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Tender Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe Easy Herb-Glazed Dinner Idea

mini meatloaf muffins - featured image

These tender mini meatloaf muffins are quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Glazed with a flavorful herb sauce, they offer a comforting and delicious twist on classic meatloaf.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 mix)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (90g, preferably plain panko)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup milk (60ml)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • For the Herb Glaze:
  • 1/3 cup ketchup (80ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with oil or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, and milk. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Mix gently but thoroughly using a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  4. Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups, pressing lightly to shape each muffin (about 3 ounces or 85g per muffin).
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped fresh rosemary, and chopped fresh thyme to make the herb glaze.
  6. Brush the herb glaze generously over each meatloaf muffin.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
  8. Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough muffins. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Brushing glaze all at once before baking simplifies the process and still yields a caramelized finish. Let muffins rest after baking for juiciness. Muffin tins are best for shape and texture, but mini loaf pans or small baking dishes can be used with adjusted cooking times.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini meatloaf muffins, meatloaf recipe, herb glaze, quick dinner, easy meatloaf, weeknight meal, comfort food