Name: Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey; 1 box stuffing mix (any flavor); 1 cup water (add more if needed); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt & black pepper to taste; Shredded cheese (optional, for topping); Crispy onion strings (optional, for garnish); Cooking spray; ½ cup ketchup; ½ cup BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp honey mustard; 1 tbsp brown sugar

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Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—delicious, quick to prepare, and perfect for the whole family. These individual meatloaf muffins take the classic comfort food and make it fun, portion-controlled, and ready in under 30 minutes. Made with a combination of ground beef or turkey, savory stuffing mix, and a sweet-and-tangy glaze, these mini meatloaves deliver all the flavor of traditional meatloaf without the long cooking time. Whether you’re feeding kids, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins

This recipe has countless reasons to win your heart. First, it’s incredibly simple to make—using a muffin tin allows for quick, even cooking, meaning you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. The addition of stuffing mix adds flavor and texture without the hassle of chopping extra ingredients. The sweet and tangy sauce topping takes these mini meatloaves to the next level, and optional toppings like cheese or crispy onion strings make them even more irresistible. Plus, they’re great for meal prep—you can easily make a batch ahead of time and reheat them for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (or a mix for extra flavor)
1 box stuffing mix (any flavor, such as Stove Top)
1 cup water (add more if mixture seems too dry)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Crispy onion strings (optional, for garnish)
Cooking spray

For the Sauce Topping:

½ cup ketchup
½ cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp honey mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, stuffing mix, water, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Combine the ingredients gently with your hands or a wooden spoon, taking care not to overmix so the meatloaves stay soft and juicy. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more water.
Fill the muffin tin: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing lightly to form individual meatloaves.
Make the sauce topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and brown sugar until smooth.
Top the meatloaves: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sauce mixture over each mini meatloaf.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatloaves are fully cooked (check with a meat thermometer: cook beef to 160°F and turkey to 165°F).
Add cheese (optional): If using shredded cheese, remove the meatloaves after 20 minutes, sprinkle cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt.
Serve: Remove from the pan, top with crispy onion strings if desired, and serve hot.

Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture—it can make the mini meatloaves dense.
Line the muffin tin with parchment liners for easier cleanup.
Use a mix of proteins (like beef and turkey) for added depth of flavor.
Make extra sauce to serve on the side for dipping.

Substitutions and Variations

Meat options: Try ground chicken, pork, venison, or a combination for a unique twist.
Seasonings: Add Italian herbs, Cajun spices, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra kick.
Glaze swap: Replace the BBQ-ketchup glaze with marinara and parmesan for an Italian-style version.
Low-carb option: Replace the stuffing mix with almond flour and grated parmesan.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to four days.
Freeze: To freeze, place the cooked meatloaves on a baking sheet until firm, then move them to a freezer-safe bag for storage of up to three months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Nutritional Information About Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Per mini meatloaf (without cheese or toppings):

Calories: ~210
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g

Note: Nutritional values are estimated and can differ depending on the specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

With sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
As sliders: Serve in small dinner rolls for fun mini meatloaf sandwiches.
For meal prepping: Pair these mini meatloaves with quinoa or rice and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Is it possible to prepare these mini meatloaves in advance?
Yes! Prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.

Can fresh breadcrumbs be substituted for the stuffing mix?
Absolutely. Replace the stuffing mix with about 1 ½ cups of fresh breadcrumbs and add extra seasonings for flavor.

How do I know when they’re fully cooked?
Check with a meat thermometer: cook beef to 160°F and turkey to 165°F to ensure doneness.

Can I make them without the sauce?
Yes, but the sauce adds great flavor. You can swap it for marinara or leave them plain and serve sauce on the side.

What’s the best way to keep mini meatloaves moist and juicy?
Don’t overcook them and make sure to add enough water or a splash of milk to keep the mixture moist.

Conclusion

Thank you for stopping by to try my Easy Mini Meatloaves recipe! These little meatloaf muffins are everything you love about a classic comfort meal—simple, flavorful, and easy to customize. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight family dinner or prepping them ahead for busy days, I hope they bring warmth and flavor to your table. Don’t forget to play around with toppings and sauces to make them your own. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!

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