Introduction
Kickstart your culinary adventure with this delicious and savory recipe for cheeseburger muffins! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these delightful bites capture all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger while being easy to serve and eat. Packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, each muffin is a burst of flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup bread crumbs
¼ cup ketchup, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
¼ cup dill pickles, chopped
¼ cup onion, chopped
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons seasoning salt (Lawry’s)
1 egg
6 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Makes 6 cheeseburger muffins
Enjoy these scrumptious cheeseburger muffins fresh out of the oven or store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. This recipe is not only simple but also delivers a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a muffin tin by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meat muffins from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, bread crumbs, ¼ cup of ketchup, chopped dill pickles, chopped onion, yellow mustard, black pepper, seasoning salt, and the egg. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and form a uniform mixture.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups
Take the meat mixture and press it into each cup of the muffin pan, filling each cup halfway. Ensure the mixture is compact to hold its shape during baking.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Make a small indentation in the center of each pressed meat portion. Place one tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese into each indentation, creating a cheesy center.
Step 5: Seal the Cheese
Top each cheese-filled indentation with the remaining meat mixture. Press the edges down to seal the cheese inside and ensure no cheese is exposed on top.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This will ensure the meat cooks thoroughly.
Step 7: Add Toppings
After 25 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Spoon the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup over each meat muffin, followed by the chopped bacon as a topping.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step ensures the bacon gets crispy and the meat is fully cooked.
Step 9: Check Doneness
Ensure that the internal temperature of the meat muffins reaches 160°F. Use a food thermometer to check for doneness.
Step 10: Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 3 days.
Notes
Note 1: Adjust Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more spices or even incorporate different herbs.
Note 2: Cheese Variations
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Note 3: Alternative Toppings
Consider adding other toppings as well, such as diced green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and visual appeal.
Note 4: Cooking Method
If you prefer, these meat muffins can also be baked in a standard loaf pan, though cooking time may vary. Check for doneness accordingly.
Note 5: Meal Preparation
These meat muffins are great for meal prep. You can freeze them for a quick meal later; just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Combine the ground beef with all the other ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. Ensure that the bread crumbs, seasonings, and the egg are evenly distributed for a uniform texture.
Pressing
When filling the muffin tin, press the meat mixture firmly into each cup. This helps maintain the shape and ensures even cooking.
Creating Indentations
Make a small indentation in the center of each meat portion before adding the cheese. This technique helps to keep the cheese contained, preventing it from leaking out during baking.
Baking
Bake the meat muffins at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature ensures that they cook evenly without burning.
Checking Doneness
Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meat muffins reaches 160°F, ensuring they are safe to eat.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can keep for up to 3 days, preserving their flavor and freshness.
FAQ
Can I use different types of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat, but cooking times may vary.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
If you don’t have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oatmeal, or even finely ground cornmeal as a substitute.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped vegetables, along with the other ingredients maintaining their ratios.
Can I freeze the cooked meat muffins?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meat muffins. Just ensure they are fully cooled and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing.
What type of cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese that melts well to suit your flavor preference.
Conclusion
The combination of ground beef, cheese, and bacon in these muffin-shaped meatloafs provides a delightful twist on a classic meal. The added flavors from dill pickles and mustard contribute to a savory profile that brings satisfaction in every bite. These individually portioned delights are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for serving at gatherings or family dinners. Enjoy the hearty goodness and versatility of this dish!
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Combine ground beef with cheese, diced tomatoes, and spices, stuff into halved bell peppers, and bake until tender.
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Use ground chicken, mix in buffalo sauce, breadcrumbs, and serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
BBQ Meatloaf Muffins
Incorporate your favorite BBQ sauce into the meat mixture, top with extra sauce, and bake in muffin tins for quick individual servings.
Spicy Taco Meat Cups
Season ground beef with taco spices, add black beans and cheese, and bake in tortilla cups for a fun twist.
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Blend ground beef with herbs, serve in small buns with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for mini sliders.
