Easy Pizza Meatloaf Minis: A Kid-Friendly Cupcake Pan Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals
Are you searching for a delicious, fun, and incredibly easy weeknight meal that the whole family will adore? Look no further than these fantastic Pizza Meatloaf Minis! Baked conveniently in a cupcake pan, they combine the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with the exciting, familiar taste of pizza. The result is a series of adorable, perfectly portioned mini meatloaves that are not only quick to prepare but also a guaranteed hit, especially with kids. Say goodbye to mealtime battles and hello to a dinner that brings smiles to every face.
Discovering Culinary Inspiration: A Fellow Food Blogger’s Gem
Today, I’m thrilled to share a wonderful culinary discovery with you – a brand new cookbook by my esteemed food blogger friend, Nicole Meyer. Nicole is the creative force behind the popular food blog “Nibbles By Nic,” which is precisely where our paths crossed in the vibrant world of online culinary arts. Her blog is a treasure trove of inspiring recipes and practical tips, and her new cookbook is an extension of that same passion and expertise.
Nicole’s fantastic new cookbook, aptly titled Cups, Sticks & Nibbles, is much more than just a collection of delicious recipes. It’s a comprehensive guide designed to empower you, not only in the kitchen but also as a confident and stress-free hostess. If the thought of throwing a party or hosting a gathering makes you slightly anxious, Nicole has you covered. She masterfully breaks down the entire hosting process, offering invaluable tips and timelines that detail exactly what to do weeks before your guests even think about arriving. From meticulous menu planning to delightful recipes that span every occasion – be it a leisurely brunch, sophisticated cocktails, sizzling grilling recipes, or irresistible sweets – her book provides a wealth of inspiration. It’s packed with family-friendly recipes and fun, bite-sized treats perfect for your little ones, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate and occasion.
The Irresistible Allure of Mini Meatloaves
While perusing Nicole’s captivating cookbook, my eyes were drawn to several tempting treats, including the elegant White Chocolate Covered Cherries and the comforting Toasty S’More bars. However, despite these delightful distractions, I found myself repeatedly flipping back to the meatloaf section. There was just something inherently appealing about these adorable mini meatloaves. They truly are super cute, making them an instant conversation starter and a visual delight on any dinner table.
This isn’t my first rodeo with miniature meatloaves. I recall making meatloaf in muffin tins a long time ago, and it was a huge hit with my kids. They loved the individual portions and the novelty of it. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, it became one of those recipes that fell by the wayside. Nicole’s book, however, served as a delightful reminder and provided the perfect impetus to revisit this brilliant concept, especially with her unique pizza-inspired twist.
What truly sets this particular meatloaf recipe apart is its incredible flavor profile. It wasn’t just another meatloaf; it genuinely captured the essence of a savory pizza. Every bite delivered that delightful, familiar taste, transforming a classic comfort food into an exciting new experience. And the absolute best part? These minis cook up in an astonishingly quick 20 minutes! This speed makes them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is a precious commodity. The preparation is equally straightforward: I simply lined my cupcake pan with sturdy foil cupcake liners, used an ice cream scoop to perfectly portion the meat mixture into each cup, and voilà! They were ready to bake in no time. This method ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, adding to their appeal as a go-to family meal.
The Name Game: Minis vs. Cupcakes and Perfect Portions
My adaptation of Nicole’s recipe involved only a couple of minor tweaks: adjusting the amount of ground beef slightly and, amusingly enough, changing the name. Nicole originally called hers “Pizza Meatloaf Cupcakes.” When I suggested “cupcakes” to my own children, their faces registered a visible look of perplexity – a common reaction when the word “cupcake” is associated with anything other than a sweet, frosted treat! To avoid any confusion and better align with their expectations for a savory dish, I opted for “minis.” Ultimately, call them whatever resonates best with your family; the most important thing is to simply try them. They are undeniably a perfect solution for a speedy and satisfying weeknight meal. Beyond their quick cooking time and delightful flavor, these individual portions offer excellent control, making them a smart choice for managing serving sizes effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Meatloaf Minis
- Kid-Approved Flavor: The familiar taste of pizza makes these minis an instant hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Effortlessly Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, dinner is on the table in under half an hour.
- Perfect Portion Control: Individual mini loaves ensure everyone gets just the right amount, and they’re great for meal prepping.
- Simple to Make: Basic ingredients and straightforward steps mean even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings or add finely diced vegetables to the meat mixture for extra nutrients.
- Easy Cleanup: Baking in a cupcake pan, especially with liners, simplifies the cleanup process considerably.
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Print Recipe
Pizza Meatloaf Minis
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/4 cup quick cooking oatmeal
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 12-cup cupcake pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with heavy-duty cupcake liners for easier removal and cleanup.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until slightly softened. Then, add the chopped bell pepper and minced garlic, continuing to sauté until the vegetables are tender, typically another 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
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In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, beaten egg, quick-cooking oatmeal, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and water. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Once the base mixture is ready, gently fold in the cooled sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture. Continue mixing until the vegetables are evenly incorporated throughout the meatloaf mixture.
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Using an ice cream scoop (a 1/4 cup scoop works perfectly for even portions), divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake pan cavities. Lightly press each portion into a mini loaf shape. Top each meatloaf with approximately 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce, spreading it gently over the surface.
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Bake the meatloaf minis in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are just beginning to brown on the edges and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). Remove the pan from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese over each mini meatloaf. Carefully switch your oven to the broiler setting (if available) and return the pan to the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
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Allow the Pizza Meatloaf Minis to stand in the pan for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting period helps them set and makes them easier to remove. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Pizza Meatloaf Minis are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes, making them a complete and satisfying meal. For a classic comfort food experience, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette. If you want to lean into the Italian theme, a side of pasta with marinara sauce or some garlic bread would be perfect. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini also make excellent companions, adding both flavor and nutrition.
Feel free to get creative with variations too! You can swap the mozzarella for provolone or a sharp cheddar for a different cheesy kick. Add finely chopped pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives to the meat mixture for extra “pizza” toppings. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes could add a gentle warmth for adult palates. For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor this recipe to your family’s specific tastes.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Nicole Meyer
I want to extend a HUGE thank you to Nicole Meyer for generously sharing her wonderful cookbook with me for review. It has truly been a delightful experience exploring her creations and finding new favorites like these Pizza Meatloaf Minis. As you all know, I have a deep passion for entertaining, and Nicole’s invaluable hostess tips are simply gold. They provide practical guidance that eases the stress of event planning, making entertaining more enjoyable and less daunting. I’ve already bookmarked numerous pages, eager to try even MORE of her tempting recipes and learn from her expertise.
If you’re ready to elevate your cooking game and enhance your hosting skills, I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing a copy of Cups, Sticks & Nibbles for yourself. Don’t miss out on this fantastic resource! You can easily order your copy today by visiting Nibbles By Nic. While you’re there, be sure to follow Nicole on Facebook to stay updated on her latest culinary adventures and the exciting “nibbles” she’s continually sharing. You’ll be glad you did!