Meatloaf Meatballs (also known as Meatloaf Muffins)

Meatloaf Meatballs (also known as Meatloaf Muffins)

I had a hankering for meatloaf, but knew my picky eaters wouldn’t like the look of a loaf, so I thought these muffin-sized meatloaves would be more appealing. When my kids asked what I was making I told them, “Meatloaf Muffins.” My youngest squished up his nose and frowned. I then said, “They are just like meatballs.” That seemed to satisfy him, so in our house they are referred to as Meatloaf Meatballs.

I adapted my recipe from Simple Daily Recipes, Quick and Easy Meatloaf Muffins.

What you will need:

  • 1.5-2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 cup Italian Style bread crumbs (you might need to add more if mixture is too wet)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/3 cup ketchup (or canned tomato sauce – I used basil, garlic and oregano tomato sauce)
  • ketchup for the tops of your meatloaf muffins

Instructions:

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (180°C)
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onions, egg, water and ketchup or tomato sauce.
  3. Using your hands, mix well.
  4. Spray muffin pan with non-stick spray.
  5. Fill each muffin cup with 1/2 cup of the meat mixture. Do not pack it down, but gently press the top flat.
  6. Add an extra dollop of ketchup to the tops (I only did half…picky eaters, remember).
  7. BAKE for 30-40 minutes, until meatloaf muffins pull away from the sides.

We served the kids’ meatloaf meatballs with Near East Broccoli & Cheese Couscous. For my hubby and I, we had Summer Grilled Squash and Strawberry Spinach Salad with Pine nuts and Feta. Enjoy!