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Meatloaf Muffins

Meatloaf muffins are individual portions of seasoned ground beef and turkey baked in a muffin tin, topped with a sticky brick-red chili glaze that caramelizes into a shiny cap. Finely chopped onion keeps them moist and the portioned shape bakes evenly for easy grab-and-go lunches and dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
rest 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf muffin base
  • 0.75 lb lean ground beef
  • 0.5 lb ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 0.5 cup chili sauce, plus extra for topping
  • 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.1 black pepper pinch

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat six muffin cups with nonstick spray, ensuring the sides and bottoms are lightly greased for easy release.
  2. Mix together all meatloaf base ingredients in a bowl—ground beef, ground turkey, chopped onion, beaten egg, chili sauce, breadcrumbs, chili powder, salt, and black pepper—stirring gently just until combined.
Fill and top
  1. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing down lightly and mounding the tops so each portion bakes into a mini loaf shape.
  2. Spoon a little extra chili sauce over each muffin so the tops glisten and caramelize as they bake.
Bake and rest
  1. Bake for about 40 minutes at 350°F, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the center.
  2. Let the meatloaf muffins rest 5 minutes, then drain off any excess grease before serving for a cleaner, less greasy bite.

Notes

For the juiciest texture, don’t overmix the meat—gentle combining helps keep the mini loaves tender. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Freezing is yes—freeze cooled muffins up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating. For a lighter option, use extra-lean ground turkey in place of part of the beef while keeping the chili sauce topping for flavor.