Mini Beef & Veggie Meatloaf Muffins
Perfectly portioned mini meatloaves packed with beef and hidden veggies, baked in a muffin tin for easy handling and quick cooking.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach (or grated zucchini)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion (or 1/2 tsp onion powder)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning (or a mix of oregano/basil)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready for even baking.
Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil. This prevents the meatloaf muffins from sticking.
In a medium-sized bowl, add the ground beef.
Add the finely grated carrot to the bowl with the ground beef.
Add the finely chopped spinach (or grated zucchini, if using) to the bowl.
Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients.
Pour the beaten egg over the mixture. The egg acts as a binder.
Add the finely chopped onion (or onion powder), minced garlic (or garlic powder), and Italian herb seasoning to the bowl. These add flavor to the meatloaf.
Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. They will shrink slightly during baking.
Gently press the mixture down into each muffin cup and smooth the tops with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through and no longer pink in the center (internal temperature of 160°F).
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the meatloaf muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes.
Use a spoon or spatula to carefully remove each mini meatloaf from the muffin tin.
Serve warm. You can top each with a spoonful of warm unsalted tomato sauce or a dollop of mashed sweet potato as a “glaze.” Cut into quarters for easier chewing if needed.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required for oven use.
- Ensure meat is cooked through to prevent foodborne illness.
- Cool slightly before serving to prevent burns.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 150 kcal per muffin
Protein: 15g
Carbs: 7g
Fat: 7g