7-Minute Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins : The Best Easy, High-Protein Meatloaf Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, these Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are the perfect solution. A fast and fun way to enjoy the classic meatloaf, these muffin pan meatloafs cook quickly and are full of flavor. The BBQ glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish, while the mini muffin pan ensures that every bite is juicy and perfectly portioned.

Whether you’re making them for dinner, meal prep, or a fun family meal, these easy mini meatloaf muffins deliver delicious, high-protein comfort with the added bonus of a fast cook time. If you love meatloaf recipes in cupcake pans or are just looking for a convenient twist on dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Muffin Pan Meatloaf Recipe

There’s a lot to love about mini meatloaf muffins—they’re fast, flavorful, and easy to make. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Quick to Make: Unlike traditional meatloaf that takes longer to bake, these mini meatloafs cook in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Perfectly Portioned: Each muffin-sized serving means you don’t need to worry about slicing and serving. It’s convenient for families or meal prep!
• High in Protein: Packed with lean ground beef (or turkey), these mini meatloafs are a protein powerhouse that keeps you full longer.
• BBQ Sauce Glaze: The smoky-sweet BBQ glaze on top adds the perfect flavor to each muffin.
• Great for Leftovers: These mini meatloafs reheat wonderfully, so they’re great for meal prep or as a delicious leftover lunch.

Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, these easy mini meatloaf recipes offer the convenience of individual servings and all the comfort of a traditional meatloaf.

Ingredients for Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins

For this recipe, you’ll need basic ingredients that come together to create a tender, juicy meatloaf with a perfect BBQ glaze. Here’s the full list:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup milk (or dairy-free milk for a non-dairy version)

For the BBQ Glaze:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite or a homemade version)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

You can swap the meat for ground chicken or pork, or even mix meats for a unique flavor!

Tools for Making Meatloaf in Muffin Pans

Here are the essential tools you’ll need to get this recipe just right:

• Muffin pan (12-cup size for regular muffins or mini muffin pan for smaller servings)
• Mixing bowls for the meatloaf mixture
• Spoon or spatula for mixing and portioning
• Basting brush for the BBQ glaze (optional but helps with even coating)
• Measuring spoons and cups for accuracy

If you don’t have a muffin pan, you can always form the mini meatloafs by hand and bake them on a lined baking sheet.

How to Make Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your muffin pan with cooking spray or line it with paper liners for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and milk. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Portion the Meatloaf
Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each muffin cup, filling each about ¾ full. You should be able to make about 12 muffins with this recipe.

Step 4: Make the BBQ Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Brush the glaze generously over each muffin, ensuring that each one is covered.

Step 5: Bake
Bake the mini meatloafs for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can check the doneness using a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Serve
Once baked, let the meatloafs rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve them with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

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Tips for Perfect Mini Meatloaf Muffins

• Don’t overmix the meat: This can make the meatloaf dense. Mix until just combined.
• Use lean meat: If using beef, choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and moisture. If you want a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken.
• Add extra seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for more flavor.
• Moisture: Ensure you add enough milk for a moist texture, but not so much that the mixture becomes too loose.

Recipe Variations and Swaps for Muffin Pan Meatloaf

Want to change things up? Here are a few ways to modify the recipe:

• Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf: Add a chunk of mozzarella cheese in the center of each muffin for a cheesy surprise.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Finely chop mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini and mix them into the meat for extra veggies.
• Spicy BBQ Sauce: Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add some hot sauce to the glaze for a little extra kick.
• Turkey Meatloaf Muffins: For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey and add some Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for flavor.

You can even try these in mini loaf pans if you prefer a different presentation style.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mini Meatloaf Muffins

• Overcooking: Mini meatloafs cook faster than a traditional meatloaf, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
• Not pressing down the meat: To ensure even cooking, press the meat mixture slightly into the muffin tin.
• Not glazing enough: Make sure you coat each muffin generously with the BBQ glaze for the best flavor and finish.

How to Serve Mini Meatloaf Muffins

These mini meatloafs are perfect for serving as part of a dinner spread. Pair them with:

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• A simple green salad or coleslaw

For a fun twist, serve these Meatloaf Muffins Recipe on a bun for a meatloaf sandwich!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Meatloaf Muffins

Store any leftover mini meatloaf muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to warm through.

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FAQs About Muffin Pan Meatloaf Recipes

Can I make this with ground chicken or turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to add extra seasoning to keep the meatloaf flavorful.

Can I use a regular loaf pan instead of muffin pans?
Yes, you can bake the meatloaf in a regular loaf pan, but the cooking time will be longer—around 40-45 minutes.

Can I make mini meatloafs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatloafs, store them in the fridge, and bake them the next day. Or bake and store them for up to 3 days before reheating.

Why This Mini Meatloaf Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

These Mini BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy the comfort of meatloaf with a quick cook time and fun, portable servings. The meatloaf muffins recipe is adaptable for all kinds of diets and flavor preferences, making it perfect for everyone in your family.

Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this easy mini meatloaf recipe is a go-to for busy nights. Plus, the high-protein meatloaf makes it a filling and satisfying meal.

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