Transform your dinner routine with these delightful Pizza Meatloaf Minis, baked conveniently in a cupcake pan. Offering a quick, easy, and undeniably fun meal, they infuse the beloved flavors of pizza into individual, bite-sized meatloaves. A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, these minis make weeknight dinners a breeze!
Discovering Culinary Inspiration: A Review of “Cups, Sticks & Nibbles”
Today, it’s my absolute pleasure to introduce you to a fantastic new cookbook authored by a dear friend and fellow food blogger, Nicole Meyer. Many of you might know Nicole from her popular food blog, Nibbles By Nic, which is precisely where our culinary paths first crossed. Her blog has always been a source of creative and approachable recipes, and her debut cookbook, *Cups, Sticks & Nibbles*, truly expands upon that reputation.
Nicole is not just an incredible cook; she brings an infectious warmth and practicality to her culinary creations. Her cookbook, *Cups, Sticks & Nibbles*, is far more than just a collection of recipes. It’s a comprehensive guide designed to boost your confidence and flair as a host. For anyone who loves entertaining but occasionally feels overwhelmed by the planning, Nicole has ingeniously broken down the entire process. From detailed timelines covering what to prepare weeks before your guests even think about arriving, to diverse menu planning and innovative recipes, she has truly thought of everything.
Whether you’re orchestrating a lavish brunch, mixing up sophisticated cocktails, firing up the grill for a summer barbecue, or simply craving delightful sweets, this book has you covered. It’s packed with a treasure trove of family recipes and fun, kid-friendly bites that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Her practical approach empowers you to throw memorable parties with ease, making every hosting experience enjoyable and stress-free.
The Allure of Mini Meatloaves: A Pizza Twist
As I first flipped through the pages of *Cups, Sticks & Nibbles*, several recipes immediately caught my eye. The White Chocolate Covered Cherries sounded irresistibly elegant, and the Toasty S’More Bars promised a nostalgic treat. Yet, my gaze kept returning to the charming meatloaf recipes. There’s something undeniably appealing about these miniature versions, aren’t there? They just look so inviting and perfectly portioned.
I recall making meatloaf in muffin tins a long time ago, and my children absolutely loved them. It’s funny how some brilliant ideas get lost in the shuffle of daily life. Rediscovering this concept through Nicole’s book was a delightful reminder of how simple changes can make a classic dish exciting again. The idea of individual servings not only makes for great presentation but also addresses portion control, which is often a challenge with traditional loaf-style meatloaf.
What truly sets this particular meatloaf recipe apart, and what captured my attention, was its unique flavor profile. It wasn’t just any meatloaf; it genuinely delivered that authentic pizza taste we all crave. And the best part? These savory delights cook up incredibly fast, typically ready in about 20 minutes! That’s a huge bonus for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. The preparation is straightforward: I simply lined my cupcake pan with foil liners for easy cleanup, used an ice cream scoop to perfectly portion the mixture into each cup, and voilà! They were ready for the oven.
In my adaptation, I made a minor adjustment to the amount of ground beef used, and also gave the dish a slightly different name. Nicole originally titled hers “Pizza Meatloaf Cupcakes.” However, when I mentioned “cupcakes” to my kids, their faces immediately registered confusion, expecting something sweet rather than savory. So, to avoid any dessert-related disappointment, I opted for “Minis.” You’re welcome to call them whatever you like – just promise yourself, and your family, that you’ll give them a try. They truly are an ideal solution for a satisfying and quick weeknight meal, offering excellent portion control along with a burst of flavor.
Perfecting Your Pizza Meatloaf Minis: Tips for Success and Variations
Crafting the perfect Pizza Meatloaf Minis is an enjoyable process, and a few key tips can elevate your dish from good to exceptional. First, don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overworking the ground beef can result in a tough texture, so combine the ingredients gently until just incorporated. This ensures your minis remain tender and juicy.
For an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful caramelized crust, consider briefly browning the ground beef before mixing it with the other ingredients, especially if you’re using a higher fat content beef. Remember to drain any excess fat before adding it to the bowl. Alternatively, for a lighter option, you could experiment with ground turkey or chicken, adjusting the seasonings slightly to complement the leaner protein.
Customization is key with these Pizza Meatloaf Minis. While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a smoky blend for a different twist. You can also add finely chopped mushrooms, olives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture for an added layer of complexity. If your family enjoys a bit of spice, mix in some finely diced jalapeños.
Serving these minis is also versatile. They are fantastic on their own as a main dish, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. For a more hearty meal, serve them on small slider buns or within pita bread for a unique meatloaf sandwich experience. Don’t forget an extra side of warm marinara sauce for dipping! These also make excellent leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or another simple dinner.
Freezing these minis is a great way to prep meals in advance. Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in the oven or microwave, making them a true lifesaver on busy evenings. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also offers incredible convenience and adaptability, making it a staple in any family kitchen.
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup cupcake pan by spraying it generously with cooking spray, or for easier cleanup, line each cup with heavy-duty foil cupcake liners.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Then, add the chopped red bell pepper and minced garlic, continuing to sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the lean ground beef, beaten egg, quick-cooking oatmeal, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix these ingredients thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat. Once well combined, fold in the cooled sautéed pepper and onion mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Using an ice cream scoop, or your hands, divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake pan cavities. Gently press each portion down to form a mini loaf. Top each mini meatloaf with approximately 1 tablespoon of the tomato sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatloaves are cooked through and just starting to brown around the edges. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle an even layer of shredded Mozzarella cheese over each mini meatloaf. Change your oven setting to broil. Place the pan back into the oven under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Allow the Pizza Meatloaf Minis to stand in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Elevate Your Hosting Game with Nicole Meyer’s Cookbook
I want to extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to Nicole for sharing her absolutely delicious cookbook with me for review. As many of you know, I truly love to entertain, and the hostess tips and practical advice embedded throughout *Cups, Sticks & Nibbles* are incredibly handy and insightful. This book isn’t just about cooking; it’s about crafting experiences and making every gathering special and seamless.
I’ve already bookmarked numerous pages, eager to try even more of her innovative recipes and put her hosting strategies into practice. If you’re looking to refresh your meal rotation with exciting, family-friendly dishes, or if you want to elevate your party-planning skills and host with unwavering confidence, then this cookbook is an absolute must-have. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring Nicole’s culinary wisdom into your own kitchen!
Ready to grab one of these fantastic cookbooks for yourself and unlock a world of delicious recipes and expert hostess tips? Visit Nibbles By Nic to order your copy TODAY! And for even more daily culinary inspiration and “nibbles” that Nicole is currently sharing, be sure to follow her on Facebook. You won’t regret adding this gem to your cookbook collection!