Oh, the joy of finding a recipe that both simplifies meal prep and delights the taste buds! Enter these parmesan meatloaf cups, a playful twist on the traditional meatloaf that bakes right in a muffin tin. Perfect for portion control and more fun for the kiddos, these little cups are packed with flavor and can easily become a weeknight favorite in any family. The addition of parmesan gives these meatloaf cups a lovely cheesy crust that crisps up in the oven, making them irresistible.
These parmesan meatloaf cups are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. A classic choice would be a light green salad tossed with a vinaigrette or steamed green beans. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside mashed potatoes or a buttery corn on the cob. Don't forget a dollop of ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping!
Parmesan Meatloaf CupsServings: 12 cups
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.
3. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing gently to form cups.
4. Sprinkle the tops with shredded mozzarella cheese, if using.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink in the center and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Let the meatloaf cups cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Variations & Tips
For those who have dietary considerations or prefer a twist on the classic, here are some variations:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make it lighter.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix for extra veggies.
- For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats instead of regular breadcrumbs.
