Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Muffins

I think meatloaf is one of those things that gets a bad reputation.  Lots of people think it's boring and somewhat old fashioned.  I love playing around with different combinations of ingredients to add twists that make it different and not boring.  I added barbecue sauce to meatloaf once and Matt thought I was a genius.  Needless to say that is a popular way to eat meatloaf around here.  I decided to change up that barbecue meatloaf idea and make us some bacon cheeseburger meatloaf muffins.

You can use any kind of meat you have (beef, turkey, venison-you name it) and even add barbecue sauce if you'd like.  These can be eaten as traditional meatloaf-I like mine with mashed potatoes and veggies, or they go great on a bun or bread, eaten as a burger with fries.

One piece of advice-definitely line your muffin tins!  I did not and it was not fun washing them!

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Muffins

1 pound ground beef or other meat (turkey, venison, etc)
5-7 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (8-ounce) package sharp cheddar, grated
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Ketchup or barbecue sauce, for topping.
Cooking spray and/or muffin liners

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck and next 8 ingredients, mixing well. If desired, stir in some ketchup or barbecue sauce.

Line muffin tins or at least spray them really good with cooking spray.  Divide the meat mixture into 12 prepared muffin tins.  Spread ketchup/barbecue sauce over each meatloaf muffin. Bake 40 minutes.

Source: Adapted from What's Cooking in the Burbs, originally from Paula Deen