Description
These BBQ Meatloaf Muffins combine lean ground beef and nutritious quinoa with a tangy barbecue sauce for a flavorful, protein-packed meal. Perfectly portioned in muffin tins for easy serving, these mini meatloafs bake to juicy perfection with a delicious BBQ glaze and savory seasonings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 (220 degrees Celsius). Prepare a 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 the ground beef, cooked quinoa, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Reserve half of the barbecue sauce for later use.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the meat mixture evenly among 16 to 18 muffin cups. Spread the remaining half of the 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 (71 degrees Celsius), ensuring they are cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the meatloaf muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, garnish with a little additional barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can make a couple of batches if your muffin tin holds fewer than 16-18 muffins, or shape any leftover mixture into mini meatloaves or burgers.
- Letting the muffins cool before removing helps them hold their shape better.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the muffins reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner alternative if preferred.
- For gluten-free, ensure the barbecue sauce is labeled gluten-free.
