Looking for a fun and delicious spin on traditional meatloaf? These Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are the perfect bite-sized solution for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or your next potluck. Packed with bold BBQ flavor, gooey cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy French-fried onions, this easy meatloaf recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and bakes conveniently in a muffin tin.
Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving comfort food with a twist, these BBQ meatloaf muffins are guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 pounds lean ground beef (93/7)
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 onion, finely diced
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¾ cup milk
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1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 teaspoons salt
Topping:
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup smoky BBQ sauce
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⅓ cup French fried onions
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350˚F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheese, onion, milk, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix until evenly incorporated.
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Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll into balls and place into a muffin tin. Firmly press to form muffin shapes.
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Spoon a layer of BBQ sauce over each meatloaf muffin.
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Sprinkle additional cheese and top with crispy fried onions.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
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Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 505 kcal | Servings: 6 (2 muffins per serving)
Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins: The Bite-Sized Comfort Food You’ll Make on Repeat
When you think of meatloaf, what comes to mind? For most, it’s a warm, hearty, and classic dinner passed down from generation to generation. But in today’s fast-paced kitchens, traditional meatloaf while delicious can sometimes feel like a commitment. Enter: Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins, a modern twist on a retro classic that offers all the comfort and flavor of meatloaf, with the added bonus of convenience and fun.
These muffin-sized meatloaves are more than just cute and practical. They bake faster, freeze beautifully, and make serving a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping school lunches, or feeding a crowd at a potluck, this dish is bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Why This Recipe Works
Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins hit all the right notes savory, smoky, cheesy, and slightly crispy on top thanks to a generous sprinkle of French-fried onions. The use of a muffin tin not only speeds up the cooking process but also gives each mini meatloaf a delicious crust on all sides. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone who loves the idea of comfort food but needs a more adaptable, time-saving version.
Portion control is another key benefit. With each muffin-sized meatloaf baked separately, everyone at the table gets their own little serving, which means no fighting over end pieces or the cheesy crust. It’s also a great option for families with picky eaters serve the kids a plain version while the adults can pile on the toppings.
And let’s not forget about the texture contrast. The meatloaf itself is soft and juicy, while the BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and crispy onions on top bring all kinds of flavor and crunch to the party.
The Appeal of Muffin Tin Meals
Using a muffin tin for savory dishes has become wildly popular in recent years. Why? Because it delivers on convenience. Foods cook faster in small, individual portions, cleanup is often easier, and it’s ideal for batch-cooking or meal prepping.
Muffin tin meatloaf is also great for freezing. You can make a double batch and save half for another night. And when it comes to reheating, you don’t have to defrost an entire loaf just grab a few muffins, pop them in the oven or microwave, and dinner is served.
For anyone living alone or cooking for two, this is also a smart way to avoid food waste. Bake a dozen, eat a few fresh, and freeze the rest for later.
Customization & Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. The base mix is flavorful and moist, but it’s also a blank canvas for your own culinary creativity. Here are some ideas for shaking things up:
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Spicy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce into the mix. Choose a spicy BBQ sauce to bring the heat.
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Turkey or Chicken Option: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just be sure to maintain the moisture balance by keeping the milk and onion.
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Italian Style: Replace the BBQ sauce with marinara, use mozzarella instead of cheddar, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a dollop of sauce on top makes it feel like mini meatloaf parmesan.
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Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the meat mixture, and top with pepper jack cheese and a spoonful of salsa.
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Bacon-Wrapped: For an indulgent touch, wrap each muffin in a strip of bacon before baking. It adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
Meal Prep & Freezing Tips
If you love having meals ready to go in your freezer, these muffins are your dream come true. Here are a few ways to make the most of them:
To Freeze Before Baking:
After forming and topping the muffins, place the entire muffin tin in the freezer. Once they’re frozen solid, pop them out and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, place them back in a muffin tin and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
To Freeze After Baking:
Let the muffins cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze individually. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
This strategy makes weeknight dinners, school lunches, and even lazy weekends a breeze.
Ideal Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something lighter, here are some ideas to round out your plate:
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Classic Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with buttery mashed potatoes. For a twist, try garlic mashed or Boursin cheese mashed potatoes.
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Roasted Veggies: Since the oven’s already on, roast some carrots, Brussels sprouts, or a medley of colorful bell peppers.
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Mac and Cheese: If you’re feeding kids (or kid-like adults), creamy mac and cheese alongside these muffins is a slam dunk.
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Green Salad: Add a fresh element to the meal with a tossed green salad, Caesar, or coleslaw.
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Cornbread or Rolls: Serve with warm bread to soak up any extra BBQ sauce or cheesy goodness.
Leftover Love: What To Do With Extras
Leftovers might just be the best part of this recipe. Here are a few ways to turn your extra muffins into new meals:
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BBQ Meatloaf Sliders: Cut the muffins in half, place on slider buns with extra BBQ sauce and pickles, and warm until melty.
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Stuffed Peppers: Crumble leftover muffins and mix with rice or quinoa. Stuff into bell peppers and bake for an easy second-day dinner.
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Casserole Remix: Dice the meatloaf and mix into a cheesy rice or pasta casserole for a one-pan comfort dish.
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Loaded Baked Potatoes: Crumble the meatloaf on top of a baked potato with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of cheese and green onions.
Nutrition Considerations
If you’re watching your macros, this recipe can be tailored to fit. Using lean beef keeps the fat content down, and the use of breadcrumbs and milk help maintain a moist texture without adding excess calories. It’s high in protein, and if you pair it with veggie sides, you’ve got a pretty balanced plate.
Looking to lower sodium or sugar? Opt for a low-sodium BBQ sauce and control the seasoning to suit your needs.
Conclusion:
Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins are the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes easy to make, family-friendly, customizable, and downright delicious. They offer the timeless comfort of classic meatloaf but in a quicker, more fun, and versatile format. Whether you’re trying to simplify your weeknight routine, looking for something freezer-friendly, or just want to try a creative new spin on an old favorite, these mini meatloaves are sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.