Looking for a new twist on a comfort food classic? These Mini BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf Muffins are packed with flavor, combining juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Each individual-sized meatloaf is baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze, making them the perfect easy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for gatherings. Plus, they’re a great way to elevate traditional meatloaf into something fun, flavorful, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 6 ounces (4 slices) thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheddar blend)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ cup prepared BBQ sauce (plus extra for glazing)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or a little oil.
- Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon slices in a skillet until crispy, then crumble them into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and beaten eggs.
- Season the mixture: Add the onion powder, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard to the meat mixture. Using clean hands or a spatula, gently mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the mini meatloafs: Scoop portions of the meat mixture and press them into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. Slightly press down on each to ensure they hold their shape.
- Add BBQ glaze: Spoon a small amount of BBQ sauce over the top of each mini meatloaf, spreading it evenly to create a glaze.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Finish with extra BBQ sauce: During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush an extra layer of BBQ sauce on top of each meatloaf muffin for added flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the meatloaf muffins rest for 5 minutes. Carefully lift each meatloaf out of the tin and serve them hot, paired with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Conclusion:
These Mini BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf Muffins are the perfect bite-sized comfort food with a delicious smoky twist. The combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and tangy BBQ sauce makes each mini meatloaf a flavorful treat that’s sure to be a hit at dinner or your next party. Easy to make and fun to eat, they’re the ultimate way to elevate your meatloaf game!