Italian Meatloaf Muffins are mini versions of a classic Italian meatloaf recipe, in fun individual portions. You'll love the gooey cheese centers!
Ingredients
1T.olive oil
½c.finely chopped yellow onion
3large garlic clovesminced
1c.your favorite marinara saucedivided (I like to use a spicy marinara)
1large egglightly beaten
½c.seasoned Italian bread crumbs
2T.grated Parmesan cheese
¼c.finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
1T.Dijon mustard
1tsp.dried oregano
¼tsp.kosher salt
¼tsp.freshly ground black pepper
1lb.lean ground beef
8oz.mild Italian sausageor use hot Italian sausage to kick up the flavor
a 4 oz. block of mozzarella cheesecut into 12 cubes
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400° F. Very lightly spray a regular-sized muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Heat a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add oil. Once oil is hot, stir in onion. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until onion is softened, stirring occasionally. Then add garlic and sauté for 3 minutes more. Remove pan from heat. Transfer onion and garlic mixture to a large bowl. Let cool for a few minutes.
To the onion and garlic mixture, stir in 1/2 cup of the marinara, and then the egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, and combine thoroughly with your hands.
Lightly press about half of the meatloaf mixture into each of 12 muffin cups. Press a cube of mozzarella gently into the center of each muffin cup. Top each cube of cheese with more meatloaf mixture, evenly dividing up the remaining mixture.
Top meatloaf muffins with remaining 1/2 cup of marinara, dividing evenly amongst the 12 portions. Place muffin pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until internal temperature registers 165° F and the muffins are hot and bubbling. Remove pan from oven and let stand for a few minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer meatloaf muffins to a serving platter. Sprinkle with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.