A fun, hearty twist on classic comfort food! These adorable meatloaf cupcakes combine the rich, savory flavor of traditional meatloaf with the creamy delight of mashed potato “frosting.” Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even parties — everyone loves them!
🥩 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fun presentation: They look like cupcakes but taste like your favorite meatloaf dinner!
Perfect portions: Individual servings make for easy plating and reheating.
Comfort food combo: Juicy, flavorful beef topped with buttery mashed potatoes — a match made in heaven.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for richer flavor)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Topping (Mashed Potato Frosting):
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 tbsp butter
¼ cup milk or cream (more if needed for smooth texture)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar cheese or chopped parsley for garnish
Optional Glaze:
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp mustard
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
- Set aside to cool slightly — this will make “frosting” easier later.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until just combined — don’t overmix or the meatloaf will be tough.
Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the cups, pressing gently to form mini meatloaves.
- If using the glaze, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard and spread a little on top of each.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
- Use a piping bag or spoon to top each “cupcake” with mashed potato frosting.
- Garnish with shredded cheese, bacon bits, or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
💡 Tips for Success
Add veggies: Mix in finely diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it ahead: You can bake the meatloaf cupcakes a day in advance and refrigerate; just reheat and frost before serving.
For smooth potatoes: Use warm milk and soft butter for silky, pipeable mashed potatoes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatloaf cupcakes with:
Steamed green beans
Roasted carrots
A simple garden salad
Or a drizzle of brown gravy for extra indulgence
🧊 Storage
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze unfrosted meatloaf cupcakes for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and top with fresh mashed potatoes before serving.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting are not just delicious — they’re guaranteed to make dinner more fun! Whether for kids, guests, or a cozy night in, these savory “cupcakes” bring creativity to your table without sacrificing comfort or flavor.
