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Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your muffin tin with a little olive oil or spray it with cooking spray to ensure your mini meatball muffins don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, egg, and all the seasonings—garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (or a spoon) to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each meatball into a muffin cup in the prepared muffin tin. This should make about 12 mini meatball muffins, depending on the size you make them. Press the meatballs gently into the muffin cups to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
4. Add the Marinara Sauce:
Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over the top of each meatball muffin. You don’t need a lot—just a little drizzle to give them a boost of flavor and help keep them moist. The sauce will bake into the meatballs, creating a lovely, flavorful topping.
5. Bake the Mini Meatball Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on top. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach at least 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the mini meatball muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like, for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve these mini meatball muffins with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping, or toss them into a bowl of spaghetti for a fun twist on the classic meatball and pasta combo. They also make a perfect snack on their own or as part of a larger appetizer spread.
Why These Mini Meatball Muffins Are So Addictive:
- Perfect Texture: The bread crumbs and milk in the meatball mixture help create a soft, juicy texture inside, while the outer edges caramelize slightly in the muffin tin, giving them a nice crispy finish. The cheese adds a layer of creaminess and gooeyness that’s irresistible.
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of garlic, herbs, and cheese gives these mini meatball muffins a deep, savory flavor. You get the familiar taste of a classic meatball, but with a little twist in presentation and flavor thanks to the added cheese and the muffin shape.
- Great for Meal Prep: These mini meatball muffins store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze well, making them an excellent option for meal prep. You can make a big batch and have them ready to go for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Simply reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick, delicious meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Their small size makes them perfect for little hands, and they’re so easy to eat! You can even get creative by serving them with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or ketchup for kids to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Mini Meatball Muffins:
- Mix Gently: Overmixing the meat mixture can make the meatballs tough, so mix just until everything is combined. A gentle hand is key to getting that perfect, tender bite.
- Customize Your Meat: While ground beef works perfectly for these mini meatball muffins, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats to suit your preferences. Mixing in some sausage for extra flavor is another great option.
- Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy treat, try stuffing the meatballs with a cube of mozzarella in the center or adding a little extra cheese to the top before baking.
- Serve with Veggies: Pair your mini meatball muffins with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal. They’re also great as part of a party platter, served alongside some sliced bread, dips, or even a charcuterie board.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mini meatball muffins ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them uncooked and bake them straight from the freezer when needed (just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).
Conclusion: A New Favorite for the Whole Family
These Mini Meatball Muffins are the ultimate comfort food reimagined. With their perfectly portioned sizes, savory flavors, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party, adding them to your weekly dinner rotation, or just snacking on them throughout the day, they’ll quickly become one of those recipes you swear by.
So grab your muffin tin, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these perfectly portioned, flavorful, and utterly delicious mini meatball muffins. They’re the bite-sized wonder that’ll have everyone asking for more!
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