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Cozy Meatloaf Muffins Recipe Easy Kid-Size Portions for Dinner

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These cozy meatloaf muffins are perfectly sized for kids, quick to bake, and comforting for the whole family. A fun twist on classic meatloaf that’s easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend), preferably grass-fed
  • 1/2 cup (50g) bread crumbs (plain or Italian seasoned; use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (whole or 2%; dairy-free milk like oat or almond is fine)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) ketchup (half for meat mixture, half for topping glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with silicone muffin liners.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, 2 tablespoons (1/6 cup) ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
  4. Add bread crumbs, chopped onion, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using) to the bowl and mix.
  5. Gently fold in the ground beef with your hands or a spatula, mixing just until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, about 3 ounces (85g) per muffin.
  7. Brush or dollop about a teaspoon of the remaining ketchup on top of each muffin.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), with tops slightly browned and sticky.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes to set and make removal easier. Use a butter knife to loosen edges if needed.
  10. Serve warm, perfect with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or as a protein-packed lunchbox treat.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep muffins tender. Soak bread crumbs in milk before mixing for moist texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If tops brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Muffins can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Freeze cooked muffins individually before storing in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf muffins, kid-friendly dinner, easy meatloaf, mini meatloaf, quick dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, family meal

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-meatloaf-muffins-recipe-easy-kid-size-portions-for-dinner/