BBQ Meatloaf Muffins

Envision this: the comforting aroma of BBQ wafting through your kitchen as these savory meatloaf muffins bake to perfection.

There’s something about their bite-sized form that makes them delightfully easy to prepare and enjoy.

With each muffin, the simple ingredients transform into a cozy, cheesy delight, ready to satisfy your cravings.

Let’s bring this dish to life and indulge in the warmth and flavor it promises!

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Muffin tin
  • 1 Oven
  • 1 Skillet
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Measuring cup set
  • 1 Measuring spoon set

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking BBQ Meatloaf Muffins, you can follow this timeline:

  1. Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
    • Read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process and ingredients.
    • Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
  2. Prep Work (15 minutes)
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Chop the onion finely.
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onion until translucent.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, barbecue sauce, sautéed onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
    • Lightly grease the muffin tin with oil.
  3. Assembly & Cooking (25 minutes)
    • Evenly divide the meat mixture into the muffin cups.
    • Top each muffin with shredded cheddar cheese.
    • Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Resting & Serving (5 minutes)
    • Remove the muffins from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, barbecue sauce, sautéed onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Mix the ingredients together until well combined.

Lightly grease the muffin tin with oil.

Evenly divide the meat mixture into the muffin cups.

Top each meatloaf muffin with a small amount of cheddar cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf muffins.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Adds a healthy and colorful balance to the meal.
  • Coleslaw: Provides an invigorating crunch and tangy contrast to the rich meatloaf.
  • Cornbread: Offers a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that pairs well with the BBQ taste.
  • Garden Salad: A light and fresh option to round out the meal with some greens.

Storage

To store BBQ Meatloaf Muffins, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.

Then place in a freezer bag.

Freezing

To freeze BBQ meatloaf muffins, let them cool completely.

Wrap individually in plastic wrap.

Store in an airtight container.

Freeze for up to three months for ideal freshness.

Reheating

To reheat BBQ Meatloaf Muffins, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic meatloaf dish. They’re ideal for serving at family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

These muffins are easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese creates a savory and satisfying meal.

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Whether you enjoy them hot out of the oven or as leftovers, these muffins are sure to be a hit.

Try experimenting with different barbecue sauces or adding your favorite seasonings to make them your own.

Enjoy the convenience and taste of BBQ Meatloaf Muffins!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Make certain you maintain the same fat content for moisture. Use precise measurements, incorporating binding agents like breadcrumbs and egg to achieve ideal texture and flavor balance.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?

You can create a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with lentils or black beans. Make certain you properly mash and bind them with breadcrumbs and egg substitutes. Adjust seasoning for flavor balance. Bake as directed.

How Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?

To make these muffins gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Verify your barbecue sauce is gluten-free. Mix thoroughly to maintain texture. Consider adding xanthan gum for binding if needed, guaranteeing even distribution in the tin.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With BBQ Meatloaf Muffins?

Pair your dish with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider steaming asparagus for a lighter option or creating a creamy mashed potato using a ricer for smooth texture. Add a tangy coleslaw for contrast.

Can I Use a Silicone Muffin Tin Instead of a Regular One?

Yes, you can use a silicone muffin tin. It offers excellent non-stick properties and even heat distribution. Make certain it’s placed on a baking sheet for stability. Adjust baking times slightly, as silicone may affect heat conduction.

mini bbq meatloaf muffins

BBQ Meatloaf Muffins

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 12 muffins

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 muffin tin
  • 1 Oven
  • 1 Skillet
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cup set
  • 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, barbecue sauce, sautéed onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
  • Lightly grease the muffin tin with oil.
  • Evenly divide the meat mixture into the muffin cups.
  • Top each meatloaf muffin with a small amount of cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use honey barbecue sauce. To ensure even cooking, make sure the meat mixture is evenly distributed and not packed too tightly in the muffin tin. These muffins are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.
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