My own journey with muffin pan meatloaf began on a busy weeknight when I was looking for a way to simplify dinner while still delivering a meal that my family would love. I remembered the classic meatloaf my mother used to make, but the idea of using a muffin pan intrigued me. The thought of creating perfectly portioned meatloaves that were easy to serve and quick to cook sounded like a game-changer. The first time I made these, the house filled with the tantalizing aroma of seasoned beef and smoky barbecue sauce, and my family was immediately hooked. Since then, these mini meatloaf delights have become a regular feature at our table, making weeknight dinners a breeze and turning ordinary evenings into something special.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This high temperature ensures that the meatloaves will bake quickly, developing a deliciously crisp exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside.
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the vegetables. Cut 1 medium onion into chunks and slice 2 ribs of celery into 2-inch pieces. For the bell pepper, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and discard them. Then, cut the pepper into several pieces.
Process the Vegetables
Place the onion, celery, and green bell pepper into a food processor. Pulse the processor a few times to finely chop the vegetables. The goal is to create a finely diced mix that will blend seamlessly into the meat mixture.
Combine the Meat and Vegetables
Transfer the chopped vegetables to a large bowl containing 1 2/3 to 1 3/4 pounds of ground sirloin.
Step 2: Making the Meatloaf Mixture
Add Egg and Bread Crumbs
In the same bowl, add 1 large beaten egg mixed with a splash of milk. This mixture helps bind the meatloaf together, ensuring that it holds its shape. Add 1 cup of plain bread crumbs to the bowl; these will absorb moisture and help achieve a perfect texture.
Season the Mixture
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grill seasoning over the mixture. Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick is a great choice for its robust flavor, but feel free to use any grill seasoning blend you prefer.
Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of smoky barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup of tomato salsa, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the ingredients are well blended.
Incorporate the Sauce
Pour half of the sauce mixture into the meatloaf bowl. Save the remaining sauce for topping the meatloaves later. Gently mix the meatloaf mixture with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
Clean Up
After mixing, wash your hands thoroughly. It’s important to keep things clean and avoid cross-contamination, especially when working with raw meat.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
Prepare the Muffin Pan
Brush a 12-cup muffin tin with vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil. This will help prevent the meatloaves from sticking and ensure they come out easily.
Fill the Muffin Tin
Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup with the meatloaf mixture. Press the mixture down slightly to ensure it is packed well and will hold its shape during baking.
Top with Sauce
Spoon a small amount of the remaining barbecue sauce mixture over the top of each meatloaf. This will create a delicious, slightly caramelized glaze as they bake.
Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The high temperature will help the meatloaves develop a nice, crispy exterior while cooking through. To ensure they are fully cooked, you can cut open one of the meatloaves to check for doneness. The inside should be well-cooked and no longer pink.
Serve
Once baked, let the meatloaves cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them hot, straight from the oven, or at room temperature.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or even spinach can be great additions. Just ensure they are finely chopped to blend well into the meat mixture.
Ground Meat: While ground sirloin is used here for its lean and flavorful qualities, you can substitute with other types of ground meat such as beef, turkey, or chicken. Just be mindful of the fat content, as leaner meats may result in drier meatloaf.
Seasoning: If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using different seasonings or herbs. Italian seasoning, paprika, or cumin can add a unique twist to your meatloaf.
Sauce: The barbecue sauce and salsa combination can be replaced with other sauces. For a more tangy flavor, use a mix of ketchup and mustard. For a spicier kick, consider adding hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Conclusion
The beauty of making meatloaf in a muffin pan lies in its combination of convenience, flavor, and presentation. This method not only ensures that each serving is perfectly portioned but also speeds up the cooking time compared to a traditional meatloaf. The result is a meal that is both comforting and practical, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even meal prep.
Each mini meatloaf, topped with a hint of barbecue sauce, delivers a burst of flavor that is both satisfying and delightful. The use of finely chopped vegetables adds moisture and nutrition, blending seamlessly with the ground sirloin to create a tender, flavorful bite. Whether served alongside mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or simply enjoyed on its own, this muffin pan meatloaf is a dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.
With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, this recipe can be adapted to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs, making it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a modern twist on a classic favorite that will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.