Description
These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping are a fun and delicious twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Each cupcake is a savory meatloaf portion baked in a muffin tin and topped with creamy, whipped mashed potatoes, resembling frosting. Easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults, this comforting American dish combines ground beef, herbs, and classic seasonings with a fluffy potato topping for a creative presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Whipped Potato Topping:
- 1 ½ lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Extra ketchup or barbecue sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Evenly divide the meat mixture into the 12 muffin cups, pressing down lightly to shape each cupcake.
- Bake: Bake the meatloaf cupcakes for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Prepare Potato Topping: While the meatloaf bakes, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain well and return potatoes to the pot.
- Whip the Potatoes: Add butter and milk or cream to the potatoes, then mash or whip them until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Once the meatloaf cupcakes are cooked, remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Pipe or spoon the whipped potatoes onto each cupcake to create a frosting effect.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cupcakes with chopped parsley and drizzle with extra ketchup or barbecue sauce if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For make-ahead convenience, prepare the meatloaf and potatoes in advance and reheat before assembling.
- You can add shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes for an extra-savory topping.
- Feel free to substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste, especially the salt and pepper in both meatloaf and potato topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
