Print

Cozy Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Muffins: Best Easy Recipe

brown sugar glazed meatloaf muffins - featured image

These individual meatloaf muffins are topped with a sweet and sticky brown sugar glaze, ready in under 30 minutes. They’re a quick, comforting dinner that turns a humble weeknight meal into something special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs (plain panko preferred)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (dairy, oat, or almond)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
  2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until thick and glossy. Set aside.
  4. Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Use your hands to mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Portion the mixture: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups (about 1/3 cup each). Press gently into each cup, mounding slightly on top.
  6. Apply the first glaze coat: Brush a generous layer of the brown sugar glaze over the top of each muffin. Reserve about half the glaze for later.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. After 15 minutes, remove and brush on another layer of the reserved glaze.
  8. Bake for another 7-10 minutes: Return to the oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The glaze should be dark and caramelized.
  9. Let them rest: Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack.
  10. Serve warm: Use a spoon or small spatula to gently lift the muffins out of the pan. Serve immediately with extra glaze on the side if desired.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to avoid tough muffins. Use a cookie scoop for even portions. Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes to set. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely. Grease the muffin tin generously to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf muffins, brown sugar glazed meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, individual meatloaf, quick dinner, comfort food