What’s a better way to get everyone excited for dinner than with a little bit of fun? These Meatloaf Cupcakes Topped with Mashed Potato Frosting are a playful and delicious twist on a classic comfort meal. They take all the rich, savory flavors of a traditional meatloaf and mashed potatoes and turn them into a charming and perfectly portioned "cupcake" that is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

This recipe is a brilliant way to reinvent a classic. The individual portions cook faster and more evenly than a large loaf, and the creamy mashed potato topping piped on top is a delightful and fun finishing touch. It's a comforting, savory, and memorable meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a unique party appetizer.

Fun Meatloaf Cupcakes Topped with Mashed Potato Frosting

Yields: 12 cupcakes

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Meatloaf Cupcakes:

    • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)

    • ½ cup breadcrumbs

    • ¼ cup milk

    • 1 large egg

    • ¼ cup finely chopped onion

    • 2 tablespoons ketchup

    • 1 teaspoon salt

    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • For the Mashed Potato Frosting:

    • 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

    • ¼ cup milk, warmed

    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

    • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • For the Topping:

    • A drizzle of extra ketchup or chopped chives

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf & Preheat Oven

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, ketchup, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.

  3. Form Cupcakes: Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing each one gently to form a compact cupcake shape.

2. Cook Potatoes & Bake Meatloaf

  1. Cook Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well.

  2. Bake Meatloaf: While the potatoes are cooking, place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

3. Make the Mashed Potato Frosting

  1. Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the warm milk, softened butter, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash until the potatoes are completely smooth and creamy.

  2. Make Pipeable: To get a smooth, pipeable consistency, you can beat the potatoes with a hand mixer on low speed or transfer them to a food processor and pulse until they are very smooth.

4. Assemble and Serve

  1. Cool Slightly: Let the meatloaf cupcakes cool for a few minutes in the tin before carefully removing them.

  2. Pipe "Frosting": Transfer the warm mashed potatoes to a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe a generous swirl of mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake.

  3. Garnish: Drizzle with a little extra ketchup or sprinkle with chopped chives for a final touch. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Cupcake

  • The Right Grind: Using an 85% lean ground beef is a good choice. It has enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist without being too greasy.

  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf can make it tough. Gently combine the ingredients until they are just incorporated.

  • Keep the Potatoes Warm: It's easier to mash and pipe warm potatoes than cold ones. If they cool too much, you can gently reheat them in the microwave.

  • A Piping Bag is Fun: While you can simply use a spoon to top the meatloaf, a piping bag with a star tip is what gives these their "cupcake" look and feel.

  • Make It a Full Meal: Serve these meatloaf cupcakes with your favorite side dishes, like green beans or a side salad, for a complete meal.