Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting

by

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting 🧁🍖 — A Fun Twist on Comfort Food

Looking to surprise your family with a fun, delicious, and creative meal? These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting are the perfect answer! Packed with savory flavors and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, they combine two classic comfort foods—meatloaf and mashed potatoes—in an adorable, individual-sized form. These are perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or even meal prep.

🧾 Ingredients for Meatloaf Cupcakes

Here’s everything you need to create tender, flavorful meatloaf bites and their fluffy “frosting”:

For the Meatloaf Base:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or parsley, thyme, oregano mix)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Frosting:

  • 2–3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
  • Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin (12-cup standard size).

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Ground meat
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Milk
  • Chopped onion
  • Egg
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Herbs
  • Salt & pepper

Mix well until fully combined but don’t overwork it, or your meatloaf will be tough.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Gently press the meat down to form cupcake shapes.

🔥 Optional Tip: Add a dollop of ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of each mini meatloaf before baking for extra glaze and flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and reaches 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.

Drain any excess grease after baking, and allow to cool slightly before topping.

Step 5: Make the Mashed Potato Frosting

While the meatloaf is baking:

  1. Boil diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
  2. Drain and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
  3. For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a hand mixer or potato ricer.
  4. Allow potatoes to cool slightly so they can hold their shape when piped.

Step 6: Frost Your Cupcakes

Spoon mashed potatoes into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the tip snipped off) and pipe the potatoes like frosting onto each meatloaf cupcake.

🧄 Want extra flair? Sprinkle with chopped chives, shredded cheese, or even bacon bits!

🎉 Why You’ll Love These Meatloaf Cupcakes

  • Kid-friendly and fun: They look like dessert, but they’re a savory surprise!
  • Perfect portions: Great for portion control, lunchboxes, or party platters.
  • Customizable: Add cheese, veggies, or spices to tailor to your family’s taste.
  • Freezer-friendly: These reheat beautifully—ideal for meal prepping.

💡 Variations to Try

1. Cheesy Center Surprise

Add a cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each meatloaf for a gooey, cheesy center.

2. BBQ Twist

Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce in the meat mix and topping glaze.

3. Sweet Potato Frosting

Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular for a colorful, naturally sweet frosting.

4. Turkey or Chicken Version

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. Adjust seasoning for added flavor.

5. Mini Veggie Meatloaf

Finely chop mushrooms, carrots, or spinach into the mix to sneak in extra nutrients.

📦 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cupcakes in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15 minutes or microwave on medium heat until heated through.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

These Meatloaf Cupcakes pair well with:

  • Steamed green beans
  • Garden salad
  • Roasted carrots or broccoli
  • Gravy or mushroom sauce drizzled on top
  • A dollop of sour cream on the “frosting” for extra richness

✨ Final Thoughts

These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting are a show-stopping way to transform a humble classic into something playful, portable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding kids, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a total winner.

Wholesome, hearty, and undeniably adorable—you’ll never look at meatloaf the same way again!

Leave a Comment