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Meatloaf has long held a special place in American cuisine, often associated with home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Its versatility allows for a myriad of variations, from classic loaf shapes to more creative formats. Transforming traditional meatloaf into muffin form not only adds a playful twist but also enhances its appeal for busy households. Each muffin serves as a perfect portion, making it easy to serve and enjoy while also helping to minimize waste.

Sticky BBQ Meatloaf Muffins

Bring comfort food to the next level with Sticky BBQ Meatloaf Muffins! This fun and convenient twist on traditional meatloaf is perfect for busy families, offering customizable, portion-controlled servings that kids and adults will love. Packed with savory flavors, these muffin-sized delights are easy to prepare and great for kitchen bonding time. Discover the recipe and tips for a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy together, making dinner both satisfying and memorable.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Optional: extra BBQ sauce for glazing

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners for easy removal.

    Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, fresh parsley, beaten egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

      Shape the Muffins: Scoop the meat mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Gently press down to ensure it's compact.

        Add BBQ Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of BBQ sauce on top of each meatloaf muffin, using about 1-2 tablespoons per muffin. If you'd like, you can reserve some BBQ sauce to baste on during the cooking process.

          Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 70°C) and the tops are caramelized.

            Glaze (Optional): Five minutes before taking them out, you can brush them with an extra layer of BBQ sauce for an extra sticky glaze.

              Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 12 muffins