How To Make Meatloaf Cupcakes

Meatloaf cupcakes are a fun, creative, and personalized twist on the classic meatloaf! These individual-sized portions are baked in a muffin tin, making them perfect for serving at parties, family dinners, or a weeknight meal. With the same comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf, they are topped with mashed potatoes (just like frosting) for a delightful presentation. Meatloaf cupcakes are sure to be a hit, especially with kids who enjoy eating their food in fun, bite-sized portions.

This recipe will guide you through making the meatloaf base, preparing mashed potatoes, and assembling the cupcakes with a little decorative flair. It’s easy to customize the toppings and fillings based on your preferences.

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for more flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp ketchup (for the meat mixture)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

For the Mashed Potatoes (Frosting):

• 4 large potatoes (preferably Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup milk (more if needed)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for cheesy mashed potatoes)

For the Topping (Optional):

• 2 tbsp ketchup (for drizzling on top)
• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

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Equipment

• Muffin tin (standard 12-cup size)
• Large mixing bowl
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• Piping bag or plastic sandwich bag (optional, for decorating the mashed potato topping)
• Spoon or ice cream scoop
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board
• Fork

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line the muffin cups with paper liners for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any additional seasonings you want to add (such as dried oregano or Parmesan cheese).
2. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, or your meatloaf could turn out dense.

Step 3: Portion the Meatloaf into the Muffin Tin

1. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Each cup should be filled about 3/4 of the way full. Gently press the mixture down to compact it slightly so that the meatloaf will bake evenly.
2. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check for doneness using a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. While the meatloaf cupcakes are baking, peel and chop the potatoes into chunks of roughly the same size for even cooking. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. If you want creamy cheesy mashed potatoes, you can stir in shredded cheddar cheese at this stage.
4. Keep the mashed potatoes warm while you finish the meatloaf.

Step 5: Assemble the Meatloaf Cupcakes

1. Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the muffin tin. Use a spoon or tongs to carefully remove the cupcakes from the tin and place them on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. To “frost” the cupcakes, spoon a generous amount of mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake. You can spread them with a spoon or use a piping bag (or a plastic sandwich bag with the corner cut off) to pipe the mashed potatoes in a decorative swirl, just like frosting.
3. If you like, drizzle ketchup over the mashed potatoes for a classic meatloaf topping or garnish with some fresh parsley or chopped chives for added color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the meatloaf cupcakes immediately while they are warm. They pair wonderfully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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Notes & Tips

• Meatloaf Mix: You can customize the meatloaf base by adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated carrots for added flavor and texture.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: For extra richness, add cream cheese or sour cream to the mashed potatoes along with the butter and milk.
• Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version of these cupcakes by using plant-based ground meat (like lentils, tofu, or meat substitutes) and following the same steps.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf cupcakes ahead of time! Assemble the meatloaf mixture and fill the muffin tin, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also make the mashed potatoes ahead and refrigerate them, then reheat before assembling.
• Freezing: These meatloaf cupcakes freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

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Conclusion

Meatloaf cupcakes are a fun, portable twist on a classic comfort food. With individual portions, they’re perfect for serving guests, packing in lunchboxes, or creating a fun family dinner. The combination of savory meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes makes for a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, they’re super customizable—feel free to experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and toppings. Enjoy this delightful and delicious dish at your next meal!