Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Frosting

If you’re looking for a fun, hearty, and delicious twist on a classic comfort food, these Meatloaf Cupcakes are sure to be a hit! With tender, juicy meatloaf baked in cupcake form and topped with creamy mashed potato “frosting,” these savory treats are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping.

These mini meatloaf cupcakes are as cute as they are tasty, and they’re topped with a dollop of fluffy mashed potatoes that resemble frosting. The final touch? A sprinkle of chopped chives for a garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf Cupcakes:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

For the Whipped Potato Frosting:

• 2 cups Mashed Potatoes (whipped until creamy)
• Chopped Chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or a little bit of oil. This will help the mini meatloaf cupcakes easily release from the pan after baking.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
2. Mix well: Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf dense.

3. Form and Bake the Meatloaf Cupcakes:

1. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Press the meatloaf down lightly into each cup to form small, cupcake-like shapes. Each cup should be about 3/4 full.
2. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

4. Make the Whipped Potato Frosting:

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: While the meatloaf cupcakes are baking, whip up your mashed potatoes. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make fresh mashed potatoes by boiling peeled and cubed potatoes until tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
2. Whip until fluffy: For an extra smooth and fluffy “frosting,” use an electric mixer to whip the mashed potatoes on medium speed until light and creamy. You want the texture to be smooth enough to pipe or spread easily over the meatloaf.

5. Frost the Meatloaf Cupcakes:

1. Cool the cupcakes slightly: Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to frost them without the mashed potatoes melting.
2. Pipe or spoon the mashed potatoes: Spoon or pipe the whipped mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake, just like frosting. You can use a piping bag with a wide tip to create a decorative swirl, or simply spoon it on and smooth it with a spatula.
3. Garnish with chives: Sprinkle the tops of the “frosted” cupcakes with chopped chives for a pop of color and a mild, oniony flavor that complements the mashed potatoes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Perfect Side Dish: These meatloaf cupcakes are hearty and satisfying on their own, but they pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• Ketchup Drizzle: For an extra touch of classic meatloaf flavor, drizzle a little ketchup or BBQ sauce over the mashed potato frosting.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These meatloaf cupcakes make great leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Why You’ll Love These Meatloaf Cupcakes:

1. Portion Control: Baking the meatloaf in individual muffin cups makes it easy to control portions, making these perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
2. Kid-Friendly: The cupcake form is fun and makes meatloaf more appealing to kids, especially with the mashed potato “frosting.”
3. Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
4. Comfort Food at Its Best: With all the flavors of traditional meatloaf combined with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish delivers comforting, familiar flavors in an unexpected presentation.

Tips for Success:

1. Mix Gently: When combining the meatloaf ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
2. Customize the Flavor: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your liking! You can add Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped onions, grated carrots, or other herbs and spices to the meat mixture for added flavor.
3. Spoon or Pipe the Potatoes: For a more decorative presentation, use a piping bag to swirl the mashed potatoes on top of the meatloaf cupcakes. But if you don’t have a piping bag, spooning and spreading the potatoes will work just fine.
4. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply press the mixture into the muffin tin and bake as directed.

These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Frosting are the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty flavors of classic meatloaf with the creamy, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes. They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. With a beautiful presentation and classic taste, these savory cupcakes are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!