If you love classic comfort food but don’t have the time for a full bake, this muffin tin meatloaf recipe is the perfect solution. These mini loaves bake up faster, stay juicy, and have that irresistible caramelized edge in every bite. Inspired by meatloaf in muffin tins by Rachael Ray, this recipe is all about making weeknight dinners easier without sacrificing flavor.
Each portion is pre-portioned, easy to serve, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for family or freezing ahead, these mini meatloaves hit that nostalgic sweet spot savory, tender, and brushed with tangy BBQ glaze.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Make: Ingredients list, Step-by-step directions
Muffin Tin Meatloaf Ingredients
To make this juicy and flavorful muffin tin meatloaf recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
BBQ Glaze:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-step directions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Mix the meatloaf base
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes to soften. Add egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the ground meat and mix until just combined.
3. Fill the muffin tin
Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
4. Add glaze
Mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and brush over each mini meatloaf.
5. Bake and rest
Bake for 25–30 minutes at 350°F or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
How Long to Cook Meatloaf Muffins at 350°F
The best cooking time for meatloaf muffins at 350°F is 25 to 30 minutes.
Always check the internal temperature it should reach 160°F for food safety.
If using a large muffin tin, bake closer to 35–40 minutes for full doneness.
For mini pans, reduce cooking time by 5 minutes.
Muffin Tin Meatloaf (Rachael Ray Style)
Meatloaf in muffin tins by Rachael Ray became famous for its quick-cook format and tangy glaze.
Her version uses lean beef, breadcrumbs, and grated veggies for moisture similar to this one.
The key is keeping portions small, letting heat circulate evenly for faster, juicier results. You get that same comfort food flavor in half the time.
Tips for Perfect Muffin Tin Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix — gently combine to keep meatloaf tender.
- Add moisture — milk and breadcrumbs are essential for softness.
- Rest before serving — it helps juices redistribute.
- Try variations: turkey meatloaf, BBQ bacon topping, or cheese-stuffed centers.
Why You’ll Love This Muffin Tin Meatloaf Recipe
- Quick to bake: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Portion-perfect: Great for meal prep or kids.
- Versatile: Make it classic, cheesy, or spicy.
- No slicing needed: Just pop out and serve.
This meatloaf in muffin tins recipe brings all the nostalgic comfort of mom’s Sunday dinner into an easy, weeknight-friendly version.
Nutritional Info and Storage
Per Serving (1 muffin):
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 6g
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked muffins individually for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
What size muffin tin is best for meatloaf?
A standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly just grease well before filling.
How long to cook meatloaf muffins at 350°F?
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until internal temperature hits 160°F.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great with the same method.
How do I keep mini meatloaf moist?
Don’t skip the milk and breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing.
Conclusion
This muffin tin meatloaf recipe is proof that comfort food can be simple, fast, and still incredibly satisfying.
Juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sweet-savory glaze, these mini loaves are everything you love about classic meatloaf just in a quicker, more manageable form.
Serve them with your favorite sides for a weeknight dinner that feels like Sunday comfort in half the time.
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Muffin Tin Meatloaf Recipe (Mini, Juicy, and Ready Fast)
An easy muffin tin meatloaf recipe that bakes up juicy and flavorful in 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini meatloaves 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
—
BBQ Glaze:
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp Worcestershire
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix breadcrumbs and milk in bowl.
3. Add egg, onion, garlic, seasonings, and beef.
4. Fill greased muffin tin 3/4 full.
5. Brush glaze over each.
6. Bake 25–30 min or until 160°F.
7. Let rest before serving.
Notes
Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Double the recipe for freezer-friendly meal prep.
Store leftovers up to 4 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
