BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins

Name: BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for glazing); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Highlighted under: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food

I absolutely love making BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins because they bring a fun twist to a classic dish! These muffins are not only easy to prepare but are also perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. The individual servings allow everyone to enjoy their own flavorful portion. Plus, the sweet and tangy BBQ glaze adds a delightful finishing touch that complements the savory meat loaf. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress everyone at your table!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:49:28.046Z

I remember the first time I made BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins for a weekend get-together. The aroma wafting through the house was irresistible, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can customize it with your favorite ingredients, whether it's adding veggies or experimenting with different BBQ sauces.

The muffins cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a perfectly moist interior. A key tip I learned is to use lean ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs and egg to bind it all together, resulting in a delightful texture that holds up beautifully in muffin form.

        Why You'll Love These Muffins
        Savory meat with a sweet and tangy glaze
Perfectly portioned for easy serving
Kids love them and they're great for meal prep

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins is the ground beef, which provides a robust, savory flavor that absorbs the spices and sauce beautifully. To ensure a juicy texture, opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, ideally 80/20. This will render more moisture during cooking, resulting in a rich and satisfying bite. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well, though they may require additional seasoning to enhance their flavor profile.

Breadcrumbs play a critical role in holding the muffins together while maintaining moisture. If you find yourself without traditional breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with crushed crackers or even oats. Just be mindful that oats will yield a slightly different texture, so a fine blend will help mimic the original consistency. The chopped onions add a touch of sweetness and texture; using green onions can give a nice, fresh flavor twist.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When it comes to filling the muffin tin, be careful not to overfill each cup, as this can cause overflowing and uneven cooking. Pulling a few muffins out too early will lead to meatloaf with a raw interior, while overbaking can dry them out. A good indicator for doneness is the color; the muffins should have a firm surface and a slightly caramelized appearance at the edges. Using a digital meat thermometer is an effective way to confirm they're cooked through to 160°F (70°C).

If you want to enhance the presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top right after glazing, as it's a simple way to elevate the dish with a dash of color. Timing is key; allow the muffins to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This step helps redistribute the juices and makes removal from the tin easier, helping to maintain the muffins’ shape and moisture.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for these delicious BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/3 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for glazing)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Mix all ingredients as per the recipe instructions for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by either greasing it or lining it with muffin liners.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This will allow space for the muffins to rise.

Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Glaze and Serve

Remove the muffins from the oven and brush them with additional BBQ sauce. Let them rest for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. Serve warm.

Enjoy your BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins hot from the oven!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try mixing in some chopped jalapeños or your favorite spices. These muffins can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins are ideal for meal prep! After baking, you can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, they freeze beautifully; simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When reheating, a quick spin in the microwave works well, but for the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

If you'd like to prepare ahead of time, you can combine the meat mixture and place it in the muffin tin a few hours before baking. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and can save you precious time during a busy weeknight. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if your mixture is cold when you place it in the oven.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Serving these BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Muffins can be as versatile as you like. Pair them with a side of creamy coleslaw or a simple salad to balance the richness of the glaze. You can also serve them on slider rolls for a fun twist! Adding a slice of cheese during the last few minutes of baking can create a melty topping that kids especially love.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the glaze as well! Experiment with different BBQ sauces, or even try mixing in some hot sauce or maple syrup for a spicy or sweeter twist. Adding chopped herbs or a dash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze can also enhance the depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these muffins to your family's tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, though the texture may differ slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! Just let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with these muffins?

They pair well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.