Who doesn’t love a twist on a classic? These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato are just the kind of fun and flavorful dish that brings out all the comfort food vibes—plus, they look so adorable, too! Think of it as a perfectly portioned little meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes, all baked together in one cupcake pan. Trust me, these will be a hit at dinner time, and you won’t be able to stop at just one.
Why You’ll Love Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re having a casual weeknight meal or planning something special for a family dinner, this dish fits the bill. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for individual servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a fun dinner party. Plus, the potato topping gives it that extra flair!
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: These cupcakes are made with straightforward steps and can be whipped up in no time. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you’ll feel like one after making these!
Customizable: Switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add extra veggies, swap the ground meat for turkey, or throw in a few herbs to spice things up!
Crowd-Pleasing: There’s something about the combination of meatloaf and mashed potatoes that makes this dish irresistible. It’s comfort food, elevated and made fun!
Ingredients in Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato
This recipe is packed with flavor, and it all comes together with a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef: The base of the meatloaf, bringing all that savory flavor to the dish.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and adds a nice texture.
Egg: Helps hold everything together and adds richness to the meat mixture.
Milk: Makes the meatloaf moist and tender—no dry bites here!
Ketchup: Adds a bit of sweetness and tang to the meatloaf mixture, with extra on top for flavor.
Seasonings: Classic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt give the meatloaf its savory depth.
Potatoes: For the mashed potato topping—soft, fluffy, and delicious!
Butter: Adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes, making them rich and velvety.
Cream: Helps make the mashed potatoes extra smooth and luxurious.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato are a breeze to make:
Prepare the Meatloaf: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, and seasonings. Mix until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix.
Form the Cupcakes: Scoop the meatloaf mixture into a muffin tin, pressing it down lightly to form little “cupcakes.” Make sure each cup is evenly filled.
Bake the Meatloaf Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through. You can check with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s at 160°F.
Make the Whipped Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, peel and chop the potatoes. Boil them until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot.
Whip the Potatoes: Mash the potatoes, then add butter and cream. Whip until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Cupcakes: Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done baking, carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Spoon a generous amount of whipped potatoes on top of each meatloaf “cupcake.”
Finish in the Oven: Return the cupcakes to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, just to let the potatoes get a little golden on top.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the meatloaf cupcakes with a drizzle of ketchup or your favorite sauce. Serve warm and enjoy the comfort and joy in every bite.
How to Serve Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato
These little meatloaf cupcakes are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with these sides to elevate the meal even further:
Green Beans: A side of sautéed or steamed green beans adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the meatloaf and potatoes.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or zucchini bring some sweetness and texture to the meal.
Gravy: For extra indulgence, drizzle some rich brown gravy over the meatloaf cupcakes for a classic touch.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato come out perfectly:
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
Dietary Adjustments: For a lower-carb version, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour, and use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for the topping.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well, so make a double batch and have a ready-made meal in the freezer for later!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and provides a lighter option. Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning to keep the flavor rich.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare everything in advance. Assemble the meatloaf cupcakes and potatoes, then store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the meatloaf cupcakes after they’ve cooled, then reheat in the oven. The mashed potatoes freeze well, too!
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A5: Reheat the cupcakes in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Q6: Can I use instant mashed potatoes for the topping?
A6: You can, but I’d recommend homemade mashed potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Q7: Can I make this recipe with mini muffins?
A7: Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin for smaller servings. Just adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
A8: Absolutely! You can mix in some finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Q9: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
A9: Yes, use crushed crackers, oats, or even almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Q10: Can I add cheese to the potatoes?
A10: Yes, shredded cheese makes a great addition to the mashed potatoes! Stir it in before you whip the potatoes for an extra creamy touch.
Conclusion
There you have it—Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato is a fun, comforting dish that will have everyone at the table smiling. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a new favorite in your home—give it a try, and I bet you’ll fall in love with it just like I did!
Print
Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These adorable meatloaf cupcakes are topped with a fluffy whipped potato topping, making them a fun and delicious dinner! Perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (mashed with milk, butter, and seasonings)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for adjusting consistency)
Instructions
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, ketchup, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well until just combined.
- Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Fill Muffin Cups:
- Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
- Bake:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Make the Whipped Potato Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, sour cream, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble:
- Once the cupcakes are cool enough to handle, pipe or spoon the whipped potato topping onto each cupcake.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of ketch
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped green bell pepper to the meatloaf mixture.
- You can use store-bought mashed potatoes to save time.
- To make the cupcakes extra moist, add a tablespoon of milk to the meatloaf mixture.
- For a fun presentation, use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe the whipped potato topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg