My-Goodness Meatloaf!

I mean, meatloaf muffins :-)
So I saw this elsewhere and can't take credit for the idea but, and it's a big but I have added my own variation to the original recipe.

Meatloaf is so easy almost goof proof, and yet can get so boring after a while. Soo I opted to mix it up a bit and (like my bio states) experiment by cooking meatloaf in muffin pans. When I came across the idea it was a plug for easy perfect meal portions - fun for kids. It's true I love to have these on hand so I make extra and keep some in the freezer. I don't eat beef so I make mine with either ground lean turkey or chicken. I also add in extra veggies so I don't need to think about adding a vegetable when serving them at a later date. Usually I'll put chopped onion rather than using onion powder, chopped broccoli and carrots in addition to the standard meatloaf recipe.

I have no special recipe that I use to make my meatloaf muffins. I usually use the old standard Better Home & Garden cook book's version and shave down the cooking time from 45 min. to 15/20 min.
When ready to plate we usually toss some roasted sweet taters on the side with sea salt.
I hate touching meat so I use this tool to mix the meatloaf together. Yes another great kitchen gadget that I love, made by none other than The Pampered Chef. As previously mentioned, it's the cool kitchen gadgets that I get use that keep me interested in cooking. That and hunger pains. LOL

So I'd be silly not to at least leave you with the base meatloaf recipe after all this.
From Better Home & Garden Cook Book:

1 egg
1/4 C whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4 C milk
1/4 C chopped onion
1/4 C chopped carrots
1/4 C chopped broccoli
1/2 teasp thyme, basil, oregano and or sage
1 Lb ground meat of choice (beef, chicken, turkey)
2 tblsp Ketchup or to your liking

A Mexican twist is to sub taco sauce or salsa in place of ketchup and corn, green peppers sweet onion in place of the other veggies mentioned. Oh and I also use some taco seasoning & cilantro in place of the Italian basil, oregano seasoning. Breadcrumbs are replaced with crushed tortilla chips. Because I am a firm believer everything is better with cheddar, I top these muffins with cheddar. I'm still experimenting with this but, here's about what's worked in the past.

1 C chopped green bell pepper
1/4 C chopped onion
1/4 C corn (frozen works just fine)
1/2 C tortilla chips finely crushed (Fun, place measured chips in ziplock bag releasing as much air as possible, seal and walk over the chips to crush - it's rewarding)
1/4 C taco sauce or salsa
2 tsp taco seasoning (from packet)
1 Lb ground meat
1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp dried cilantro

Everything gets mashed together except cheddar goes on top. I pop these muffins in the oven for 15-20 min at around 350 and presto, we've got din din.

I must admit that I don't really measure all the time while cooking. At times I use a little more taco seasoning or salsa. Kinda a give or take sort of thing. I'm sorry if that frustrates you. I've never been the kinda cook that plays by the rules. I've had my share of goofs but for the most part I often wing it :-)

I'd love to hear if you have a family favorite meatloaf recipe or tricks to spice up an old familiar family favorite.
Cheers to fun times in the kitchen!