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    Recipes » Entrées » Muffin Tin Meatloaf

    Muffin Tin Meatloaf

    Published: Oct 14, 2021 · Modified: Sep 5, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe
    meatloaf with ketchup in a mufifn tin.
    muffin tin meatloaf topped with ketchup on a white marble platter.
    muffin tin meatloaf topped with ketchup on a white marble platter.
    muffin tin meatloaf topped with ketchup on a white marble platter.
    muffin tin meatloaf topped with ketchup on a white marble platter.

    This easy recipe for Muffin Tin Meatloaf is perfect for a busy night—they only take 30 minutes to bake.

    mini meatloaves in the shape of muffins, topped with ketchup.

    This easy recipe for Muffin Tin Meatloaf is a gem! You just need six ingredients and a little over 30 minutes to make them.

    The recipe comes from my friend Andrea’s sister, Tonya. Andrea brought the mini meatloaves over for dinner as a baby meal after Luke was born.

    We aren’t huge meatloaf people (unless it’s Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf), but this Muffin Tin Meatloaf recipe completely changed our mind, and now it’s on our dinner rotation. Thanks, Tonya, for the delicious recipe!

    meatloaves in a muffin tin topped with ketchup.

    The mini meatloaves are filling, flavorful, and the perfect size for portioning out according to different appetites.

    And they’re made with one thing I always have on hand—old fashioned oats.

    I like serving them with mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, and homemade potato rolls on the side. Read on for how to make them!

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • The best meat for meatloaf
    • Ingredients
    • How to make meatloaf in a muffin tin
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Make it ahead
    • Freezing and reheating
    • How to jazz up meatloaf
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes
    • 💬 Reviews

    The best meat for meatloaf

    Meatloaf can be made with 100% ground beef, or a mixture of pork, beef, and veal. The latter is often sold as “meatloaf mix” at the grocery store.

    Bon Appetit has done some research on the matter, and they note that meatloaf mix can make the loaf too soft and fall apart easily.

    I recommend using all beef. 80% lean or 85% lean ground beef at the best choices to keep the meatloaf juicy.

    When you’re shopping, look for beef labeled either ground chuck (which is 80% lean) or ground round (which is 85% lean).

    Ingredients

    ground beef, ketchup, oats, and a green pepper.
    • I used 80% lean ground beef for this recipe. 85% lean works, too.
    • Diced green pepper and diced yellow onion add lots of flavor.
    • The binders for this meatloaf are old fashioned oats, an egg, and ketchup. You’ll need 1.5 cups of ketchup total—1 cup for inside the meatloaf and another ½ cup for the top.

    How to make meatloaf in a muffin tin

    Start by chopping one small yellow onion and one small green pepper.

    chopped green pepper and onion on a cutting board.

    If your green pepper and/or onion are large, use half or three-quarters of it. If there are too many pieces of either, the meatloaf won’t hold together as well.

    Place the ground beef, green pepper, onion, one cup of ketchup, egg, oats, and salt in a large bowl.

    ground beef, oats, ketchup, and diced veggies in a white bowl.

    Use your hands to very gently combine the ingredients until well distributed. Avoid over mixing the meatloaf, which can make it tough.

    raw ground beef mixture in a white bowl.

    Scoop the meat mixture into standard size muffin tins. There’s no need to grease the muffin tins, since the fat from the beef will prevent the meatloaf from sticking.

    I like using a cookie scoop to scoop the meat. Press the meat down firmly in each cup, which help the meatloaf hold together after baking.

    meatloaf mixture packed into muffin tins.

    This recipe makes approximately 18–20 mini meatloaves if the cups are filled to the top.

    Bake the meatloaf in the muffin tin for 25 minutes, then top each mini meatloaf with ketchup. I spread it with an offset spatula to make it even. A butter knife would work, too.

    Return the muffin tins to the oven to bake for an additional 5 minutes. The ketchup will set slightly on top.

    mini meatloaves topped with ketchup in a muffin tin.

    Let the meatloaf sit for 5 minutes, then run a butter knife along the edges of each loaf to loosen them from the pan.

    Top the Muffin Tin Meatloaves with chopped parsley if desired, and serve them immediately while still warm.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I substitute breadcrumbs for oats in meatloaf?

    You can substitute ¾ cup breadcrumbs for 1 cup of oats in this recipe.

    Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

    I recommend using old fashioned oats for this recipe, for the best texture.

    What temperature should I cook ground beef for meatloaf?

    Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Approximately one hour in the oven will be enough in the case of this meatloaf, but check with a meat thermometer if you would like to be sure.

    Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef?

    You can substitute either ground turkey or ground chicken, just be sure that it’s dark meat (white meat is too lean for this recipe).

    Do I need to cover the meatloaf in the oven?

    There is no need to cover meatloaf in the oven. The fat content of the beef ensures that it will not dry out.

    How do I make this meatloaf gluten-free?

    This recipe is made with old fashioned oats, which don’t contain gluten. To ensure that the recipe is gluten-free (some oats are processed on the same equipment as wheat), make sure that you purchase gluten-free old fashioned oats.

    mini meatloaves topped with ketchup on a white platter.

    Make it ahead

    You can make Muffin Tin Meatloaf up to one day in advance. To make it ahead, prepare the meat mixture and divide it into muffin tins.

    Cover the muffin tins tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.

    I recommend baking within 24 hours of making them, due to the perishable nature of ground beef.

    Freezing and reheating

    You can freeze muffin tin meatloaf after cooking. Prepare and bake the recipe as directed, but do not add ketchup to the top.

    Remove the meatloaves from the muffin tin, and let cool completely. Place in a single layer in a resealable plastic freezer bag, and store flat in the freezer.

    When you’re ready to serve them, defrost the mini meatloaves in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Place them back into the muffin tin and bake for 10 minutes. Top with ketchup and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the meatloaves are warm throughout.

    muffin tin meatloaves on a white platter.

    How to jazz up meatloaf

    Looking for ways to change it up? Here are a few of my favorites!

    • add 4 crumbled slices of cooked bacon
    • add 1 cup of shredded or cubed cheddar
    • add 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing to the ketchup on top
    • use bbq sauce on the top instead of ketchup

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!


    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    meatloaf in the shape of a muffin with ketchup and parsley on top.

    Muffin Tin Meatloaf

    Published by Kate
    These mini meatloaves are made in a muffin tin for quick cooking!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 349 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs ground beef
    • 1 cup old fashioned oats
    • 1 egg, beaten
    • 1½ cups ketchup, divided
    • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
    • 1 green pepper, finely diced
    • 1½ teaspoons salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Reserve ½ cup of ketchup for the top. Place the remaining 1 cup ketchup and the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands to combine.
    • Divide the mixture into muffin tins. I got 18–20 mini meatloaves from this recipe.
    • Bake the meatloaves for 25 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and divide the reserved ½ cup ketchup among the meatloaves. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges of each loaf to loosen them from the pan. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Avoid over mixing the ground beef mixture, which will make the meatloaf tough. 
    The meatloaf should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. 
    Freezing instructions: bake the meatloaves as directed through step #4. Don’t put the ketchup on yet. Let the meatloaves cool and place in a single layer in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let the meatloaves defrost in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Place them back into the muffin tin and bake for 10 minutes. Top with ketchup and bake for an additional 5 minutes. 
    Want to use breadcrumbs instead of oats? Substitute ¾ cup of breadcrumbs for the old fashioned oats. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 24gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 928mgPotassium: 567mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 316IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword meatloaf, muffin tin meatloaf
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

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    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Paul Dulmage says

      September 07, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      Hi, Kate . . . meatloaf hack—dump all the ingredients and a handful of the ground meat into a food processor and whiz . . . mix the gooey mess with the rest of the meat. Processor ensures ingredients are well mixed and prevents overmixing by hand. Good recipe.

      Reply
      • Kate Shungu says

        September 14, 2022 at 8:35 pm

        Love that idea—thanks for the tip!

        Reply

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