Name: Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup marinara sauce; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; ½ cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound lean ground beef; 8 ounces mild Italian sausage (or use hot Italian sausage for more spice); 4 ounces block-style mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 cubes; ½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and bursting with flavors you love, then this Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These individual-sized meatloaf muffins are a delightful twist on the classic meatloaf, packed with savory Italian sausage, juicy ground beef, and a gooey mozzarella center that melts in your mouth. With a tangy marinara topping and a fragrant blend of herbs and garlic, this recipe brings together all the warmth of Italy in a fun, portable form. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, Italian Meatloaf Muffins deliver big flavor without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal muffin tray holds twelve round portions of a reddish-brown mixture with visible small chunks of green herbs and pale ingredients. Each portion is pressed flat inside its tray cup and topped with a small, smooth, pale yellow square of butter placed in the center. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and a black and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the bottom right corner. The lighting highlights the texture of the mixture and the soft sheen of the butter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe. Fresh herbs add brightness, cheeses bring richness, and the sausage deepens the flavor profile, making every bite unforgettable.

Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, lending a fruity, smooth base flavor.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped to bring sweetness and moisture into the meatloaf mixture.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the muffins with classic Italian aromatic warmth.
Marinara sauce: Divided use—half mixed into the meat and half as a savory topping that keeps things juicy.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together perfectly without being dry.
Seasoned Italian bread crumbs: Add just the right amount of texture and help retain moisture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles in those salty, nutty undertones everyone loves.
Fresh Italian parsley: For a fresh, vibrant herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
Dried oregano: Adds a traditional Italian herbal aroma that’s perfect in meat dishes.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
Lean ground beef: The hearty base protein that keeps the muffins filling and meaty.
Mild Italian sausage: Or hot, if you love a little extra kick and spice.
Block-style mozzarella cheese: Cut into cubes to melt beautifully inside each muffin, creating a delicious surprise.

How to Make Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and giving your muffin pan a very light spray with non-stick cooking spray. This helps the muffins release easily once cooked. Heating the oven upfront gets you ready to bake as soon as the meatloaf is assembled.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Let the onion cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step is key to unlocking those sweet and savory layers that will blend seamlessly with the meat.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

Transfer the slightly cooled onion and garlic mixture into a large bowl. Stir in half of the marinara sauce, then add the lightly beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients to combine before folding in the ground beef and Italian sausage. Getting your hands in here to thoroughly mix everything ensures each muffin is bursting with flavor and perfectly tender.

Step 4: Assemble the Meatloaf Muffins

Divide the meat mixture evenly, pressing about half of it into the bottoms of 12 muffin cups. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese gently into the center of each, then cover with the remaining meatloaf mixture, packing it in to completely encase the cheese. This little mozzarella surprise is what makes the Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe so fun and satisfying.

Step 5: Bake with Marinara Topping

Top each muffin with the remaining marinara sauce, using about a teaspoon on each to keep them saucy and flavorful. Place your muffin pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills and bake the meatloaf muffins for about 30 minutes. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the marinara is bubbling and delicious. Let them rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up for easy removal.

How to Serve Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds many ingredients separately, ready to mix. The bottom right has raw red ground meat with a few small white fat bits. Above it is a whole egg yolk next to pale yellow mustard. On the top right are two light beige powders, one finer and the other grainy. Top middle shows dark green dried herbs. Middle left contains chopped fresh green leafy herbs. Below that is bright red sauce with a smooth texture. To the left top, there is finely chopped pale yellow garlic. The bowl sits on a dark surface with a silver muffin tray behind it and a black and white checkered cloth under the bowl’s edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley brightens the plate with a splash of green and adds a fresh, herbal pop that complements the savory meatloaf muffins beautifully. For an extra touch, you could drizzle a little more warm marinara or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Side Dishes

These meatloaf muffins pair wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in a light vinaigrette, creamy mashed potatoes, or even garlic bread to soak up every bit of that marinara sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus offer a colorful contrast and add crunch and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe mini-meatloafs on a rustic wooden board alongside small ramekins of extra marinara and grated cheese makes for a fantastic appetizer platter. You could also thread mini skewers through each muffin to turn them into party-friendly finger foods that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your delicious Italian Meatloaf Muffins have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy leftovers anytime without losing that homemade charm.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these meatloaf muffins freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the meatloaf muffins in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Reheating slowly in the oven helps maintain their juicy texture and gives the marinara topping a chance to bubble up again.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted to make a leaner version of this Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe. Just keep in mind that these leaner meats might need a little extra moisture or fat, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra egg to keep the muffins tender.

What can I do if I don’t have Italian bread crumbs?

You can use plain or seasoned bread crumbs and add a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried herbs to replicate the flavor. Panko breadcrumbs can work too, but they may make the muffins slightly lighter and less dense.

Is it okay to make the recipe spicy?

Yes! Using hot Italian sausage instead of mild instantly adds heat. You can also mix a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or choose a spicy marinara sauce to amp up the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Can I prepare these meatloaf muffins ahead of time before baking?

You certainly can! Assemble the meatloaf muffins in the muffin pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

What’s the best way to ensure the mozzarella melts perfectly inside?

Cut your mozzarella into neat cubes and make sure to press the meat mixture firmly around the cheese so it’s fully enclosed. This traps the cheese as it melts, creating that wonderful gooey center that makes this Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about these Italian Meatloaf Muffins Recipe — they combine beloved flavors into an easy, approachable form that’s perfect for both family dinners and impressing guests. Give them a try and get ready to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade Italian goodness in every single bite. Once you do, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite recipes to turn to over and over again.