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Introduction
Mini Barbecue Meatloaf Muffins are a creative twist on the classic meatloaf, baked in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned servings. They’re juicy, flavorful, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze of barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Not only do they cook faster than a traditional loaf, but they also make for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Meatloaf is a staple in American comfort food, often tied to family dinners, potlucks, and nostalgic Sunday meals. Its origins, however, stretch back to Europe where minced meat dishes were shaped and baked long before its American adaptation. The muffin-style version modernizes the dish, blending convenience and presentation while keeping the same comforting essence. It represents how traditional recipes evolve to suit busy lifestyles without losing their heartwarming charm.
Ingredients Quantity
- 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 Steak Seasoning by McCormick)
- 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato salsa
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil (for greasing muffin tin)
Optional Additions
- Cheese topping: sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack before baking.
- Spicy kick: add jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
- Herbal flavor: mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano.
- Sweet touch: stir a little honey or brown sugar into the glaze.
Tips for Success
- Finely chop the vegetables to blend smoothly with the meat mixture.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the texture tender.
- Use an ice cream scoop for even portions and consistent cooking.
- Allow muffins to rest for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
- Double the recipe and freeze extra muffins for future meals.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Prepare Vegetables: Pulse onion, celery, and green pepper in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Make Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground sirloin, chopped vegetables, egg (beaten with milk), bread crumbs, and grill seasoning.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce together in a small bowl.
- Combine: Pour half of the sauce into the meat mixture and gently mix with your hands until combined.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with vegetable oil or olive oil.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Scoop meat mixture evenly into muffin cups. Top each muffin with a spoonful of the remaining sauce.
- Bake: Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the centers are fully cooked (cut one open to test).
- Serve: Allow to rest briefly before serving warm.
Description
Each mini meatloaf muffin is juicy, tender, and bursting with smoky barbecue flavor, balanced by the freshness of vegetables. The glaze caramelizes slightly during baking, giving each muffin a sticky, tangy topping. They are perfectly portioned, easy to serve, and versatile enough for a casual dinner or party platter.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per muffin, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 190–220 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
(Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.)
Conclusion
Mini Barbecue Meatloaf Muffins are a flavorful and modern twist on a beloved classic. Quick to prepare, portion-friendly, and family-approved, they offer all the comfort of traditional meatloaf with added convenience and charm.
Recommendation
Pair these meatloaf muffins with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They’re also fantastic for meal prep, lunchboxes, or even game-day snacking.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
For a lighter version, swap ground sirloin with lean ground turkey or chicken, use whole-wheat bread crumbs, and opt for reduced-sugar barbecue sauce. Add extra vegetables to the mix for fiber and nutrients. This way, you can enjoy the indulgence of hearty meatloaf while embracing a more wholesome approach.
Would you like me to also create a family-style loaf version of this recipe (with the same sauce and seasonings) so you have both the muffin and traditional options?