Juicy Meatloaf Cheese Muffins: A Comfort Food That Makes a Great Appetizer
I really enjoy get-togethers with friends and family where everyone brings a dish to share, making the experience more communal and less stressful for the host. One idea for these gatherings are these Juicy Meatloaf Cheese Muffins. There’s something about baking meatloaf in the shape of muffins that elevates this classic comfort food to another level. Finger foods are always festive and fun, and these muffins are no exception. They’re easy to pick up, perfectly portioned, and filled with a flavor that reminds you a bit of a cheeseburger. It’s a dish that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to make, and it’s always a hit with guests of all ages.
Did You Know?
The meatloaf muffins became popular because they offer individual servings with a twist on the classic comfort food? Originally, baking meatloaf in a muffin tin was a creative way to cook smaller portions quickly and evenly. This method allows for faster cooking times and ensures each portion is perfectly portioned and retains its juiciness. Plus, the muffin tin shape adds a fun presentation, making meatloaf more appealing, especially to kids and those who enjoy handheld meals. Whether for portion control, convenience, or creative presentation, meatloaf muffins have become a beloved variation of traditional meatloaf recipes.
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs lean ground beef
1/2 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
1/2 small white onion, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup whole milk
8 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed into 12 pieces
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with muffin liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Personal Tip: Make sure to generously grease the muffin tin or use liners to ensure easy removal of the meatloaf muffins without sticking.
2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese until well combined.
Personal Tip: Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture as this can make the muffins tough. Mix just until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form Meatloaf Muffins:
Scoop out about 1/3 cup of the meatloaf mixture and roll it into a ball. Press a cube of cheddar cheese into the center of the ball and form the meat around the cheese to cover it completely. Place each stuffed meatloaf ball into the muffin cups.
Personal Tip: Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed in the meat mixture to prevent it from oozing out during baking.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Brush the top of each meatloaf muffin with the sauce.
Personal Tip: If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more brown sugar to the mixture. Adjust to taste before brushing it on the muffins.
5. Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Personal Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf muffins are fully cooked. This is especially important when cooking ground meat.
6. Add Cheese Topping:
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese on top of each muffin. Return the muffins to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Personal Tip: For an extra golden and bubbly top, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve:
Let the muffins cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Personal Tip: Allowing the muffins to rest for a few minutes helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove from the tin.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320; Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 10g; Carbohydrates: 10g; Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 6g; Protein: 20g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Choosing Ingredients Wisely: Opt for lean ground beef when making meatloaf muffins to reduce fat content without compromising flavor. Buying in bulk or during sales for items like bread crumbs, onions, and garlic can also save money.
- Baking Preparation: Properly grease the muffin tin or use liners to prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of meatloaf muffins after baking. This step saves time and minimizes cleanup efforts.
- Enhancing Flavor with Cheese: Instead of using only grated cheese, consider using cubed cheese in the center of each meatloaf muffin for a delightful surprise of melted cheese when bitten into. This method not only adds flavor but also texture variation.
- Creating a Flavorful Sauce: Make a homemade sauce using basic pantry ingredients like ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference and brush generously over each meatloaf muffin before baking for added flavor.
- Using Whole Milk for Moisture: Incorporate whole milk into the meatloaf mixture to enhance moisture retention. This ensures the meatloaf muffins stay juicy and tender throughout baking and serving.
- Meal Planning and Budgeting: Plan meals ahead to make the most of ingredients and reduce waste. Leftover meatloaf muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for future meals, providing convenient options for busy days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve meatloaf muffins with economical side dishes like mashed potatoes and a green salad. These sides complement the hearty flavors of the muffins while balancing the meal nutritionally.
- Customizing Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to personalize the flavor profile of the meatloaf muffins. Grating cheese from blocks rather than buying pre-grated can be cost-effective.
- Preparing in Advance: Prep ingredients ahead of time, such as grating onions and garlic, to streamline the cooking process. This saves time and makes cooking more efficient, especially during busy weekdays.
- Sharing and Enjoying: Share leftover meatloaf muffins with friends or family, or pack them for lunch the next day. Homemade meals not only save money but also promote healthier eating habits and reduce food waste.
Let's Learn About Different Hamburger And Its Fat Percentages
When choosing ground beef for recipes like meatloaf muffins, it’s important to understand the different fat percentages available. Ground beef typically comes in several varieties, including 70/30, 80/20, and 90/10, where the first number represents the lean meat percentage and the second the fat. For example, 80/20 ground beef means the mixture is 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The higher the fat content, the juicier and more flavorful the meat, but it also means more grease and calories. For meatloaf muffins, 80/20 is often a good choice because it strikes a balance between flavor and fat content, ensuring the muffins are juicy without being overly greasy. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef will reduce fat but may require the addition of moisture, such as milk or a moist vegetable like grated zucchini, to prevent the meat from drying out. Understanding these percentages helps you make informed decisions based on your health goals and flavor preferences.