Zucchini Parmesan Meatloaf Cups 🥩🧀

These Zucchini Parmesan Meatloaf Cups are a flavorful and low-carb alternative to traditional meatloaf, featuring ground beef mixed with zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. They’re baked in muffin tins for easy individual servings that are perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 small zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free, if on keto)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini:
    Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial to avoid soggy meatloaf cups.
  3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  4. Form the Meatloaf Cups:
    Scoop the meat mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. Press down slightly to ensure the meatloaf holds its shape while baking.
  5. Bake the Meatloaf Cups:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the top is slightly browned.
  6. Top with Marinara Sauce:
    After baking, spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each meatloaf cup and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to warm the sauce through.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    Once cooked, remove the meatloaf cups from the muffin tin and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tips:

  • For a low-carb version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
  • You can add shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce before the last 5 minutes of baking for extra cheesy goodness.
  • If you prefer a different ground meat, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork.

These Zucchini Parmesan Meatloaf Cups are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making them a great low-carb dinner option that the whole family will enjoy! 🥩🧀