Easy Meatloaf Muffins with BBQ Sauce

If you love the cozy, satisfying taste of a classic meatloaf but want something a little more playful and portion-friendly, these meatloaf muffins with barbecue sauce are a must-try. Baked in a muffin tin for faster cooking and easy serving, they’re packed with savory flavor, loaded with hidden veggies, and topped with a tangy barbecue glaze.

Paired with smashed potatoes and cream cheese and green beans with crispy bacon, this is a weeknight dinner that feels like Sunday supper but comes together in under an hour.

Meatloaf Muffins with Barbecue Sauce

Serves: 6 (Makes 12 mini meatloaves)
Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ pounds ground sirloin

• 1 medium onion, cut into chunks

• 2 ribs celery, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 green bell pepper, seeds removed

• 1 large egg + splash of milk, beaten

• 1 cup plain bread crumbs

• 2 tablespoons grill seasoning (such as Montreal Steak Seasoning)

• 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce

• ½ cup tomato salsa

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• Vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil (for greasing the muffin tin)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.

2. In a large bowl, add the ground beef.

3. In a food processor, pulse the onion, celery, and bell pepper until finely chopped. Add to the meat.

4. Add the beaten egg, milk, bread crumbs, and grill seasoning to the bowl.

5. In a separate small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour half into the meat mixture and reserve the rest.

6. Use your hands to mix everything until fully combined.

7. Lightly oil a 12-cup muffin tin. Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to fill each muffin cup with the meat mixture.

8. Top each with a spoonful of the remaining barbecue sauce mixture.

9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the tops are nicely glazed.

Smashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Serves: 6
Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2½ pounds red or baby Yukon gold potatoes

• ½ cup half-and-half or whole milk

• 8 oz plain or veggie cream cheese, cut into pieces

• 10 chives or 2 scallions, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.

2. Drain and return to the hot pot for a minute to dry out.

3. Mash the potatoes with milk and cream cheese until creamy.

4. Stir in chopped chives or scallions, then season with salt and pepper.

Bacon Green Beans (Microwave Method)

Serves: 6
Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 slices microwave-ready bacon

• 1 (16 oz) bag frozen green beans

• A drizzle of olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Microwave bacon between paper towels for 60 seconds, then crumble once cooled.

2. Place green beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Remove cover and top with crumbled bacon.

Why You’ll Love This Meal

These meatloaf muffins are perfect for families, meal-prep, or portion control and the individual servings bake faster than a traditional loaf. The sides keep things balanced: creamy potatoes offer comfort, while the green beans bring in fiber and crunch.

This hearty meal proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With easy-to-find ingredients and no fancy tools, you can create a delicious dinner that brings everyone to the table.

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