are wonderful for making ahead. You can prepare the meat mixture, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake them completely, cool, and store them in the fridge to reheat for a super fast dinner.
What Can I Serve With These Meatloaf Muffins?
Classic comfort food pairings work best. Mashed potatoes are a traditional choice. Other great options include roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, macaroni and cheese, or steamed green beans. There are many great serving options for these Ground Beef Recipes.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Breadcrumbs?
You can. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, you can use crushed saltine crackers, quick cooking oats, or even almond flour for a gluten free option. These alternatives will help bind the meatloaf mixture together just as well.
Meatloaf Muffins
Simple, delicious, and fun way to shake up your dinner routine. These meatloaf muffins are easy enough for a beginner cook and tasty enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard 12 cup muffin pan with cooking spray or melted butter.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 more seconds until aromatic.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic, ground beef, breadcrumbs, ½ cup of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. An ice cream scoop can help make this quick and ensure even sizing.
- Spoon a little bit of the remaining ketchup on top of each meatloaf muffin. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F with a meat thermometer.
- Carefully remove the muffin pan from the oven. Let the meatloaf muffins rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before serving warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. These also freeze beautifully for up to three months; wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Don’t skip the sauce on top! Whether you use ketchup or your favorite barbecue sauce, that topping adds a nice bit of acidity that balances the richness of the meat and helps lock in moisture.
For a cheesy twist, try sprinkling a little grated cheddar cheese on top of each muffin during the last five minutes of baking. It’s a small addition that adds a lot of comforting flavor.
Feel free to get creative with your additions. You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for a hidden boost of nutrients. The kids will never even know they are there!
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
