Name: Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon salt; Black pepper (to taste); 1 cup bread crumbs; 1 large egg; 1 can condensed vegetable soup (French onion soup may be substituted for variation)

Ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, egg, and vegetable soup baked into tender, flavorful Mini Meatloaf Muffins—quick, easy, and family-friendly.

Meatloaf always reminds me of the kind of weeknight dinners my mom used to make. You know the ones—big pans of food that lasted for days, served with mashed potatoes that somehow tasted better reheated the next day. I’ll be honest though, back then, I wasn’t exactly excited when meatloaf hit the table. It felt a little… predictable.

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Fast forward to me, years later, trying to make dinner in under 30 minutes with kids asking “what’s for dinner?” on repeat. I didn’t have time for a full loaf, so I tossed the usual suspects into a bowl—ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, an egg, and (this is where it gets interesting) a can of vegetable soup. Instead of a loaf pan, I grabbed my muffin tin. Boom. Mini Meatloaf Muffins were born in my kitchen that night, more out of desperation than genius.

The funny thing? My kids thought they were hilarious—“meat cupcakes!” they called them. And they ate them without complaint. My husband went back for seconds before I’d even finished serving myself. And me? I stood there thinking, why didn’t I do this sooner? It’s like meatloaf, but faster, cuter, and somehow way more fun.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe?

Here’s the deal—traditional meatloaf takes forever. You’re looking at an hour, minimum. These Mini Meatloaf Muffins? Fifteen minutes in the oven and you’re done. No dry middle, no waiting around forever, and everyone gets their own little portion. It feels less like a “boring family dinner” and more like something special, even though it’s ridiculously easy.

Plus, let’s be real—sometimes food is all about the presentation. Somehow calling them muffins makes the kids dive in without hesitation. And you don’t have to fight over who gets the crispy end piece—everyone gets their own perfect little serving. Honestly, they’re one of those small kitchen wins that make you feel like you’ve hacked dinner.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s break down why these few simple ingredients just work:

Ground Beef (1 lb) – Lean works best here, but use what you’ve got. The beef is the heart of the muffin.
Onion (small, finely chopped) – Brings a subtle sweetness and just enough bite.
Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning, but don’t skip them. They make everything else pop.
Bread Crumbs (1 cup) – Binds it all together. Without them, you’d basically have ground beef crumble.
Egg (1) – The glue. Keeps the muffins from falling apart when you pop them out of the tin.
Condensed Vegetable Soup (1 can) – This one raises eyebrows. But trust me—it keeps the muffins moist and adds flavor. I’ve swapped it for French onion soup before, and it was so good my family swore I’d done something fancy.

How To Make Mini Meatloaf Muffins?

Here’s how these Mini Meatloaf Muffins come together:

Step 1: Preheat.
Get the oven going at 450°F. High heat means they cook quickly and stay juicy.

Step 2: Mix.
In a big bowl, crumble your ground beef and toss in the onion. Then add the soup, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands—it’s messy, but it’s the best way to mix. And honestly? There’s something kind of therapeutic about it.

Step 3: Fill.
Scoop about ¾ cup of the meat mixture into each muffin tin. Don’t pack it down like concrete—leave it a little loose so it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Bake.
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. That’s it! By the time you’ve wrangled the kids to set the table, dinner’s practically ready.

Step 5: Serve.
Let them cool just long enough so you don’t burn your fingers, then serve with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes and green beans are classics, but mac and cheese with a salad on the side is pretty unbeatable too.

Storage Options:

If you’ve got leftovers (and that’s a big if), they keep well. Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to keep them juicy. Or, if you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine too. They also freeze beautifully—wrap them individually and freeze. On a night when you just don’t feel like cooking, pull a couple out, heat them up, and you’re good to go.

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Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe is ridiculously flexible. Play around with it:

Different Meat – Ground turkey or chicken works great. Even pork for something richer.
Cheese It Up – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the mix, or sprinkle some on top.
Veggie Sneak – Grate in zucchini, carrots, or even mushrooms for extra flavor (and to trick picky eaters).
Soup Swap – Try mushroom, tomato, or French onion soup instead of vegetable. Each one gives a new spin.
Gluten-Free – Just use gluten-free bread crumbs and double-check the soup label. Easy fix.

What to Serve with Mini Meatloaf Muffins?

The fun part? These go with just about anything. Some of my favorites:

Mashed Potatoes – Because meatloaf without mashed potatoes feels incomplete.
Steamed Veggies – Green beans, broccoli, or peas are simple but solid.
Mac & Cheese – Comfort food meets comfort food. Enough said.
Fresh Salad – Adds a little crunch and freshness.
Crusty Bread – Perfect for scooping up any juices.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yep! Mix everything together, fill the muffin tin, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day when you’re ready.

Can I freeze Mini Meatloaf Muffins?
Absolutely. Bake them first, let them cool, and then freeze. They reheat like a dream.

Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
If it’s not nonstick, yes. A quick spray saves you from the heartbreak of stuck muffins.

These Mini Meatloaf Muffins are quick, comforting, and way more fun than a regular loaf. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare. Give them a try, and tell me—are you a mashed potatoes person, or do you go all in with mac and cheese on the side? I’d love to hear!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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