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Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins Kids Love 5-Ingredient Homemade Recipe

easy mini meatloaf muffins - featured image

These easy mini meatloaf muffins are a quick, kid-friendly dinner option made with just 5 simple ingredients. Bite-sized and flavorful, they are perfect for busy weeknights and loved by kids.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind, including dairy-free alternatives)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease each cup of a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the meat.
  4. Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full (roughly 1/4 cup or 60 g per muffin).
  5. Brush a small amount of ketchup on top of each muffin for a glaze.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned on top and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to help them hold their shape.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep muffins tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Brushing ketchup on top creates a caramelized glaze kids love. If tops brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Muffin tins can be substituted with small ramekins or silicone molds. For gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Add finely chopped veggies or cheese for variations.

Nutrition

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