Easy Homemade Meatloaf Muffins (Made in a Muffin Tin)

If you love classic meatloaf but want something a little faster and easier for weeknight dinners, these homemade meatloaf muffins are going to become a regular (or a “weekly” as we like to call it) in your meal rotation.

They have everything you love about traditional meatloaf — tender ground beef, savory seasoning, and that classic sweet ketchup glaze — but baked in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned and adorable mini meatloaves.

The best part? These use simple pantry ingredients like oats and dried minced onion, so you can make them even if you don’t have fresh onions or breadcrumbs on hand.

They’re cozy, comforting, and kid-approved in our house.

Why You’ll Love These Meatloaf Muffins

There are soooooooooo many reasons to make meatloaf in muffin form.

They cook faster
Traditional meatloaf can take nearly an hour to bake. These mini meatloaf muffins are done in about 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Perfect portions
Each muffin is its own serving, which makes dinner easy and also works great for meal prep. Kyle wants them for his work lunches constantly.

Kid friendly
Kids tend to love anything in mini form. The smaller size makes these less intimidating than a slice of traditional meatloaf, and because they actually hold together, they are perfect for little hands to grab and actually eat like a muffin!

Freezer friendly
These freeze beautifully, making them perfect for busy weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples.

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Simple Meatloaf Glaze

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon mustard

The glaze is optional, but it adds that classic sweet and savory meatloaf flavor so definitely recommend .

How to Make Meatloaf Muffins

Making these mini meatloaves is incredibly simple.

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. Soften the oats and onion

In a large bowl combine:

• rolled oats
• dried minced onion
• milk

Let this mixture sit for about 2–3 minutes so the oats and onions soften.

3. Mix the meatloaf

Add to the bowl:

• ground beef
• egg
• ketchup
• coconut aminos
• garlic powder
• salt and pepper

Mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing so the meat stays tender.

4. Fill the muffin tin

Divide the meat mixture evenly between the muffin cups, filling each almost to the top.

5. Add glaze

Mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Spread about 1 teaspoon of glaze on top of each meatloaf muffin.

6. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

7. Broil (Optional)

Broil for 2-3 minutes (keep a close eye on them!) to caramelize the ketchup glaze.

Let the meatloaf muffins rest for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.

Tips for the Best Meatloaf Muffins

Hydrate the dried onion
Letting the onion soak in milk helps soften it so it blends perfectly into the meat mixture.

Use rolled oats instead of breadcrumbs
Oats help keep the meatloaf moist and add great texture.

Don’t overmix the meat
Overmixing can make meatloaf dense instead of tender.

Grease the pan well
Mini meatloaves release best when the muffin tin is lightly greased.

What to Serve With Meatloaf Muffins

These pair perfectly with classic comfort food sides like:

• creamy mashed potatoes
• roasted green beans
• buttered corn
• simple side salad
• homemade dinner rolls

It’s the kind of dinner that feels cozy, simple, and satisfying.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Once cooled, place meatloaf muffins in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat

• Microwave: 1–2 minutes
• Oven: 300°F for about 10 minutes

Loved this recipe? Be sure to tag us @frontporchfreshrecipes on Instagram if you made it, we can’t wait to see! Want to Pin this recipe for later? Click the Pin It button on any of the images below! Happy cooking!