Mini Meatloaf Muffins – A Fun Twist on a Classic Favorite

Introduction

Mini Meatloaf Muffins are the perfect way to bring a family favorite to the table with a fun and flavorful twist. These bite-sized meatloaves pack all the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf but with a bold taco-inspired twist. Juicy, cheesy, and seasoned to perfection, these mini delights are perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep.

What makes these mini meatloaves truly special is the combination of lean ground beef, taco seasoning, and chunky salsa. The muffin tin shape allows them to cook quickly and evenly, creating individual servings that are easy to portion and freeze. Plus, they’re topped with gooey melted cheese for an irresistible finishing touch.

Whether you serve them with Spanish rice, pinto beans, or warm cornbread, these Mini Meatloaf Muffins will win over everyone at the dinner table, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1/3 to 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

• 13 to 15 soda crackers, crushed

• 1 cup chunky salsa (your favorite variety)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend)

• 1 to 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions – Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray such as PAM.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, crushed crackers, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup shredded cheese and 1/2 cup salsa.
Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a wooden spoon, just as you would when making a traditional meatloaf.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and press each portion into a muffin cup.
Using the back of a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each meatloaf for holding toppings later.

Step 4: Bake the Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meatloaves are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Add Salsa and Cheese Topping

Remove the muffin tin from the oven and top each meatloaf with a spoonful of the remaining salsa and a sprinkle of the remaining cheese.
Return to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the mini meatloaves to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin.
Serve warm with Spanish rice, pinto beans, and a slice of cornbread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Make It Spicy: Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute crushed crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Kid-Friendly Version: Use mild taco seasoning and cheddar cheese to keep flavors simple.

• Meal Prep Tip: Freeze cooked mini meatloaves in individual portions for quick, ready-to-reheat meals.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatloaves in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Microwave frozen meatloaves on medium heat until heated through, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 6

Tools Used

• 12-cup muffin tin

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon or spatula

Final Thoughts – Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a creative and delicious way to reinvent a classic comfort food. Their fun, individual portions make them ideal for family meals, potlucks, and even meal prepping. With bold taco-inspired flavors and a cheesy, salsa-topped finish, they bring a fresh twist to traditional meatloaf.

Serve them with rice, beans, or your favorite side dishes for a wholesome and satisfying dinner. Once you try these mini delights, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

For more family-friendly recipes, check out our Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs and explore new flavors at Delish.com.

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TINSUF RECIPES

Mini Meatloaf Muffins

A fun, taco-inspired twist on classic meatloaf, baked in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned servings topped with salsa and cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• - 1 lb lean ground beef
• - 1/3 to 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
• - 13 to 15 soda crackers crushed
• - 1 cup chunky salsa divided
• - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend
• - 1 to 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
• - Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• - 12-cup muffin tin
• - Mixing bowl
• - Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, combine beef, onion, crushed crackers, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, 1 cup cheese, and 1/2 cup salsa.
3. Divide mixture into 12 portions and press into muffin cups.
4. Make a small indentation in the center of each meatloaf.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
6. Top each meatloaf with remaining salsa and cheese.
7. Bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
8. Serve warm with rice, beans, or cornbread.

Notes

- Add jalapeños for extra spice.
- Freeze leftovers in serving-size containers for up to 3 months.