Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced into small pieces
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/3 cup or 1/2 cup ketchup, plus 5 tablespoons for the topping glaze
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray a cupcake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Saute the Onion: In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 6 minutes. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 3/4 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, sautéed onions, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Form the Meatloaf Cupcakes: Using an ice cream scoop, divide the meatloaf mixture evenly into the cupcake tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
5. Prepare the Topping Glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together 1/3 cup or 1/2 cup of ketchup (depending on your desired sweetness) with 5 tablespoons of brown sugar.
6. Add the Topping Glaze: Spoon a dollop of the ketchup and brown sugar glaze on top of each meatloaf cupcake, spreading it slightly to cover the surface.
7. Bake the Meatloaf Cupcakes: Bake the meatloaf cupcakes in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the meatloaf cupcakes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a butter knife to gently lift the cupcakes out of the pan. Serve the mini meatloaf cupcakes with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
Enjoy your delicious and adorable mini meatloaf cupcakes!
Q1: Can I freeze Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes? A: Yes, you can freeze mini meatloaf cupcakes. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven until heated through.
Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that ground turkey or chicken may have a slightly different texture and flavor compared to beef, but they will work well with the other ingredients.
Q3: Can I customize the toppings for Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes? A: Absolutely! The topping glaze can be customized to your preference. You can add spices like garlic powder, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce to the glaze for extra flavor. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of sauces or glazes, such as barbecue sauce or a tangy tomato-based sauce.
Q4: How do I know when the Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes are cooked through? A: The best way to ensure the mini meatloaf cupcakes are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the center of a cupcake; it should register at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) for the meatloaf to be fully cooked. Alternatively, you can cut into one cupcake to check if the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Q5: Can I make Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and even shape the cupcakes ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also make the entire recipe, let the cupcakes cool, and then refrigerate them. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Q6: What sides go well with Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes? A: Mini meatloaf cupcakes pair well with various sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve them with macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, or garlic bread, depending on your preference.
Enjoy your Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
