Mini Meatloaf Muffins {Freezer Meal}
Here’s a twist on your average meatloaf recipe: Meatloaf Muffins! This makes a great weeknight dinner or freezer meal for all ages.
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These Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a freezer meal that have already made its way into the regular rotation of family meals in our house. Everyone loved them! Don’t believe me, just listen to the raving review from my friend Kelley’s kids (please, please listen through the end for a laugh):
Plus, this easy dinner idea has some sneaky nutrition in it with some added fresh herbs and veggies.
I serve these with these Cream Cheesy Mashed Sweet Potatoes and some steamed broccoli or green beans. As with so many of our recipes, you can make a double batch and freeze a muffin pan for later (before baking), too.
One cooking note worth mentioning is that these can stick to a traditional metal muffin pan, if you don’t heavily grease it before adding the meat. Another option would be using a silicone muffin pan. They are easier to clean than a metal pan.
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PinDescription
These mini meatloaf muffins are a kid and parent favorite! Kids love the delicious taste. Parents love the healthy additions of sneaky nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 1/2 medium onion (about 1/3 cup), finely diced
- 1 small carrot (about 1/3 cup), finely diced or grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken stock (sub: beef broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 1/4 pounds 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey (Here’s where we get our grass-fed beef.)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for garnish (Sub: 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1 large egg, beaten with a splash of milk or water
- 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (Gluten-Free Option: Sub almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup all-natural ketchup (for topping)
Instructions
Make It Now:
- Preheat oven to 450° F. Generously spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Heat oil in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion and carrot until vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic for another 30-60 seconds. Remove from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste and allow the mixture to cool.
- In a large bowl, use your hands to combine the cooled veggie mixture, ground beef, parsley, egg, and bread crumbs. Do not over mix.
- Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill each muffin tin hole to the top. Gently press to fit into muffin tin mold.
- Top each mini meat loaf with a spoonful of ketchup and spread it around with the back of the spoon. (Freezing instructions for Method #1 begin here.)
- Bake about 20-25 minutes. Cut open a muffin to test that the middle is cooked through (no more pink or registers 165°F internally). Sprinkle with a little chopped parsley at the end, as garnish. (Freezing instructions for Method #2 begin here.)
Freeze For Later:
Method #1 (Uncooked): Follow instructions through Step 5 but DO NOT bake. Wrap the muffin tin with plastic wrap and a layer of foil and freeze.
Method #2 (Fully Cooked): Fully cook and cool the muffins. Place in a flat gallon-sized freezer bag in a single layer. Squeeze out excess air, seal and freeze flat.
Prepare From Frozen:
Method #1 (Uncooked): Thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Set muffin tin out on the counter for about 20 minutes before baking. Bake according to directions, but increase baking time if muffins are still partially frozen or really cold. They register 160° F internally when done or have no more pink inside.
Method #2 (Fully Cooked): Wrap in a moist paper towel. Warm in the microwave using the defrost setting or by microwaving in 30 seconds increments, until warmed through.
Looking for more ground beef recipes?
Check out our Top 10 Ground Beef Freezer Meals!
If you’re wanting to find more easy freezer meals, make sure to snag our Top 10 Easy Freezer Meals. You can download this, print it off, and have it for future reference when looking for great freezer meals.
I used 4 of these this week and did my shopping online, buying turkey because it was on sale. Not having to plan it myself and having recipes where I could be flexible with my ingredients REALLY helped out. Thanks!!!!!!!
So glad to hear this, Jessica. Makes our day to hear this kind of feedback. 🙂
How long do these last in the freezer? This recipe looks amazing!
I’d say 3-4 months but if you wrap them tightly they might last longer!
I’ve made these three times now. We bake and eat six and freeze the other six for later.
Yesss! Love hearing that, Jeff.
So delicious ?
Great to hear that, Candis!