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Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping

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These adorable Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping are the perfect combination of comfort food and creative presentation. Savory, juicy mini meatloaves are baked in a muffin tin, then topped with fluffy mashed potatoes piped to look just like frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

👉 For the Meatloaf Cupcakes:

1 lb ground beef or a mix of ground beef and turkey

1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

1/4 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 large egg

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

👉 For the Whipped Potato Topping:

2 cups mashed potatoes (Yukon Gold preferred, homemade or store-bought)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup heavy cream or milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

👉 Garnish:

Cherry tomatoes, chopped into small pieces

Fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Optional: drizzle of gravy or BBQ sauce

Instructions

🥄 Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with silicone/metal liners.

🥣 Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or beef/turkey blend), breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper.

  • Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatloaf.

🧁 Step 3: Fill Muffin Tins

  • Divide the meat mixture evenly into 12 muffin cups.

  • Press down gently to shape like cupcakes.

  • Use the back of a spoon to create a small dent in the center of each one (this helps them cook evenly).

🔥 Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  • Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes.

🥔 Step 5: Make the Whipped Potato Topping

  • In a medium bowl, add warm mashed potatoes, butter, and cream.

  • Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the potatoes until light, fluffy, and smooth.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🎨 Step 6: Decorate Like Cupcakes

  • Transfer whipped potatoes to a piping bag with a star tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off).

  • Pipe the mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake to resemble frosting.

🌿 Step 7: Garnish & Serve

  • Add a small piece of cherry tomato on top (like a cherry on a cupcake).

  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives.

  • Optional: drizzle with warm gravy or BBQ sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Potato consistency tip: For easy piping, ensure mashed potatoes are smooth and warm (not cold or chunky).

  • Customize the flavor: Add shredded cheese, finely chopped veggies, or a touch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.

  • Low-carb version: Use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.

  • Freezer tip: Freeze baked meatloaf cupcakes unfrosted; pipe potatoes after reheating for the best texture.

  • Kids’ idea: Use colored mashed potatoes for themed parties (e.g., pink for Valentine’s, orange for Halloween).

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/meatloaf-cupcakes-with-whipped-potato-topping/