30 Minute Meatloaf Muffins

30 Minute Meatloaf Muffins

Packable, portable meatloaf, and did we mention quick + easy? Because sometimes you really want meatloaf on a weeknight, but you don’t have time for the traditional loaf to bake for over an hour. Grab ground beef, bell pepper, onions, fresh herbs, eggs, and Dijon mustard for this local foods based recipe.

Ingredients
  

  • Meatloaf:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper optional
  • 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs – can use either panko or regular depending on your preference
  • 7 TB ketchup
  • 1 dash hot sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 7 TB finely chopped fresh parsley or 2 TB + 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 3/4 tsp fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • Glaze:
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 TB light brown sugar packed
  • 1 TB Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 9 compartments of a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cut parchment paper or aluminum foil into 2″ wide strips and place one strip into each of the 9 muffin cups.
  • In a large bowl, combine the meatloaf ingredients, being careful not to over mix.
  • Divide the meatloaf mixture into 9 equal portions – I find a 1/3 cup ice cream scoop comes in very hand for this. Place the portions into the prepared muffin pan, leaving each one domed on top.
  • In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients, and brush over the meatloaf muffins.
  • Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before using the strips to lift out of the pan.

Notes

If you have leftovers, you put them on a parchment lined pan and freeze (as shown in the photo above) – freezing them separated will prevent them from being stuck together and the glaze won’t stick to the container. Once completely frozen, you can either transfer to a freezer bag, rigid container, or vacuum seal them. If vacuum sealed, they’ll keep for about 9 months. If stored in a regular freezer bag or rigid container, they’ll keep for about 3 months.
These also pack well for lunches!