Making meatloaf in a muffin pan is a convenient and fun way to enjoy this classic dish in individual portions. Here’s a simple recipe to make meatloaf muffins that cook in just 15 minutes:
Meatloaf in a muffin pan is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food dish, transforming the traditional loaf into individual servings that are both convenient and fun for serving. This creative approach not only shortens cooking time but also allows for portion control, making it an excellent option for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
### **Overview:**
The concept of making meatloaf in a muffin pan involves pressing a flavorful mixture of ground meat—typically beef, pork, turkey, or a combination—into the wells of a muffin tin. This method results in perfectly portioned meatloaves that are golden brown on the edges,
beautifully crusted, and incredibly tender inside. Each mini loaf is infused with a variety of seasonings, herbs, and other ingredients, making each bite a burst of flavor.
### **Serving:**
Once out of the oven, the meatloaves can be easily lifted out of the pan using a fork or spatula. Serve them warm, perhaps with classic sides like mashed potatoes,
steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. They also make for great leftovers, as they can be reheated in the microwave or enjoyed cold in a sandwich.
### **Additional Variations:**
1. **Stuffed Meatloaf Muffins:** For an exciting twist, consider stuffing the centers with cheese, spinach, or a mushroom mixture before baking.
2. **Vegetarian Version:** Use lentils, beans, or chickpeas in place of meat for a plant-based version, along with breadcrumbs and vegetables for added texture and flavor.
3. **Global Flavor Profiles:** Experiment with different spices or ingredients, such as adding barbecue sauce and smoked paprika for a Southern touch, or incorporating teriyaki and vegetables for an Asian-inspired version.
### **Conclusion:**
In essence, meatloaf in a muffin pan is not only a practical and time-saving adaptation of a beloved dish, but it also opens the door to endless creativity in flavor and presentation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply looking to simplify dinner, these mini meatloaves are sure to please palates of all ages, making them a must-try for any kitchen enthusiast.
Ingredients:
MAKE MEATLOAF IN A MUFFIN PAN
- 1 2/3 to 1 3/4 pounds ground sirloin
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
- 2 ribs celery from the heart of the stalk, cut into
- 2-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 large egg plus a splash of milk, beaten
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal SteakSeasoning by McCormick)
- 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato salsa
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
MAKE MEATLOAF IN A MUFFIN PAN
Step1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Step2: Put ground beef into a big bowl. Put onion and celery into a food processor. Cut the bell pepper in half, rip out the seeds and throw them into your garbage bowl.
Step3: Cut the pepper into a few pieces and add to the food processor. Pulse the processor blades to finely chop the vegetables into very small pieces then add them to the meat bowl. Add egg, beaten with milk, bread crumbs and grill seasoning to the bowl.
Step4: Next, mix together the smoky barbecue sauce, the salsa and the Worcestershire sauce. Pour half the sauce mixture into the bowl with the meatloaf mix. Mix the meatloaf together with your hands. Wash up.
Step5: Brush a 12-muffin tin (1/2-cup each) with vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil.
Use an ice cream scoop to help you fill meat into a each tin. Top each meat loaf with a spoonful of extra sauce. Bake about 20 minutes. Cut open 1 muffin to test that the middle is cooked through