Image Credit- CJ Caldwell
Meatloaf Cups are a creative and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a modern twist. Instead of baking meatloaf in a large pan, these mini versions are baked in muffin tins, making them perfectly portioned, easy to serve, and fun to eat. Not only do Meatloaf Cups cook faster, but they’re also great for meal prep, family dinners, and even kid-friendly meals. Packed with flavor, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and served with tasty toppings, Meatloaf Cups prove that sometimes the best things really do come in small packages.
Why Choose Meatloaf Cups?
Traditional meatloaf is delicious, but it can take a long time to cook and sometimes doesn’t hold its shape when sliced. Meatloaf Cups solve these problems while bringing in added convenience. Since they bake in smaller portions, they cook in almost half the time. The muffin tin format also ensures each cup gets that perfect crispy edge, something many people love about meatloaf. Plus, it’s an easy way to manage portions—great for families and those watching serving sizes.
Customizable and Family-Friendly
One of the best things about Meatloaf Cups is how versatile they are. You can stick with the traditional recipe of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, or you can mix it up. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, add shredded vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition, or even experiment with different spices for new flavors. Kids especially love Meatloaf Cups because they’re the perfect handheld size, and parents love them because it makes mealtime simple and less messy.
Delicious Meatloaf Cups
This clever use of muffins tins creates individual mini-meatloafs that cook more quickly than regular meatloaf and are easy to pack for a lunch or snack on the go. Crushed pork rinds take the place of breadcrumbs, keeping the finished product from becoming dense or tough.
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 24 mins Total Time: 34 mins
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 garlic cloves(crushed)
- ¼ onion(diced)
- 2 eggs(beaten)
- ¼ cup parsley(finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 ¼ lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup keto brown sugar alternative
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a muffin tray or use a silicone muffin tray.
- Place the pork rinds and the cream in a large bowl and let soak for five minutes.
- Place tomato sauce and brown sugar alternative in a bowl and stir until brown sugar is dissolved.
- Add the garlic, eggs, parsley, and beef to the pork rind mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the cups of the prepared muffin tray and top each cup with the tomato sauce mixture.
- Bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until cooked through. Let stand for five minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Meatloaf Cups pair wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn on the cob. For a healthier twist, try serving them with a side salad, cauliflower mash, or roasted vegetables. Because they’re already portioned, plating is quick and easy, which makes them ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings where presentation matters.
Meatloaf Cups bring together the best of both worlds: the comfort of traditional meatloaf and the convenience of perfectly portioned, quick-to-cook servings. Whether you’re cooking for kids, planning meals ahead, or simply wanting to try a new spin on a family classic, these mini delights will become a staple in your kitchen. Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried Meatloaf Cups or plan to make them—we’d love to hear your favorite variations and topping ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Meatloaf Cups?
Meatloaf Cups are mini versions of classic meatloaf baked in muffin tins, offering faster cooking time, portion control, and a fun way to serve a traditional comfort dish.
How do you make Meatloaf Cups moist and flavorful?
To keep Meatloaf Cups moist, use a mix of ground meat with some fat content, add breadcrumbs or oats with eggs as a binder, and mix in grated vegetables for extra moisture and flavor.
Can Meatloaf Cups be made ahead of time?
Yes! Meatloaf Cups are perfect for meal prep. Bake them ahead, store in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze them for up to three months. Reheat when ready to enjoy.
Delicious Meatloaf Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- ¼ onion diced
- 2 eggs beaten
- ¼ cup parsley finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 ¼ lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup keto brown sugar alternative
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a muffin tray or use a silicone muffin tray.
- Place the pork rinds and the cream in a large bowl and let soak for five minutes.
- Place tomato sauce and brown sugar alternative in a bowl and stir until brown sugar is dissolved.
- Add the garlic, eggs, parsley, and beef to the pork rind mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the cups of the prepared muffin tray and top each cup with the tomato sauce mixture.
- Bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until