Homemade Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/3 cup or 1/2 cup ketchup, plus 5 tablespoons (for the topping glaze)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray a cupcake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat until hot but not smoking. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 6 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and the cooked onion mixture. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Using an ice cream scoop, portion the meatloaf mixture into the cupcake tin, filling each cup.
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1/3 cup or 1/2 cup of ketchup and 5 tablespoons of brown sugar to make the glaze.
- Spoon the glaze over the top of each meatloaf cupcake.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the meatloaf cupcakes are cooked through, approximately 30 minutes or until done. The internal temperature should reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
- Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Cupcakes with your favorite sides and enjoy this creative and delicious twist on traditional meatloaf.
These individual meatloaf cupcakes are not only cute but also flavorful, with a sweet and savory glaze that adds a delightful twist to the classic meatloaf.
Popular questions and answers related to Homemade Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make these meatloaf cupcakes ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape them into cupcakes in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. The glaze can also be prepared ahead and added just before baking.
Q: How do I know when the meatloaf cupcakes are done? A: The internal temperature should reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, ensuring the meat is fully cooked.
Q: Can I freeze leftover meatloaf cupcakes? A: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Allow them to cool completely, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What sides pair well with these meatloaf cupcakes? A: Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad complement the savory-sweet flavor of the meatloaf cupcakes. Choose your favorite comfort sides.
Q: Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs? A: Yes, you can use plain breadcrumbs if you don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. You may want to adjust the seasoning slightly by adding a pinch of dried Italian herbs.
Q: Is it necessary to use a cupcake pan, or can I shape them into a traditional meatloaf? A: While the cupcake shape is fun and convenient, you can certainly shape the meatloaf mixture into a traditional loaf and bake it in a regular loaf pan if you prefer.
Q: Can I make a larger batch for a crowd? A: Certainly! Simply double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the internal temperature is reached for thorough cooking.
Q: What’s the purpose of adding brown sugar to the glaze? A: The brown sugar in the glaze adds sweetness and a caramelized flavor to the meatloaf cupcakes, balancing the savory notes of the meat.
Q: How do I prevent the meatloaf cupcakes from sticking to the pan? A: Make sure to generously spray the cupcake pan with non-stick cooking spray before adding the meatloaf mixture. This will help prevent sticking and make for easier removal.