Mini Meatloaf Muffins: Kids Love 'Em!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the preparation and variations of mini meatloaf muffins, with participants sharing their personal experiences, recipes, and cooking tips. The discussion highlights different methods of making mini meatloaves and the ingredients used, particularly appealing to families with children.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of making mini meatloaves using a muffin stone and filling them with ketchup and cheese, expressing that their kids love them.
  • Another participant mentions a recipe for a chili meatloaf with potatoes, indicating they found it enjoyable but often forget to make it.
  • A participant notes the appeal of mini meatloaves for kids, suggesting they resemble cupcakes and can be customized with various sauces.
  • One participant discusses their use of Lipton Onion Soup Mix and other ingredients in their meatloaf, sharing a variation that omits ketchup and egg for convenience.
  • Another participant mentions adding chili powder and salsa for a spicier version of mini meatloaves, topped with Mexican blend cheese.
  • Several participants express interest in trying the mini meatloaf idea and inquire about cooking times and temperatures for different pans.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on specific cooking times and methods for mini meatloaf muffins, with no clear consensus on the best approach for using different pans.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal cooking experiences and preferences, focusing on family-friendly meal ideas without implying any official guidance or safety claims.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants looking for creative meal ideas that appeal to children and exploring variations in meatloaf recipes.

4kids4me
Messages
417
I made mini meatloaves in my 12-muffin stone, and used the mini tart shaper to crate wells in them. I filled the wells with ketchup, and when I took them out I put shredded cheese over them. I think next time I"ll do them in my mini-fluted pan and fill that well with potatoes, and just do the ketchup around the hole. YUM! My kids love these!
 
That sounds really cool, could you post the recipe you used, and time and temp? I have a recipe a girl from work gave me for meatloaf that is more like a chili meatloaf, with potatoes on the bottom, it was really good, I will have to make it again, I just keep forgetting about it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
(from Daily Recipe Ezine)
Instead of a
whole meatloaf the recipe is divided into the 12 sections
of a muffin pan for individual servings. This cuts down
on cooking time and is a great presentation for kids too
because they each get their own and it looks like a cupcake.
I don't like the sound of meatloaf muffins though so we'll
call them MINI MEATLOAVES. You can swap the BBQ sauce for
different flavor varieties too like salsa, gravy, pasta
sauce, katsup etc..you name it these can be so versatle.
A bag of frozen veggies or a tossed salad and some potatoes
is all you need to add for a classic meal.

Enjoy!
Marzee

RECIPE: MINI MEATLOAVES

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb ground beef
1 6-ounce box Stove Top Stuffing mix - any flavor
1 cup water
1/2 cup BBQ sauce or katsup
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Ppeheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray muffin tins lightly
with nonstick spreay. Combine meat, stuffing and water
and mix well. Press evenly into 12 medium muffin
sections. Make a deep thumbprint in each and add 1
tablespoon of sauce in each indentation. Bake for 30
minutes then add shredded cheese. Cook for another 5
minutes just until cheese is melted. Cool slightly and
serve.
 
Love the idea! Will have to try it soon. How long would you cook it in the mini fluted pan? Would you still bake it at 375 degrees?
 
I usually make my meatloaf using Lipton Onion Soup Mix, 3/4 cup of plain bread crumbs, 1/3 cup ketchup, 1 egg and of course ground beef.
 
pamperedharriet said:
I usually make my meatloaf using Lipton Onion Soup Mix, 3/4 cup of plain bread crumbs, 1/3 cup ketchup, 1 egg and of course ground beef.

Hey!! Why did you steal my recipe?!;) On a rough day when I don't feel like being bothered I don't use the ketchup or egg. I dump in about 1/2 a can of Cream of Mushroom w/herb soup and the Lipton Beefy Onion mix it up and call it a day.
 
Chef Kearns said:
Hey!! Why did you steal my recipe?!;) On a rough day when I don't feel like being bothered I don't use the ketchup or egg. I dump in about 1/2 a can of Cream of Mushroom w/herb soup and the Lipton Beefy Onion mix it up and call it a day.


Great minds think alike!;)
 
I've made the mini- meatloaves myself but since we like things spicy I mixed 1 tsp of chili powder in with 1 cup of salsa and used that as my filling... topped with mexican blend cheese.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
pamperedharriet said:
Love the idea! Will have to try it soon. How long would you cook it in the mini fluted pan? Would you still bake it at 375 degrees?
I have absolutely no clue how long to bake it with the minis. Hoping someone here can give some insight to that one. It'd be cute to use the EAD to pipe in potatoes to the middle. :)
 
BAKE 30 min. or until meatloaves are cooked through (160°F). Top evenly with cheese; continue baking 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 min. before serving
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need to make Mini Meatloaf Muffins?

To make Mini Meatloaf Muffins, you will need ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken), breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or vegetables you like. You can also add toppings such as ketchup or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

How long do I need to bake Mini Meatloaf Muffins?

Mini Meatloaf Muffins typically need to bake for about 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). It's important to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for ground beef or 165°F (74°C) for poultry to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I make Mini Meatloaf Muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Mini Meatloaf Muffins ahead of time. You can mix the ingredients and fill the muffin tin, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

What can I serve with Mini Meatloaf Muffins?

Mini Meatloaf Muffins pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or macaroni and cheese. They also make a great addition to a family-friendly buffet or party spread.

Are Mini Meatloaf Muffins suitable for kids with dietary restrictions?

Mini Meatloaf Muffins can be adapted to meet various dietary restrictions. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. You can also substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian or vegan diets. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet specific dietary needs.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Staci
  • Intrepid_Chef
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
3K
CookinWithLynda
  • narfing
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
7
Views
3K
doughmama
  • LeanneB.
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
12
Views
3K
ChefPaulaB
Replies
9
Views
3K
BlessedWifeMommy
  • Cindycooks
  • Recipes and Tips
2
Replies
40
Views
9K
mombird4
  • pchockeymom
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
5
Views
3K
smart2cook
  • DebPC
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
2K
sharalam
Replies
2
Views
10K
CookiePam
  • twopamperedchefs
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
22
Views
11K
tabnat80
Back
Top