These meatloaf cupcakes are a fun twist on a classic! They are made with tasty ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, all baked in a cupcake shape. The best part? A fluffy mashed potato frosting on top!
Who knew meat could be so cute? 😂 I love serving these at parties; they always get smiles! Plus, making them is as easy as mixing ingredients and piping on the potatoes. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Fresh ground beef gives the best flavor, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that they might be a bit drier, so consider adding extra moisture.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs work well. For gluten-free needs, use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. I like using seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost!
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add so much flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder as a substitute, though fresh is always better.
Ketchup: This adds sweetness and moisture. If you prefer, use barbecue sauce or homemade tomato sauce instead for a different twist.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are best for mashed potatoes. If you want a creamier version, use half-and-half instead of milk. You can also use cauliflower for a lower-carb option!
How Do I Get Smooth Mashed Potatoes for Frosting?
A key step in making delicious mashed potato frosting is ensuring there are no lumps. Here’s how:
- Boil the potatoes until very tender, about 15 minutes. The softer the potato, the smoother they’ll be!
- Drain well to remove excess moisture. You want fluffy potatoes, not watery ones.
- Mash them using a potato masher or a ricer for the smoothest texture. Gradually add in the butter and milk, mixing until fluffy.
- Season with salt and pepper. Always taste as you go! You can also add a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off can help you achieve a beautiful swirl on top!
How to Make Meatloaf Cupcakes With Mashed Potato Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce, plus extra for topping
For the Mashed Potato Frosting:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (more as needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, finely chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the mashed potato frosting. Overall, plan for about an hour to create these tasty meatloaf cupcakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and 1/2 cup ketchup. Mix everything gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this will keep your meatloaf cupcakes tender.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups, pressing it down gently to form the “cupcakes.” You want them to hold their shape!
4. Bake the Meatloaf Cupcakes:
Pop the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf cupcakes for about 25-30 minutes. They should be fully cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. You can check with a meat thermometer; it should read at least 160°F (71°C).
5. Prepare the Mashed Potato Frosting:
While your meatloaf cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Cook until very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
6. Mash the Potatoes:
In a mixing bowl, mash the potatoes with the butter, adding milk or cream gradually until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the potatoes cool slightly before frosting the cupcakes.
7. Frost the Meatloaf Cupcakes:
Once the meatloaf cupcakes have cooled for a few minutes, use a spatula or a piping bag to spread or pipe a generous swirl of mashed potatoes on top of each cupcake. Get creative with the swirl!
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you’d like, top each cupcake with a small dollop of extra ketchup and garnish with chopped fresh chives for a tasty and cute decoration.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the meatloaf cupcakes warm as a fun and hearty main dish or appetizer. Everyone will love this playful spin on a classic meal!
Enjoy your adorable and delicious meatloaf cupcakes topped with creamy mashed potato frosting! They’re a hit for sure! 🎉
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option! Just keep in mind that these alternatives might yield a slightly drier meatloaf, so consider adding a bit more milk or an extra egg for moisture.
Can I Make These Meatloaf Cupcakes in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape the cupcakes ahead of time, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking them straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf cupcakes and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk to the mashed potatoes if they seem dry.
Can I Freeze Meatloaf Cupcakes?
Yes, these cupcakes freeze well! Wrap each meatloaf cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.