Description
These BBQ Meatloaf Muffins combine lean ground beef and nutritious quinoa to create a flavorful, protein-packed twist on classic meatloaf. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, parmesan, and Italian herbs, each muffin is slathered with tangy barbecue sauce and baked to juicy perfection. This easy-to-make recipe yields individual servings that are great for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 pounds extra lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your muffin tin by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with silicone muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked quinoa, half of the barbecue sauce, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among 16 to 18 muffin cups in your prepared tin. Spread the remaining barbecue sauce on top of each meatloaf muffin to add a flavorful glaze.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf muffins reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the pan. Optionally, garnish with a little extra barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
- If your muffin tin holds fewer than 18 cups, consider making batches or shaping leftover mixture into mini meatloaf or burgers.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- These muffins can be refrigerated and reheated for convenient meal prepping.
- Feel free to customize the barbecue sauce topping with your favorite brand or homemade version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American