Cheesy Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Cheesy Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Introduction

These Cheesy Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a fun and tasty spin on the classic meatloaf, made even better with a surprise of melted cheddar cheese in the center.

Perfectly portioned and topped with extra cheese, these individual meatloaves cook faster than a traditional loaf, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Each meatloaf muffin is juicy, flavorful, and packed with savory spices, while the melted cheddar inside and on top adds a delightful creaminess and depth of flavor.

Not only do they taste incredible, but they’re also convenient to serve and make portion control a breeze.

Pair these mini meatloaves with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a salad for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To make these Cheesy Mini Meatloaf Muffins, you will need:

Meatloaf Mixture:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

2 tablespoons ketchup (or BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

Filling and Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for filling and topping, adjust quantity as preferred)

1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (for topping)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line with silicone muffin cups to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Form the Meatloaf Muffins

1. Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Take one portion at a time and press it into a ball, then make a small indentation in the center.
2. Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese into the indentation, then cover with a bit more of the meat mixture to seal the cheese inside. Shape it into a ball or patty that fits into a muffin cup.
3. Place each filled meatloaf portion into the prepared muffin tin, pressing gently to fill the cups evenly.

Step 4: Add Topping

1. Brush the top of each meatloaf muffin with a small amount of ketchup or BBQ sauce for a glossy finish and additional flavor.
2. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each muffin for a melty, cheesy topping.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
2. If desired, you can broil the muffins for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese topping slightly, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Once the meatloaf muffins are done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Carefully remove the muffins from the tin, using a fork or spoon to help if needed, and transfer them to a serving plate.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a delicious, comforting, and convenient twist on traditional meatloaf, packed with flavor and filled with gooey melted cheddar cheese.

Their individual serving size makes them easy to portion, while the quick cooking time makes them a practical choice for weeknight dinners.

Perfect for kids and adults alike, these muffins pair wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

You can even freeze leftovers for an easy reheat meal later on.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to try a new take on meatloaf, these Cheesy Mini Meatloaf Muffins are sure to become a family favorite!

Enjoy the tender, juicy meat and the melted cheese in every bite, and don’t be surprised when these disappear quickly from the dinner table.