Description
Venison Meatloaf Muffins offer a hearty, protein-packed twist on the classic meatloaf with a rich, earthy flavor and convenient individual portions. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these savory muffins are easy to prepare, customizable, and provide a healthy, flavorful meal option that reheats well for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground venison
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder or pinch of cayenne (optional)
Optional Add-ins & Variations
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots or zucchini
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese
- Additional spices such as chipotle powder (for smoky heat)
- Herb substitutions such as rosemary or sage
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking and promote a crispy crust.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground venison, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped onions, minced garlic, fresh herbs, ketchup, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder if using. Mix thoroughly but gently to evenly distribute ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Portion into Muffin Tin: Evenly divide the meat mixture into the prepared muffin cups. Press each portion lightly to compact it while keeping the texture light and airy for even cooking and a nice shape.
- Bake Until Juicy and Fully Cooked: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The muffins should be firm but still moist inside.
- Let Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully pop them out of the tin and serve warm to enhance the flavors and texture.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the muffins tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for safety and avoid dryness.
- If the mixture feels dry, add a tablespoon of broth or a splash of milk.
- Let muffins rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute for better flavor.
- Try brushing the muffin tops with BBQ sauce or glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: venison, meatloaf, meatloaf muffins, game meat, protein-packed, savory muffins, healthy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, wild game