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Meatloaf Cupcakes: A Fun and Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food


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  • Author: Raven
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 meatloaf cupcakes 1x

Description

Meatloaf cupcakes are a fun, creative twist on the traditional meatloaf, making them perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. These mini meatloaf portions are packed with savory flavors and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, giving them the look of real cupcakes! Serve them with steamed vegetables or a drizzle of gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf Cupcakes

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Steamed vegetables (peas, carrots) for garnish
  • Gravy (optional)

For Variations

  • Add shredded cheese to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • Swap mashed potatoes for sweet potato mash or cauliflower mash for a healthier twist.
  • Experiment with different seasonings, such as Italian herbs or BBQ sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a **12

-cup muffin tin** or line it with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cupcakes

  1. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing gently to shape them.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

  1. While the meatloaf bakes, prepare your mashed potatoes. Use butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste.
  2. For an extra smooth texture, whip the potatoes using a hand mixer.

Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes

  1. Let the meatloaf cupcakes rest for 5 minutes after baking.
  2. Pipe or spoon the mashed potatoes on top of each cupcake.
  3. Garnish with steamed vegetables or a drizzle of gravy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your meatloaf cupcakes warm with a side salad, roasted veggies, or extra gravy for dipping.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze un-topped cupcakes for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
  • Serving Tip: Use a piping bag with a star tip to make the mashed potato topping look extra fancy!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American