Meatloaf muffins are the ultimate dinner solution for busy families. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfectly portioned for little hands (and big appetites!). Whether you’re planning freezer meals, looking for a low-carb option, or just need a comfort food classic, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
These meatloaf muffins are a total game-changer. Say goodbye to crumbling slices and uneven portions, and hello to perfectly cooked, individual servings. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Slow Cooker Option: Prep the night before and let the crockpot do the work while you tackle your busy day.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes when baked in a muffin tin.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze extras for up to three months.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap bread crumbs for seasoned pork rinds for a keto-friendly twist.
How to Make Meatloaf Muffins
Here’s how you can whip up these delicious meatloaf muffins:
- Top with Sauce: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire, then spread the sauce on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, seasoned bread crumbs (or pork rinds), minced onion, salt, and sage (if you like).
- Add the Meat: Incorporate ground beef or turkey into the mixture until fully combined.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease muffin tins and divide the mixture into 18 muffin cups. Alternatively, shape the mixture into a loaf for the slow cooker.
Bake or Cook:
- Oven Method: Bake the muffins at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook the loaf on low for 5–6 hours.
Low-Carb Meatloaf Muffins Made Simple
If you’re watching carbs, this recipe has you covered. The secret? Pork rinds! Here’s how to make the perfect low-carb swap:
- Choose Plain Pork Rinds: Avoid flavored options for the best results.
- Crush Them Fine: Use a food processor for a breadcrumb-like texture or crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Who doesn’t need to beat out their frustration from time to time. 😂
- Season Them: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a touch of salt to mimic traditional seasoned bread crumbs.
This simple adjustment keeps the recipe flavorful and keto-friendly.
What to Serve with Meatloaf Muffins
These meatloaf muffins are a meal on their own, but pairing them with a few simple sides can take your dinner to the next level. Here are two great recipes from the blog that pair perfectly with these muffins:
- Deviled Eggs – A creamy, tangy side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser and complements the savory flavors of the muffins.
- Simple Roll Recipe – Soft, buttery rolls that are ready in no time with just a 10-minute rise!
Click the links above to check out these recipes and create a complete, family-friendly meal!
How to Freeze and Reheat Meatloaf Muffins
These meatloaf muffins are perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- To Freeze: Bake the muffins, cool them completely, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Leave off the sauce for best results. They’ll keep for up to three months.
- To Reheat: Pop them in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Estimated Cost of Meatloaf Muffins
In today’s economy, knowing the cost of a recipe can be a big help. Here’s the breakdown for this budget-friendly dinner:
- 2 large eggs: $0.30
- ¾ cup milk: $0.25
- ⅔ cup bread crumbs or pork rinds: $0.75
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion: $0.10
- 1½ pounds ground beef: $7.50
- Sauce ingredients: $1.50
Total Cost: Approximately $10.40 per batch
Cost Per Muffin: ~$0.60 😱 🥳
Tools and Ingredients to Make Meatloaf Muffins
Here are a few kitchen staples that make this recipe a breeze:
Sugar-free ketchup and Swerve Brown are a game-changer for keeping this recipe low-carb without sacrificing flavor. It’s my secret weapon for making this dish both healthy and delicious!
Save This Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
This recipe is a must-save for busy families. Pin it to your dinner ideas or freezer meals board on Pinterest to make sure you have it ready for your next meal prep session. Want to save this recipe for later? Head over to my Pinterest board where I’ll share this pin and more family-friendly recipes!
Try These Quick and Easy Meatloaf Muffins Today
Meatloaf muffins are a family-friendly, time-saving dinner that’s as delicious as it is versatile. Whether you’re baking them in a muffin tin, slow cooking them to perfection, or freezing a batch for later, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to in your home.
Leave a comment below and let me know how your family enjoys them. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly meal ideas, check out my 15 Frugal Family Meals resource—available for a donation! Your support helps keep this blog ad-free, so you can enjoy recipes without the hassle of constant pop-ups.
15 Frugal Family Meal Plans
This guide is packed with meal ideas to save time and money, inspired by a dear friend’s Sunday traditions. It’s yours for any donation amount, helping us keep Makin’ Macon ad-free and thriving. Thank you for your support!
Looking for more simple dinner recipes? Click Here!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meatloaf Muffins
Equipment
- 2 12 count Muffin Tins
- 1 Crockpot
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons & Cups
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs or seasoned pork rinds for a low-carb option
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon rubbed sage optional
- 1½ pounds ground beef or turkey
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup ketchup use no sugar added for low-carb option
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar use swerve brown for low-carb option
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard or 1 tablespoon regular mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix eggs, milk, bread crumbs (or seasoned pork rinds), minced onion, salt, and sage until combined.
- Add ground beef or turkey; mix until fully incorporated.
- Grease muffin tins or prep a slow cooker.
For muffins:
- Divide mixture into 18 muffin cups, bake for 30 minutes.
- Add sauce for the last 15 minutes.
For crockpot:
- Shape into a ball, cook on low for 5–6 hours.
- Add sauce and allow to cook for another 15 minutes covered.
Sauce:
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire, then spread on top.
Notes
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked muffins without sauce. Reheat and add sauce when serving.
- Customize it: Leave out sage or sauce for picky eaters
- Need the tools to make this recipe a breeze? Check out these essentials!
- Muffin Tin – (Amazon link)
- Crockpot – (Amazon link)
- Mixing Bowls – (Amazon link)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – (Amazon link)
- Low-Carb Ketchup – (Amazon link)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Makin’ Macon!
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