Description
These Meatloaf Cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on the classic meatloaf, shaped into individual servings topped with creamy mashed potato frosting. Perfect for a kid-friendly dinner or meal prep, these savory cupcakes combine a flavorful meat mixture with a smooth, buttery mashed potato topping, garnished with fresh herbs and optional ketchup or BBQ sauce for extra zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Mashed Potato Frosting
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (warm)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
- Extra ketchup or BBQ sauce (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork if using, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix gently with your hands until just combined making sure not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Portion and Shape: Evenly divide the meat mixture among the muffin cups, pressing down lightly to shape each portion like a mini meatloaf cupcake.
- Bake the Meatloaf Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the meat is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare Mashed Potato Frosting: While the meatloaf bakes, warm the mashed potatoes with butter and milk in a saucepan or microwave until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Rest and Frost: Once baked, let the meatloaf cupcakes rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Then pipe or spoon the warm mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake to resemble frosting.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness. Optionally drizzle with ketchup or BBQ sauce before serving to add extra flavor.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save preparation time.
- For a cheesy variation, stir shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes before frosting.
- This recipe is great for meal prep as the cupcakes reheat well.
- Perfect for serving kids a fun and approachable take on meatloaf.
