Description
Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping are an individual twist on the classic comfort dish, combining juicy ground beef meatloaf bases with fluffy, buttery mashed potato topping. Perfectly portioned for easy serving, these savory cupcakes bring a fun, family-friendly presentation that delivers rich, hearty flavors with a bakery-style aesthetic. Ideal for dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with a warm, nostalgic meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Base
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs/spices: garlic powder, parsley, smoked paprika (to taste)
Whipped Potato Topping
- 2 large potatoes (Russet recommended), peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Topping: Peel and chop potatoes into uniform pieces. Boil until fork-tender, then drain well. Mash potatoes with butter and a splash of milk until creamy and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly to prevent melting during baking.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and seasonings. Add tomato sauce or ketchup for moisture and flavor. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep meatloaf tender.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin. Spoon meat mixture evenly into each cup, pressing gently to form cupcake bases. Leave space on top for the potato topping.
- Add Whipped Potato Topping: Using a piping bag or spoon, layer the whipped potatoes over each meatloaf cupcake, smoothing or swirling as desired for texture and appearance.
- Bake Until Perfect: Bake for 30–40 minutes or until meat is cooked through and potato topping has a slight golden hue. Let rest a few minutes before removing from the tin to serve.
Notes
- Use chilled mashed potatoes to prevent the topping from sliding off during baking.
- Don’t overmix meat to keep cupcakes tender and juicy.
- Grease muffin tin thoroughly or use silicone liners to prevent sticking.
- Customize seasonings with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika for added depth.
- Allow cupcakes to rest before serving to set shape and enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: meatloaf cupcakes, mashed potato topping, individual meatloaf, comfort food, baked meatloaf, family dinner, party appetizers