Meatloaf Mugs: Dinner in a Cup, Comfort in Minutes
Who says dinner has to loaf around? This clever Meatloaf Mugs recipe skips the baking pan and goes straight for the mug, delivering quick, cozy comfort food in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, small households, or anyone craving comfort food without the wait. If you already love classics like traditional meatloaf or twists like Stuffed Meatloaf, get ready—this microwave-friendly version might just become your new weeknight hero.
Think of it as meatloaf’s cheeky cousin: same hearty flavor, but dressed down for a casual night in. Dinner in a mug? Yes, please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast prep and cook time—ready in under 15 minutes.
- Kid-approved, portion-controlled servings.
- A fun twist on familiar comfort food.
- Great for busy nights and small households.
- Uses basic pantry and fridge staples.
- A perfect addition to quick dinners like Instant Pot Meatloaf.
This recipe is also a fantastic way to introduce kids to cooking—easy steps, minimal mess, and a big payoff.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, extra lean
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 large egg
- 1 (5.5 oz) can vegetable juice
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
How to Make Meatloaf Mugs
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the ground beef with oats, egg, vegetable juice, green onions, carrots, salt, and pepper until the mixture is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Divide Mixture
Portion the meat mixture into four equal amounts and roll each into a compact ball.
Step 3: Fill Mugs
Place one meatball into each 8-ounce microwave-safe mug, pressing lightly to settle the mixture.
Step 4: Microwave Setup
Place a sheet of waxed paper on the microwave turntable and arrange the mugs in a circular pattern. Cover the tops with another sheet of waxed paper.
Step 5: Cook
Microwave on medium-high power for about 11 minutes.
Step 6: Check Doneness
Cut into the center of each meatloaf. If any are still pink, microwave in 30-second increments until cooked through.
Step 7: Finish
Carefully remove the mugs using oven mitts. Spread ketchup over the tops, cover again with waxed paper, and let the meatloaf mugs rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- For richer flavor, mix in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or sprinkle in a favorite seasoning blend.
- If you enjoy smoky or sweet sauces, swap the ketchup topping with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- For moisture, avoid overpacking the meat mixture in the mug.
Variations & Creative Ideas
- Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey for lighter meatloaf mugs.
- Veggie Boost: Add finely minced mushrooms or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients.
- Cheesy Center: Press a cube of cheese into the center of each meatball before cooking for a molten surprise.
- Spicy Option: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Meatloaf Mugs with comforting sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, buttered noodles, or a simple garden salad. They also make a great high-protein meal prep option for busy weeks.
To keep the theme of quick comfort foods going, try serving alongside something simple like Easy Meatloaf or get inspired by Meatloaf Creations.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey? Yes, lean ground turkey works well and cooks in about the same time.
How do I know when they’re fully cooked? Cut into the center of the meatloaf; it should no longer be pink and the juices should run clear.
Can these be reheated later? Yes. Reheat in 30-second bursts in the microwave until warm.
More Meatloaf Recipe Ideas
Final Thoughts
These Meatloaf Mugs deliver quick comfort food without the wait. Whether you already enjoy classic meatloaf styles like Instant Pot Meatloaf or prefer more whimsical options such as Meatloaf Creations, this microwave version brings convenience and flavor together in a fun, family-friendly way. Dinner in a mug has never been faster—or more satisfying.
Meatloaf Mugs (Quick Microwave Meatloaf in a Cup)
These cozy, kid-approved Meatloaf Mugs deliver classic meatloaf flavor in a fun, microwave-friendly format. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re perfect for busy nights, small households, or anyone who loves comfort food without the wait. If you enjoy classics like Easy Meatloaf or twists like Stuffed Meatloaf, this recipe brings all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Ingredients
EQUIPMENT
- Microwave-safe 8-ounce mugs
- Microwave
- Mixing bowl
- Waxed paper
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 large egg
- 1 (5.5 oz) can vegetable juice
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, oats, egg, vegetable juice, green onions, carrots, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and roll each into a compact ball.
- Place one meatball into each microwave-safe 8-ounce mug, pressing gently to settle the mixture.
- Line the microwave turntable with a sheet of waxed paper, then arrange the mugs in a circle. Cover the tops with another sheet of waxed paper.
- Microwave on medium-high power for about 11 minutes.
- Cut into the center of each meatloaf mug. If any are still pink, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the mugs with oven mitts. Spread ketchup over the tops, cover again with waxed paper, and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for richer flavor.
- For a smoky twist, swap ketchup for barbecue sauce.
- Avoid tightly packing the mixture into the mug to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Add finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra moisture and vegetables.
- Insert a cube of cheese into the center for a melty surprise.
- Arrange mugs in a circle when cooking in the microwave.
NOTES / EXPERT TIPS
More Recipes:
- If you love classic flavors, try pairing this with my Easy Meatloaf for a full comfort-food dinner lineup.
- For a pressure-cooker twist, check out Instant Pot Meatloaf, a fast and flavorful alternative.
- If you enjoy creative spins, you’ll love the whimsical Meatloaf Creations.
- For stuffed and savory goodness, try Stuffed Meatloaf—a hearty upgrade to the traditional recipe.
- Serve these mugs alongside fluffy Mashed potatoes or a refreshing garden salad for an easy, balanced meal.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, buttered noodles, or a fresh garden salad.
- Great for meal prep—store individually in mugs or pop them out and refrigerate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
- Freeze cooked portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
STORAGE + REHEATING
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey? Yes—lean ground turkey works great and cooks in similar time.
How do I know they’re fully cooked? Cut into the center; the meat should no longer be pink and juices should run clear.
Can I reheat these later? Yes—microwave in short bursts until hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 525Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 146mgSodium: 548mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 4gSugar: 12gProtein: 37g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
This recipe was originally published November 21, 2023, and updated November 17, 2025, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.