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Savory Brown Sugar Glazed Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe with Hidden Veggies

brown sugar glazed mini meatloaf muffins - featured image

These mini meatloaf muffins are quick, easy, and packed with hidden veggies like carrots and zucchini. The sticky brown sugar glaze adds a sweet-savory finish that makes them a crowd-pleaser perfect for snacks, lunches, or dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup finely grated zucchini, squeezed dry
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) bread crumbs (plain or seasoned; panko works well)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for glaze)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely grate the carrots and zucchini. Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated carrots, grated zucchini, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and milk.
  3. Add dried thyme (optional), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough texture.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with silicone liners.
  6. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per muffin) and press lightly to compact.
  7. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard until smooth to make the glaze.
  8. Spoon the glaze evenly over each muffin.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized.
  10. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to help them hold their shape.

Notes

Squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini to prevent soggy muffins. Mix meat gently to avoid tough texture. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If glaze browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Muffins freeze well; bake double batch and freeze extras.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini meatloaf muffins, brown sugar glaze, hidden veggies, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, kid-friendly, quick meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, savory muffins