Description
Savory Meatloaf Cupcakes bring classic comfort cuisine to playful new heights with whipped potato frosting. Hearty ground beef mingles with herbs and spices, crowned by silky mashed potatoes that make each bite a delightful culinary surprise you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauce:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Mashed potatoes, for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lightly coating with cooking spray or inserting cupcake liners.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, crushed garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Carefully distribute the meat mixture into each muffin cavity, gently pressing down to create uniform, compact portions.
- Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven and roast for 22-27 minutes, ensuring the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- During baking, craft homemade mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until tender, then whipping with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
- After removing the meat cupcakes from the oven, allow them to rest for 3-4 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and stabilize.
- Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes into a piping bag fitted with a decorative star tip, then elegantly pipe the potato “frosting” atop each meat cupcake in a swirling motion.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add a vibrant, herbal touch and visual appeal.
- Serve these whimsical meatloaf cupcakes immediately, allowing guests to enjoy the delightful combination of savory meat and creamy potato topping.
Notes
- Prep these fun, portion-controlled meatloaf cupcakes in advance for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, healthier version of traditional meatloaf.
- Experiment with different potato toppings like chives, bacon bits, or shredded cheese to personalize your cupcakes.
- Allow meatloaf to rest briefly after baking to help them hold their shape and prevent crumbling when serving.
- Pipe mashed potatoes using a star tip for a professional bakery-style presentation that’ll impress family and guests.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg