Description
This Meatloaf Cupcakes recipe offers a fun and kid-friendly twist on classic meatloaf by baking individual portions in a muffin tin and topping them with creamy mashed potatoes ‘frosting’. Packed with ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and a tangy ketchup glaze, these mini meatloafs make a perfect main course for dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85/15)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, diced bell pepper, 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat mixture.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing lightly to shape each portion into a cupcake form.
- Bake Meatloaf Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Drain Excess Grease: Remove the meatloaf cupcakes from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease from the muffin tin.
- Apply Ketchup Glaze: Brush or spoon the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup over the tops of each meatloaf cupcake to add a tangy glaze.
- Bake Again: Return the glazed meatloaf cupcakes to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the ketchup topping.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Frosting: In a bowl, mix the prepared mashed potatoes with melted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Frost Meatloaf Cupcakes: Pipe or spoon the mashed potatoes onto each meatloaf cupcake, creating a frosting-like appearance.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired, then serve the meatloaf cupcakes warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a little garlic powder or sour cream to the mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
- These meatloaf cupcakes reheat well, making them ideal for meal prep.
