These Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Topping are an irresistible dinner idea for kids, and the adults love them too! Juicy tender meatloaves are baked in a muffin tin and swirled with creamy mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Easy servings for everyone!
Everything tastes better in a cupcake form! These mini meatloaf muffins are easy to make, and boy, are they sinfully delicious. Single-serve meatloaves are calling your name. This is a family-friendly meal that will be a hit.
What Are Meatloaf Cupcakes Exactly?
Simply put, these cupcakes are meatloaf with mashed potatoes on top. They are a great dinner idea that is easy to make and offers a fun and different presentation value compared to a classic meatloaf.
You might also enjoy trying out my other meatloaf recipes. Check out my Philly cheesesteak meatloaf, taco meatloaf, or even this slow cooker meatloaf recipe.
Reasons You Will Love These Easy Meatloaf Muffins
- First, these cupcake-shaped dinners will be extra appealing to little kids. They make dinner a fun experience and add a twist to a classic meal.
- These are small in size and a significant portion control style dish. They’re great for quickly serving dinner to a handful of people.
- You can customize the meatloaf recipe to suit your taste buds, including changing the toppings. It’s a very versatile recipe.
- The muffin tin helps ensure that all the meatloaves bake in the same amount of time, as they are all the same size.
Ingredients You Will Need
Beef: For this meatloaf, I used leaner ground beef. This will help prevent extra grease from building up in the cups. An 85/15 or 90/10 works excellent.
Breadcrumbs: This will be the binder in the recipe and help the meatloaf hold the shape of a cupcake.
Condiments: Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce add flavor and depth to the meat mixture. You will also use more ketchup for the glaze topping.
Milk: Milk is going to help add a bit of moisture to the mixture.
Eggs: Eggs are a must, as they help hold the ingredients together once mixed and make the meatloaf tender.
Dried Onions: A little sprinkle of dried onions will help brighten the meatloaf mixture’s flavor.
Mashed Potatoes: For the topper, use prepared mashed potatoes. Add them to a piping bag and swirl them on the potatoes like frosting.
Variations And Substitutes
Meat: You can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a blend of meat if you want. Just know the leaner the meat can cause the meatloaf to become more dry as it bakes up.
Oats, Crackers, Etc. Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use quick oats, crushed saltine crackers, panko breadcrumbs, etc. Reach for whatever you prefer.
Spices and Herbs: You can season your meat mixture however you would like. Add different spices, fresh herbs, etc. Garlic powder, season salt, onion powder, salt, pepper, and more can be used.
Cheese: Mix 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to make your meatloaves cheesy.
Potatoes: Mash sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or another option for the frosting on top of the meatloaves.
Toppings: You can top these with green onions, a drizzle of brown gravy, bacon, or any of your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips For Success
Do not overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meat dense and heavy as it bakes.
Aim to use a cookie or ice cream scoop to get the same amount of meat for each muffin tin slot. This ensures they thoroughly bake up evenly.
Allow the cupcakes to rest for 5 minutes or so in the pan before you try to remove them.
Greasing the muffin tin first will help ensure the meat does not stick in the pan.
When making meatloaf, mixing with my hands always seems to be the easiest way to ensure the mixture is evenly mixed.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Then, you can reheat it as you would like.
Or, to extend the life, freeze for 2-3 months. Just place it in a freezer-friendly container. You can flash freeze on a baking tray first to help ensure the cupcakes stay in shape as they freeze.
What To Serve With Mini Cupcake Meatloaves
For this you can serve up your favorite vegetables on the side. Some bbq green beans, cheesy corn, or even a light green salad would be delicious next to this.
Or, for a drink, sip raspberry tea or strawberry tea. Both are hydrating and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can make the meatloaves ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, just reheat them in the oven until warmed through.
How do I know when they’re done?
Meatloaf is done when running clean on juices, no pink is left in the meat, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
It can fall apart if you do not mix your meatloaf properly and ensure there are enough eggs and breadcrumbs.
How do I keep my meatloaf from sticking to the pan?
You can use muffin liners or not. Either method works, but if you don’t use liners, grease is the way to go. Greasing your pan with cooking spray will help prevent sticking. If you have a silicone pan, go for that, making cleanup even more manageable.
More Family Friendly Dinner Ideas
Meatloaf Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ½-2 lb lean ground beef
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 ¼ cup ketchup divided
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 1 cup prepared mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, ½ cup ketchup, milk, eggs, worcestershire and dried minced onion until well mixed.
- Divide the meat mixture between 12 muffin tins.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Add 1 tablespoon of ketchup to the top of each meatloaf and return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- Allow meatloaves to slightly cool. Top each with about 2 tablespoons of warmed mashed potatoes with either a spoon or pipe on with a piping bag when ready to serve, enjoy!
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Comments & Reviews
Mary n says
These are a great April fool’s day idea