Freezer Meals

Muffin Tin Meatloaf

Name: Muffin Tin Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork; 1/2 cup (115g) breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup (55g) chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1/4 cup (60g) ketchup; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

By Harriet Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Freezer Meals

Prep20 min

Cook18 min

Total43 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made muffin tin meatloaf for my family. It was a weeknight, and I was looking for something easy and delicious that could be made ahead of time. I had all the ingredients on hand, and it took no time to prepare. The result was a huge hit - my kids loved the individual servings, and my husband raved about the flavor.

Since then, muffin tin meatloaf has become a staple in our household. I love that it can be made in advance, reheated as needed, and served with a variety of sides. It's also a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies - I just mix them into the meatloaf mixture, and they're none the wiser.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of a mixture of ground meats. I like to use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, as it gives the meatloaf a rich, complex flavor. I also add in some sautéed onions and garlic, which add a depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make muffin tin meatloaf, from preparing the ingredients to serving and storing. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the recipe your own.

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy meal solution or just someone who loves a good meatloaf, this recipe is for you. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of muffin tin meatloaf!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make ahead and reheat as needed
Perfect for weeknights or special occasions
Can be customized with your favorite ingredients and seasonings
Great way to get kids to eat their veggies
Makes a delicious and satisfying meal
Can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great meatloaf is in the balance of flavors and textures. By using a mixture of ground meats, you get a more complex flavor profile, while the sautéed onions and garlic add a bit of sweetness and depth. The use of breadcrumbs helps to keep the meatloaf moist, while the egg acts as a binder to hold everything together.

Another important factor is the cooking method. By using a muffin tin, you can cook the meatloaves evenly and quickly, which helps to prevent them from drying out. The result is a meatloaf that's tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

In terms of technique, it's all about the layering of flavors and textures. By sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture, you get a deeper, richer flavor. And by using a combination of salt, pepper, and herbs, you add a bit of brightness and depth to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making muffin tin meatloaf, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll want to use a combination of ground meats, along with some sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Don't forget to pick up some muffin tin liners, as they'll make the cooking and cleaning process much easier.

In terms of shopping tips, look for ground meats that are fresh and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can also use leftover vegetables, such as carrots and zucchini, to add some extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for ground beef that is fresh and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
1/2 lb (225g) ground porkGround pork adds a rich, unctuous flavor to the meatloaf. You can also use ground veal or a combination of the two for added depth.
1/2 cup (115g) breadcrumbsBreadcrumbs help to keep the meatloaf moist and add texture. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
1/2 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheeseCheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor to the meatloaf. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, for added flavor.
1/4 cup (55g) chopped onionOnion adds a sweet, savory flavor to the meatloaf. You can use raw or sautéed onion, depending on your preference.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the meatloaf. You can use raw or sautéed garlic, depending on your preference.
1 eggThe egg acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together. You can use a large or extra-large egg, depending on your preference.
1/4 cup (60g) ketchupKetchup adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the meatloaf. You can use regular or low-sodium ketchup, depending on your preference.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoOregano adds a earthy, herbal flavor to the meatloaf. You can use fresh or dried oregano, depending on your preference.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper add depth and brightness to the dish. You can use plain or seasoned salt and pepper, depending on your preference.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skilletMuffin tinMuffin tin linersMeat thermometerInstant-read thermometerCutting boardChef's knife

How to Make Muffin Tin Meatloaf

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, cooked onion and garlic, egg, ketchup, and dried oregano. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
5
Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way full.
7
Bake the meatloaves for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8
Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9
Serve the meatloaves hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of ketchup, if desired.
10
To make ahead, prepare the meat mixture and divide it among the muffin tin cups. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 3 months. Bake frozen meatloaves for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.

Expert Tips

Use a combination of ground meats for added flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the meat mixture, as it can become tough and dense.
Use muffin tin liners to make the cooking and cleaning process easier.
Let the meatloaves rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as it helps to retain the juices and flavors.
Experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to make the recipe your own.
Consider making a double batch and freezing some for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can lead to tough and dense meatloaves.
Not cooking the meatloaves to the correct internal temperature, which can result in undercooked or overcooked meat.
Not letting the meatloaves rest before serving, which can cause them to dry out.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not greasing the muffin tin cups, which can cause the meatloaves to stick.
Not checking the meatloaves for doneness, which can result in overcooked or undercooked meat.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, for added flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the meat mixture for added flavor.
Use a combination of beef and pork, or beef and veal, for added flavor and texture.
Add some diced bacon or ham to the meat mixture for added smokiness and flavor.
Use a mixture of ketchup and BBQ sauce for a sweeter and tangier flavor.

What to Serve With Muffin Tin Meatloaf

Muffin tin meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some ideas include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side of ketchup or BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Consider serving the meatloaves at a dinner party or special occasion, as they are easy to make ahead and can be reheated as needed. You can also serve them at a potluck or picnic, as they are easy to transport and can be served at room temperature.

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesSimple green saladKetchup or BBQ sauceGarlic breadGrilled or steamed vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Muffin tin meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake the meatloaves in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

To freeze, prepare the meat mixture and divide it among the muffin tin cups. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake the frozen meatloaves for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.

Consider making a double batch and freezing some for later use. Simply thaw the frozen meatloaves overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat as needed.

When storing the meatloaves, make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for added protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make muffin tin meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can make muffin tin meatloaf ahead of time. Simply prepare the meat mixture and divide it among the muffin tin cups. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat muffin tin meatloaf?

To reheat, simply bake the meatloaves in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can use different types of meat, such as ground turkey or ground chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

How do I prevent the meatloaves from drying out?

To prevent the meatloaves from drying out, make sure to not overmix the meat mixture, and don't overcook them. You can also add some extra moisture, such as ketchup or BBQ sauce, to the meat mixture to help keep them moist.

Can I freeze muffin tin meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze muffin tin meatloaf. Simply prepare the meat mixture and divide it among the muffin tin cups. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake the frozen meatloaves for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.

How do I know when the meatloaves are done?

The meatloaves are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the meatloaf. If it comes out clean, the meatloaf is done.

Can I make muffin tin meatloaf in a regular oven?

Yes, you can make muffin tin meatloaf in a regular oven. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatloaves for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

How do I store muffin tin meatloaf?

The Full Recipe

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