Prep Ahead

This recipe can be prepped in advance and then it only takes about 5 minutes to assemble the meatloaf muffins and 20 minutes to bake. Totally doable for a weeknight meal.

Cream cheese placed on top of ground beef mixture.

To Make In Advance:

Mix together the cream cheese mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. If you are making it in advance and it is refrigerated, there is no need to stick it in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Mix together all the meatloaf ingredients (except ketchup and bacon) in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Jalapeno Popper Meatloaf Muffins after being removed from oven.

Which Ground Beef To Use

You don’t want ground beef that’s too lean (will make the meatloaf dry) or too fat (they will be greasy). 85 to 90% lean is perfect.

Jalapeno Popper Meatloaf Muffins Recipe Tip

The cream cheese mixture that gets stuffed in the middle must be chilled first or it will completely melt into the muffins.

Two Jalapeno Popper Meatloaf Muffins on a plate.

How To store

Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf Muffins?

Yes! While they can be frozen raw, I prefer to freeze them after they are baked. Be sure to cool them completely and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven.