These unique meatloaf cupcakes are fun and delicious! Made with tasty ground beef and spices, they are topped with creamy mashed potatoes that look just like frosting.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a meatloaf in cupcake form? I always enjoy the playfulness of the presentation. Family and friends get such a kick out of this dish—perfect for dinner or parties!
You can serve these with a side of veggies for a complete meal. Plus, they’re easy to make and bake quickly, so you can satisfy those cravings in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just be aware that those options will be leaner.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs work well here. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs—they will still hold everything together!
Ketchup: While ketchup brings sweetness and moisture, you can use BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor. If you want to cut sugar, consider tomato sauce with a bit of honey or maple syrup added.
Potatoes: For the mashed potato frosting, starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are great. If you want, you could substitute with cauliflower for a lower-carb option—just make sure to adjust moisture as needed!
How Do You Get the Perfect Mashed Potato Frosting?
Making smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes is crucial for achieving the perfect “frosting” for your meatloaf cupcakes. Follow these simple steps:
- Start with evenly sized potato pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Don’t rush draining! Make sure they are fully drained to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- Use warm milk and melted butter for better incorporation. Cold ingredients can lead to lumpiness.
- Season well with salt and pepper, and mix until smooth but don’t overbeat to keep them fluffy.
- Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before piping. This will thicken them and help maintain that frosting shape.
With these tips, your mashed potato frosting will look and taste amazing! Enjoy decorating your meatloaf cupcakes with this fun twist on a classic dish.
How to Make Meatloaf Cupcakes With Mashed Potato Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
For The Mashed Potato Frosting:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/4 cup milk (warm)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking and cooking mashed potatoes. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour to make these delightful meatloaf cupcakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, take a 12-cup muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter so the meatloaf cupcakes don’t stick.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, throw together the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, ketchup, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is combined—don’t overmix, or they might get tough!
3. Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Press down gently to mold each one into a cupcake shape; leave a little space at the top for the ketchup glaze.
4. Add Ketchup Topping:
Take the extra ketchup and spread a thin layer on top of each meatloaf cupcake—this will give them a nice flavor and pretty color.
5. Bake Meatloaf Cupcakes:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Prepare Mashed Potato Frosting:
While the meatloaf is baking, let’s make our mashed potato “frosting.” Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a pot, cover them with water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it all to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender—this usually takes about 15 minutes.
7. Mash Potatoes:
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and warm milk, and then mash them until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let them cool for a few minutes until they thicken up a bit—it’ll make piping easier!
8. Frost the Meatloaf Cupcakes:
Once the meatloaf cupcakes have cooled down enough to handle, take a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip and fill it with the mashed potatoes. Pipe swirls or any fun design on top of each meatloaf cupcake, just like frosting!
9. Garnish & Serve:
To finish it off, sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley over the mash for a touch of color and flavor. It makes everything look fancy!
10. Serve Warm:
Your playful meatloaf cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm and watch everyone smile as they dig into this fun twist on a classic dish.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may require a little more seasoning to enhance the flavor since it’s milder than beef.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into cupcakes a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also make the mashed potatoes in advance; just reheat them slightly before piping onto the meatloaf cupcakes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave, covering them to retain moisture.
Can I Use Store-Bought Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, using store-bought mashed potatoes can save time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand, and you can still season them to your taste before piping on the cupcakes for an extra kick!
