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In the world of comfort food, meatloaf stands out as a classic favorite, offering warmth and nostalgia with every bite. However, this Butter Basted Maple Dijon Mini Meatloaf recipe elevates the traditional dish to new heights. By incorporating a sweet and tangy glaze, these mini loaves are not only visually appealing but also pack a punch of flavor that will delight your taste buds. In this article, we'll explore the intricacies of the ingredients, the cooking process, and the unique qualities that make this dish a must-try for any home cook.

Butter Basted Maple Dijon Mini Meatloaves

Warm up your fall evenings with these Butter Basted Maple Dijon Mini Meatloaves, a delightful twist on classic comfort food. With a sweet and tangy glaze that adds a festive flair, these easy weeknight dinner beauties are perfect for cozy gatherings or family meals. Theyre quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, making them a must-try this season. Save this recipe for later and bring warmth to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaves:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a crispy texture)

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Maple Dijon Glaze:

1/4 cup real maple syrup

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for umami depth)

For Basting:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with mini muffin paper liners.

    Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

      Shape the Mini Meatloaves: Using your hands, divide the meat mixture into 10-12 equal portions and shape each into a small loaf or oval, then place them in the prepared muffin tin.

        Make the Maple Dijon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.

          Glaze the Meatloaves: Brush half of the maple Dijon glaze over the top of each miniature meatloaf, reserving the rest for later.

            Bake the Meatloaves: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the tops are slightly caramelized.

              Baste with Butter: After the initial bake, remove the meatloaves from the oven. Brush the melted butter generously over the tops of each mini meatloaf and return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, which will create a beautiful glazed finish.

                Serve: Once finished, remove the mini meatloaves from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with the remaining maple Dijon glaze and garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings