Cheddar BBQ meatloaf muffins are mini meatloaves made in a muffin tin and topped with BBQ sauce and cheese. An easy meatloaf recipe for dinner!
Cheddar BBQ meatloaf muffins are mini meatloaves made in a muffin tin and topped with BBQ sauce and lots of cheese. This easy meatloaf recipe is a quick and easy dinner that's ready in 30 minutes, and it's super kid friendly and picky eater approved!
My entire family loves meatloaf, and it's probably one of the few foods that we all agree on. In fact, that's one of the reasons that this blog happens to be called Meatloaf and Melodrama. The only reason that I don't make meatloaf more often is that it takes a long time to cook, especially since I always make enough for all of us, plus leftovers.
My middle child, the Monkey, is the one who suggested making meatloaf in a muffin tin. She saw these somewhere -- probably Pinterest -- and asked me to try making them even before Christmas. The idea is anything but new, but I'm usually late to get on board the trendy train, sigh.
Anyway, I'm always looking for easy ground beef recipes, so I finally got around to trying the easy meatloaf muffins. And, I love how much easier they are than traditional classic meatloaf!
One of the best things about these little individual meatloaves is that there's no fighting over who got a bigger piece. My kids do this all of the time, and it can really wear you down. My son still talks about the time I gave him five roasted potatoes while his sister got seven! So yeah, this is much better!
How to make easy mini meatloaf in a muffin tin
This is a super simple ground beef recipe with just a few ingredients. I just used my favorite easy meatloaf recipe for cheddar BBQ barbecue meatloaf. But, I adjusted the amounts a little bit and pressed the beef in a muffin tin instead of the usual large pan.
I used lean ground beef, but there was still a lot of juice around the meat, so I sucked it out with a turkey baster - easy peasy! Right before the beef was done, I brushed some barbecue sauce on the tops and crowned the mini meatloaves with shredded cheddar cheese.
I stuck the pan back into the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese was melted and bubbly.
They do shrink a little, but it's really not too bad. If you want the portions to be bigger, just pack the meat into the muffin cups a little higher.
More easy meatloaf recipes
Cheddar BBQ Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Cheddar BBQ Meatloaf Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce any kind, plus more for brushing on muffin tops
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together, except for the cheddar cheese, and form into large ball
- Fill the muffin tin with the meat mixture
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, and remove extra juice if desired
- Brush tops of muffins with barbecue sauce, and sprinkle cheddar cheese over the sauce
- Return to the oven, and bake until cheese melts and internal temperature is at least 160 degrees, according to meat thermometer
Video
Notes
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
Serve these little cheddar barbecue meatloaf muffins with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes and maybe some peas, and your dinner is served. Just remember to give your kids equal portions!
I hope you enjoy these easy cheddar BBQ mini meatloaf muffins as much as we do!
Recipe has been updated.
Sarah Weber says
can you make these without Parmesan cheese
Dee says
Yes! You can use breadcrumbs if you have that.
Miz Helen says
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Miz Helen
Cathy says
I love everything about these! The flavors...the size...I need to try them!
James says
Made these for dinner last night. Simple and delicious. Having the leftovers for lunch today.
Dee says
Thank you so much, James! I'm glad you liked them. 🙂
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
These would disappear in our house!
Dee says
They don't last long in my house! 🙂
Krista says
These muffins sound great! Love them for a weeknight dinner!
Steph says
These were so delicious and so easy. Thanks!
Dee says
They are super easy! Thanks, Steph!
Sabrina says
These are so perfect for the kids to get excited about for dinner! So cheesy and delicious!
Dee says
Thanks, Sabrina. My kids love these over regular meatloaf!
Catalina says
These meatloaf muffins are such a great idea! Easy and delicious!
Brandy O'Neill says
I could go for this right now! Love the idea of cheddar BBQ Yum!
Dee says
These taste amazing! Absolutely love the flavors
Dee says
Thanks! It's one of our favorite meals!
Jodi says
Nutritional info please
Miz Helen says
Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with us at Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
April says
Yum! These sound so good. I could eat a bunch of them lol. I love recipes using muffin pans.
Dee says
Thanks, April. I'm going to try making some more!
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
I think this muffins would be a perfect party food. delicious!
Dee says
Thanks! I hadn't thought about party food, but I think you're right!
Linda @ Food Huntress says
Yes please. Looks delicious and easy to make. Love it!
Dee says
Thanks so much, Linda! We like the muffins better than the meatloaf. 🙂
Holly says
These look perfect to make ahead to warm up for lunch! I have to try this recipe soon!
Dee says
That's one reason why we like them -- they're perfect for leftovers!
Sarah says
These look like an awesome, make-ahead, tasty meal! Every ingredient and flavor puts a smile on my face - will definitely have to make ASAP!
Dee says
Thanks so much, Sarah. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! 🙂
Carol says
Now I'm super-hungry for meatloaf! We really like meatloaf, too, but I've never made them in a muffin pan. That seems like a really good idea for kids.
Warm hugs,
Carol
Dee says
The kids love it, but it's also easier to warm up for leftovers this way. 🙂